Our tribute to John wouldn't be complete without a gallery of photos tracing his storied career at WNYC. See John in the studio, on stage, and with a handful of the music legends that have appeared on his shows.
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer in the studio, 1981
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer in the studio, 1980s
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer in the studio, 1986
BMI (WNYC Archive Collections)/WNYC
Steve Reich (c) celebrates his 50th birthday with John Schaefer (r), 1986
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer with Tonia Leon at Americathon '88, February 1988
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer with Tonia Leon, February 1988
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer in a KCRW t-shirt, 1989
John Schaefer with James Levine at Lincoln Center, March 23, 1989/WNYC
John Schaefer (r) with James Levine (l) at Lincoln Center, March 23, 1989
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer (l) in the studio with Ray Gallon (r), 1989
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer (second from right) interviewing members of the World Saxaphone Quartet during New Sounds Live at Merkin Concert Hall, January 21, 1990
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer (r) in the studio, 1991
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer (l) and Paul Plishka (r) in the studio, 1991
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer (l) and Awagin Pratt (r) on the air at Tower Records, November 1996
William Neumann/WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer, December 1996
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer (r) and Peter Shickele (l), New Sounds, November 13, 1997
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer in the studio, 1990s
WNYC Archive Collections/WNYC
John Schaefer in the studio, 1990s
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer with musician and composer Laurie Anderson at WNYC’s old Centre Street studios in the 2000s
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer with singer songwriter and X frontman John Doe in 2005
Caryn Havlik/WNYC
John Schaefer hosting a concert at World Financial Center in 2006
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer with singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris at Carnegie Hall in 2006
Irene Trudel/WNYC
Paul McCartney, John Schaefer and “Performance Today” radio host Fred Child in 2006
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer and composer Steve Reich celebrating Reich’s 70th birthday with one serious cupcake in 2006
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer with singer Robert Plant in 2006
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer with Iggy Pop in 2009
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer with Sting at Rockefeller Center in 2009
Irene Trudel/WNYC
David Byrne, composer-vocalist Meredith Monk and John Schaefer in 2011
Irene Trudel/WNYC
John Schaefer with composer Ben Frost and musician-producer Brian Eno in 2011
Stephanie Black/WNYC
John Schaefer watches a performance during Soundcheck’s live broadcast from Chelsea Market in 2011
Irene Trudel/WNYC
Singer songwriter Ryan Adams and host John Schaefer after Adams taped a performance in the Soundcheck studio in 2011
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Comments [12]
I guess I am the only one who does not revere John's "New Sounds." First of all the title is a misnomer. Very little of the music is " new." SeCONDLY, most of the music is awful, I mean lousy. Sometimes he does reveal some remarkable sounds. I wish he would be more selective and make this program a once a week show of the best of really new sounds. John has a lovely re;axed FM voice and seems to be very knowledgeable until he reveals either bad judgment or plain laziness by his choices.
I do think his sound check program is excellent.
I hope the WNYC management is still at least a little in touch with listeners beyond asking for money and seriously considers a better program in this slot for say monday through friday?
PeaCE,
mARK
I'm listening more than 30 years, and still look forward to John in the afternoon. You've introduced me to pleanty of new music I wouldn't have otherwise found, and I've developed a greater understanding of what I do know through your interviews and questions, and commentary.
Thank you!
I didn't know you've been doing this for 30 years. You've been one of the most inspiring radio speakers for me since I discovered the most amazing radio channel. I love listening to what you present, how you present. Thank you WNYC, thank you John!
Hi John!
I love your programs and have listen to you through the years, never tiring of the ever-changing different styles of music that you have introduced me to. Also, I love the Winter Garden Silent Film Series and look forward to it in 2012. Keep up the good work always... You enlighten people souls.... Simply put, Excellent. I have listed some of my favorites below for quick reference. Mind you, to name a few....
Fifthteen Wild Decembers
In C - Terry Riley
Bang on a Can All Stars
The Passion of Joan of Arc
Love.....
John you and Soundcheck bring an open mind and a diverse playlist to my Atlanta ears that I am really thankful for. Your informed ability to respect and intelligently discuss pretty much every type of audio creation is awesome, and a talent few could pull off. Congrats on 30, here's to another 30. Most memorable show since I have been listening was probably the Quincy Jones/Henry Rollins back-to-back interviews. What a great trip. Thanks.
I thought 26 years was pretty good, but 30 years? Wow! Congratulations.
John, your incredible breadth of musical knowledge and understanding never cease to amaze - but it would be all for naught if it weren't delivered so effortlessly (seemingly!) and so engagingly. Thanks for three decades of fantastic listening, and opening up our ears all the time! Here's to many more years to come.
Hi John,
Congratulations on the 30-year radio anniversary! It's been the listening public's good fortune to have you on the air all these years. I also feel very lucky to have gotten to see just a bit on the inside, as an intern at Soundcheck back '06.
To another 30 years on the air!
Kevin Schlottmann
Dear John,
Congratulations on your 30 years in radio.
I would love to be there on Friday, but I‘m playing at Hanks Saloon at 8 PM.
If I would have known about your celebration weeks ago, I would have booked a different date.
As you know, I’m celebrating my 30th year also playing with THE TAPES.
Our first gig was at Folk City March 3rd, 1981.
Time sure flies when you're having fun, ??? doesn't it !!#@&!!!!
Heres to you John, may you have another 30 years of great radio!
Bill Popp
Bill Popp and The Tapes
Congratulations John. Thanks for 30 years of great music, and all of the related knowledge you share with us every day. You are a distinguished musicologist and it is an honor to thank you for your programs and work! Keep delighting us!!!
Happy 30 from someone who started listening in '82...
What a treasure John is. I don't know anyone whose musical knowledge seems to cover so many genres, including all those wonderful unclassifiables in between, and serves it up so delightfully. Please keep surprising us, John. Thank you.
Len Maniace
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