Moments of America

Series produced by WGBH Radio Boston

Caption: PRX default Series image
PRX default Series image 

Arts and culture in the words of famous Americans. Produced with assistance from Viki Merrick and Andrew Parrella.

These moments from the archives of Public Radio are brief archival clips of high profile cultural figures, which can be employed on the air as interstitials, station IDs, date-pegged drop-ins, fundraising modules, etc. They're wrapped "From the archives of public broadcasting...," and stations could also supplement these with similar clips from their own archives.

In the last half century, public broadcasting has given countless major public figures a platform for their ideas. This in turn has woven a rich tapestry of voices that have inspired, provoked, prodded and pushed us to accomplishments in the arts, sciences and the humanities which, in retrospect, are astonishing. We have begun to comb our archives for these gems, and to present these moments on radio in the most artful and compelling manner possible. These elegant proofs highlight the importance of public broadcasting in the cultural life of our country, and firmly laying claim to our legacy and the mission it represents.

Free for unlimited broadcast before Dec 31st, 2005.

Two versions of each "Moment" are available, one with a "You're listening to Public Radio" tag, and one without any tag.

"Moments of America" is made possible in part by a grant from the Ford Foundation.
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These moments from the archives of Public Radio are brief archival clips of high profile cultural figures, which can be employed on the air as interstitials, station IDs, date-pegged drop-ins, fundraising modules, etc. They're wrapped "From the archives of public broadcasting...," and stations could also supplement these with similar clips from their own archives.

In the last half century, public broadcasting has given countless major public figures a platform for their ideas. This in turn has woven a rich tapestry of voices that have inspired, provoked, prodded and pushed us to accomplishments in the arts, sciences and the humanities which, in retrospect, are astonishing. We have begun to comb our archives for these gems, and to present these moments on radio in the most artful and... Show full description


30 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Psychologist Timothy Leary offers a different definition of God and Heaven.

Bought by WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 20, 2005
  • Length: 01:00
  • Purchases: 1
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Author Allen Ginsberg advises that mind-altering drugs have their place in society.

Bought by WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 20, 2005
  • Length: 01:00
  • Purchases: 1
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Author James Baldwin ponders the problems confronting the “American Negro.” (1963)

Bought by KUOW and WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: 01:00
  • Purchases: 2
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Author James Baldwin reflects on the history of United States’s foreign policy. (1963)

Bought by WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: 01:01
  • Purchases: 1
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Composer Aaron Copland discusses how jazz music has influenced other genres. (1958)

Bought by KSVR Studios: Skagit Valley Radio and WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: :27
  • Purchases: 2
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Composer Aaron Copland remarks how and why composers specialize in a certain genre or format. (1958)

Bought by WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: :29
  • Purchases: 1
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Composer Aaron Copland predicts professional legitimacy for “movie music.” (1958)

Bought by WKMS, WUAL, and WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: 01:00
  • Purchases: 3
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Composer Aaron Copland and choreographer Agnes de Mille speak about the relationship between music and dance. (1958)

Bought by WUAL and WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: :59
  • Purchases: 2
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Choreographer Agnes de Mille points out the handicaps with which a choreographer must work. (1958)

Bought by WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: :28
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: PRX default Piece image
Choreographer Agnes de Mille marvels at the universality of certain gestures. (1958)

Bought by WUAL and WRVO Public Media


  • Added: Jul 06, 2005
  • Length: 01:00
  • Purchases: 2