CELEBRATING A LEGACY
This month, we celebrate Joe Elwell as he retires from KVLU after a long and dedicated career journey. Joe Elwell came to KVLU in February of 1986 from KKED (now KNCT-FM) in Corpus Christi. He had previously worked at WOl in Ames Iowa and KMSU in Mankato, Minnesota. Self-taught in classical music and with interest in jazz, blues, folk, Irish and 70's Rock-and-Roll, Joe was a most versatile broadcaster. Upon signing on to KVLU as Music Director and host of the main classical program, he also become the arts reporter and immersed himself in the arts community in Beaumont, including both the art and music departments at 果冻传媒.
During his nearly 40 years with KVLU, he taught a course in audio production, had a starring role in a play presented by the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music, participated in two live, on-stage broadcasts for KVLU's 20th and 21st anniversaries, and made many on stage instructional presenta-tions before performances by the Symphony of Southeast Texas. Additionally, he hosted three daily classical music shows, a weekly blues show and "Behind The Music", a weekly program making classical music more accessible to general listeners. He was always available to fill in for anyone who was sick or on vacation.
Behind the scenes, he was responsible for increasing the music library at KVLU to over ten times its previous size. He also established the filing system (still in use) to allow easy access to the classical music collection.
Joe was also a powerful voice during KVLU's fund drives. It is a special skill to ad-lib on live radio for hours at a time and Joe was never at a loss for words. He has been on enthusiastic proponent of public broadcasting in Southeast Texas. We wish him the best of luck as he begins his retirement.
-Written by Byron Balentine