Broadcaster, journalist and critic Michael Bourne died of natural causes on August 21 at 9:42 pm at the Actor’s Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey. He was seventy-five.
photo David Tallacksen for WBGO
Michael arrived December 4, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, the only child of Russell and Martha Lowe Bourne. He became a jazz fan after purchasing a copy of Dave Brubeck’s classic recording Time Out at a local grocery store. Hearing “Strange Meadowlark” ignited a lifelong passion.
He received an undergraduate degree in Theater from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) and completed his PhD at Indiana University. In Bloomington, he commenced a broadcasting career at WFIU Public Radio before moving to New York permanently in 1984 to pursue further opportunities.
Bourne began a many-decades association with WBGO on December 31, 1984, first as a substitute host and eventually the permanent host of “Afternoon Jazz” “Blues Break” and his longstanding Sunday program “Singers Unlimited.” He was also host of the American Jazz Radio Festival, a precursor to Jazzset with Branford Marsalis (eventually Dee Dee Bridgewater) and Jazz Night In America. He retired on January 2, 2022.
Dr. Bourne had contributed to DownBeat Magazine since 1969. He covered festivals around the world as an erstwhile travel and music reporter. He was a fixture at his favorite, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, where he won the Bruce Lundvall Award. The fest’s press room is named in his honor.
An early member of the Jazz Journalists Association, enthusiastic about meeting up for beers with members including the late WBGO host, record producer and journalist Bob Porter and writer-producer Ira Gitler, Michael Bourne was also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved comics and all great music. At the time of his death, he was completing his memoirs.
He was in excellent care until the end. Confirmation comes from Elizabeth Dicker, of Bourne’s chosen family and survivors, including her husband Glenn and children Nora and Lukas. A memorial is planned; In lieu of flowers (Michael would have hated that!), his family requests donations be made to The Actors Fund Home, details at www.actorsfundhome.org.
