Thursday Drive with Philip Dowd

The program commences with British Big Band music followed by three selections from the artist of the week. Comedy tracks are part of the program and there is a presentation of easy listening music which includes recordings that are generally unavailable on LP or CD.

At 5:00pm there is Stairway to the Stars.

I present the ‘MGM Musical Hour’ with soundtrack recordings from MGM films, and each week I feature an MGM personality who would have celebrated a birthday in the past week. This part of the program commences with Leo the MGM lion roaring with the theme ‘That’s Entertainment’ and ends similarly. During the program Leo may roar to indicate he is in the studio, and I respond in an appropriate manner.

How did you first connect with GDR?

I commenced listening many years ago as I enjoyed the general nostalgia which was broadcast. I also enjoy the variety of music played in general and offered by different presenters.

Why did you want to be a presenter?

I already had radio experience at 3RRR, and had always wanted to be able to share my collection of recorded music for the appreciation by the general public.

What experience do you want to give your listeners?

I enjoy sharing my music and blend older music with contemporary easy listening music. I like to present pleasant and interesting recordings by famous artists, especially recordings that the listeners may not have access to. Currently the general public is lead to believe that famous artists like Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Jim Davidson, Chick Henderson, Al Bowlly, Andrews Sisters, Danny Kaye, etc only recorded the limited songs of a “Best Of” CD consisting of twenty or so recordings when in fact they recorded hundreds of songs – most of which are still enjoyable today. A song does not have to be a hit on the current charts to be interesting and enjoyable.