#willis conover

[hplovecraftmuseum]

Today marks the birthday of Virgil Finlay (July 23 - Jan. 18, 1971) Finlay was Lovecraft's favorite among the illustrators whose works appeared in the pulp magazine Weird Tales. Shown below is a near iconic portrait of HPL created by Finlay for an amateur publication printed by the young Willis Conover. Conover was a teenage correspondent of Lovecraft in the last 2 years of the writer's life. His book, LOVECRAFT AT LAST, published when Conover was an adult was a masterpiece in every way. (Exhibit 364)

[justforbooks]

📷 Photo above: Willis Conover with Sarah Vaughan

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[mosaicrecords]

Duke Ellington Solo Piano: 1946 WWDC Recordings

I’m very pleased that after 74 years, these discs (not “tapes” as referred to in the article) exist. Ellington, with a small entourage, is a guest at WWDC in Washington, along with its host, a young Willis Conover. A mesmerizing New World A’ Comin’ as well as other Ellington favorites and commentary from these priceless 1946 recordings.

-Scott Wenzel

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[oldshowbiz]

Voice of America

[themaninthegreenshirt]

Willis Conover [December 18, 1920 – May 17, 1996] was a jazz producer and broadcaster on the Voice of America for over forty years. He produced jazz concerts at the White House, the Newport Jazz Festival, and for movies and television. By arranging concerts where people of all races were welcome, he is credited with desegregating Washington D.C. nightclubs. Conover is credited with keeping interest in jazz alive in the countries of Eastern Europe through his nightly broadcasts during the Cold War.

[hplovecraftmuseum]

Willis Clark Conover, Jr. (Dec. 18, 1920 - May 17, 1996) was an important figure in the history of Jazz Music. As a producer and broadcaster on the Voice of America, he was extremely influential. As a teenage boy, Conover also published his own fan magazine. Lovecraft was featured in this magazine. Conover corresponded with Lovecraft by mail. As a Christmas gift the young Conover sent HPL a human skull in the mail. Apparently this morbid relic was discovered by the boy in a "Native American" grave yard. Lovecraft passed away the following March. As an adult, Conover authored LOVECRAFT AT LAST. This beautiful volume includes the letters that passed between the boy and old author until Lovecraft's death. A melancholy and beautiful book in every way. (Exhibit 276)

[justforbooks]

Willis Conover and assistant select music

Willis Conover (1920-1996) was one of VOA’s treasures, an internationally-known jazz aficionado, well-connected within the jazz community but little-known in the United States. During his more than 40 years on VOA’s airwaves, Conover brought “America’s music” to millions around the world. He was particularly popular in the countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

[mosaicrecords]

Willis Conover Interviews Gil Evans

The University of North Texas has posted this February 1968 impromptu chat when Gil Evans dropped by Willis Conover’s radio show. Gil talks about the session with Miles that produced Falling Water and myriad of upcoming pending projects. A fascinating little slice of the time.

-Michael Cuscuna

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