Pittsburgh native and legendary jazz composer and arranger Sammy Nestico has died in southern California, just shy of his 97th birthday. WZUM sends our love and condolences to his wife Shirley, the rest of his family and many friends and fans. Sammy’s compositions and arrangements are foundational to the sounds of jazz and big bands, today.

Sunday evening, we remember the recently passed Tony Mowod, who died January 6 at the age of 85, plus remembering more than 50 jazz artists who left us during 2020.

Music and Memories, Sunday from 5-8pm on WZUM

This week on the MCG Jazz Spotlight, Remembering the life and career of jazz radio icon Tony Mowod.

The program includes excerpts from a 1999 interview of Tony by bassist Dwayne Dolphin. Plus, a never-before broadcast of Tony introducing a 10th Anniversary MCGJazz concert with Roger Humphries, Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Stanley Turrentine and Dr. Billy Taylor. Also, stories and remembrance from Bill Strickland. Frank Cunimondo, Sean Jones, David Budway, Paul Thompson, Mike Tomaro, Dr. Nelson Harrison, Michele Bensen, Joe Negri, and hosts Renée Govanucci and Marty Ashby. And, of course, music!

Friday and Sunday Night at 6 - and Saturday at 1pm on WZUM, the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel

The year 2020 has transitioned to 2021, and many talented artists in the jazz community left our midst in that year gone by.

This time on the program, we play just a few of those to remember - and share, inks, and more about them.

Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday night at 5 on WZUM

Guest host Thomas Wendt joins Marty Ashby – and brings along some famous drummer friends Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash and Kenny Washington – to reflect on the innovations and influence of Pittsburgh own Kenny Clarke.

Friday and Sunday Night at 6 - and Saturday at 2pm on WZUM, the Pittsburgh Jazz Channel!

We are sad to share the news that WZUM program host Tony Mowod died, Wednesday, January 6. He was a friend, leader, colleague and one of the best jazz radio broadcasters, ever. On a special edition of the Scene we share sound from his career and thoughts from WZUM General Manager Scott Hanley.

Born, July 8, 1935; Died, January 6, 2021

We are sad to share the news that WZUM program host Tony Mowod died, today. He was a friend, leader, colleague and one of the best jazz radio broadcasters, ever.

Born, July 8, 1935; Died, January 6, 2021

Funeral arrangements are being handled by DeBor Funeral Home with a viewing on Monday from 1-8pm at DeBor funeral Home on Brookline Blvd. Divine Liturgy on Tuesday at 11am at Our Lady of Victory on Tropical Ave.

We will have more on Tony Mowod’s career and legacy at www.wzum.org and on the air in the days ahead. The rich tradition of jazz he shepherded for Pittsburgh will continue for years and years to come

From Scott Hanley, of WZUM - Sunday night at 8, an extended version of our celebration of the life of Richie Cole.

About 7 years ago, Richie put down roots in Pittsburgh at the encouragement of one of his daughters, Annie. That is the perspective from which the coming program will be centered.

The community of Pittsburgh and the neighboring suburb of Carnegie play a major role in the last chapter of Richie Cole’s musical career - and Richie Cole’s impact on the Pittsburgh music scene, in return.