PGM 1000! 'MILESTONES Part 1' : jan.4-11

Well, dear spacefans, we've reached a milestone in this series: our 1,000th program. It's such a milestone, in fact, that it's going to be two programs, this week and next.

The count goes back 30 years to January 1983, when we launched our syndicated public radio program. And as many of you know, we had a ten year running start as a local late night show on KPFA-FM in Berkeley California; so 2013 is also the 40th anniversary of the Hearts of Space program. My original co-producer and co-host ANNA TURNER was instrumental in creating the national version of the show. Sadly, Anna passed on in 1996, another too-early victim of pancreatic cancer. I know she would have been delighted to celebrate the longevity of the music she loved.

I'm Stephen Hill, producer and host of Hearts of Space, and over the last 30 years, we've marked our centennial programs with various specials, usually in a "radio documentary" style. That's unusual, because as regular listeners know, our practice is to create a musical experience on the radio — rather than a radio program about music. That's also part of Anna Turner's legacy: she absolutely insisted on an uninterrupted format, even though it broke every rule about music radio.

To be sure, music journalism and commentary is an important and valuable format, but the nature of ambient music and contemplative sound really requires an uninterrupted experience, so that's what we've tried to create, within the limitations of a one-hour radio show. And this approach has lasted far beyond our original expectations.

There are several good reasons why ambient and contemplative music programming has worked for listeners over the years: first, the pace of our lives is often driven by external forces we can't control — ambient music provides a slow and steady touchstone; second, it magically supports concentration on all kinds of creative and focused work; and third, people continue to crave contact with authentic deep listening experiences and the kind of inclusive spirituality that music uniquely can deliver.

[ view playlist ] [ view Flickr image gallery ] [ play 30 second MP3 promo ]

Comments

[Lothar K]

I am super excited to hear the show. I have posted a link to it on my FB page and hope that some of my friends and students will check it out. I have been listening to your show for over 20 years and I want to thank you for all it continues to do for my spirit, mind, and ability to slow down in these fast times. Bless you for what you have kept alive and continue to do.

Lothar
Lansing, Michigan

[Pete Durant]

Heart felt congrats!!!
It's been a long strange trip since the early 80's when I first listened to you on late night Sunday evenings on the analog FM dial. Long story, but Hearts of Space literally saved my life, soo, I am greatly in your debt on the cosmic scales thingy.
You folks do the right thing, that's all that counts.
Live long and prosper, something which you have quite obviously done. Bravo!

[Stephen Hill]

Thank you Lothar and Pete!

[Charlie]

Just want to leave a note of thanks for the consistent dedication. My guess is that I found HOS on the local KPFA dial in the mid-80's and have listened on and off over the years, and it's like coming back to an old friend when I do. I now live down the street from the station, so listening to tonight's milestone show with your commentary is a profound reunion. Look forward to next week.

[Jennifer and Greg]

Hills et. al.

BRAVO and sincere congratulations!! We too remember our 11pm Sunday night dates w/HOS (and each other) way back in the 80s! (Jennifer was skeptical of you...and me, at first, but quickly grew to love us both!-Greg)

Thank you for your dedication and devotion to this music and your fans! You have indeed created a marvelous and wonderful thing.

Jennifer and Greg