Now's the Time, hosted by Martin Berger
Celebrates 50 Years of Jazz!
Although Martin Berger is known to WYSU listeners as the host of the weekend jazz program Now’s the Time, hundreds of Youngstown State University alumni and students also know him as Dr. Martin Berger, Professor Emeritus, in the Department of History at YSU.
Martin is a Columbus native who came to YSU in the fall of 1969 to teach history. He retired in 2005 but continues to teach part time in the YSU Department of History.
Martin remembers when WYSU first went on air with a jazz show from WRVR in New York. When that broadcast was no longer available, a YSU student filled the two-hour time slot. The student eventually graduated and moved on, so Martin took over Now's the Time. Largely inspired by his late colleague Charles Darling of WYSU's Folk Festival, Martin recorded his first show which aired on December 2nd, 1972.
Outside of work, Martin says he "fights entropy by restoring old cars." He and his wife have three children, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a houseful of cats.
In his own words, Martin explains that he loves working at the station because it allows him "the opportunity to be a small part of public radio's all-important effort to preserve an outpost of civilization and sanity."
We asked some of Martin's listeners and colleagues to comment on the 50th anniversary of Now's the Time. Here's what they had to say:
"Martin Berger, PhD. Upon meeting Martin Berger, one could initially describe him as a diffident, laidback, intellectual, lacking in charisma. But don’t believe it! Just hang around him for a while; take one of his classes; listen to his weekly jazz programs on WYSU. His staying power on WYSU (about five decades) featuring his favorite jazz selections and his witty chatter speak volumes. His teaching acumen, reflecting his wisdom, knowledge and wit are apparent to those of us privileged to know him as a colleague, but even more importantly is the respect students at all levels have for him over more than fifty years. Listen to reviews of students who refer to his classes as ‘awesome’, ‘a class act and a wealth of information’, ‘gives enjoyable tests’, ‘one of the best instructors at YSU’, ‘very fair as a grader and very sweet man who cares about his students’, ‘very thoughtful and meaningful in his approach’, ‘is so good he made you feel like you were actually there.’ What more can one ask for an educator? Indeed, what more can one ask for a humane, human being."
- George Beelen, professor emeritus of history at Youngstown State University
"Producing a radio show for fifty years is unheard of in broadcasting, let alone on a volunteer basis. This type of dedication is not based on ego. Rather, Martin's commitment has always been first and foremost to the music. There's a joy that comes from sharing that which has brought meaning to one's life and the time Martin has spent producing Now's The Time is not only based on his love of the music but also on his burning desire to spread the gospel of Jazz. Those of us who are his faithful listeners have been the benefactors of not only his knowledge of jazz and the artists who create it, but also of his infectious spirit that comes through the radio each week. Congratulations Martin! This milestone is the hallmark of a life well lived."
- David Luscher, WYSU associate director
"Martin Berger is a Mahoning Valley treasure. His deep love and knowledge of the jazz tradition shine through in each episode of Now’s the Time. He attends virtually every YSU jazz concert of both large and small ensembles, listens intently, and often shares his observations about the development of the young musicians. He is connected to the history of the music in a way that few people are, and his passion for jazz is always inspiring. I always learn something from listening to Martin Berger."
- Dave Morgan; composer, improviser, double bassist, and professor of music at YSU Dana School of Music
"Like so many others in the WYSU listening area I was exposed to jazz largely due to Martin Berger's weekend show Now's The Time. He has shared his love for the genre, historical perspective and devotion to the show with his listeners for 50 years now — enriching the lives of all who have been fortunate enough to find him 'on the dial'. It has, in no small way, informed my approach to producing The Jazz Sofa. I don't think I've ever constructed a show without asking myself how what I had played or said would sit with Martin. His half-century commentary on the state of jazz has been, using one of Martin's favorite descriptors, 'splendid'. Thanks, Martin!"
- Rick Popovich, host of The Jazz Sofa on WYSU
50 years and still going strong! Martin hasn't missed a beat in all those years - he has been a powerful, assertive, and distinctive voice for jazz. The WYSU staff wants to thank Martin for the time, effort, knowledge, hipness, and love he put into Now's the Time - tune-in Saturday evenings at 11:00!