Celebrating J. S. Bach's Birthday

WFMT radio host Studs Terkel pays tribute to the legendary composer

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In 1980, legendary WFMT radio host Studs Terkel crafted a special program celebrating the birthday of renowned Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). The program featured performances by renowned classical musicians such as Andrés Segovia, Dame Myra Hess, Pete Seeger, Bidu Sayão, Pablo Casals, and Jean-Pierre Rampal.

Why it matters

Studs Terkel was a pioneering radio personality who helped establish WFMT as a leading classical music station in Chicago. His eclectic programming and insightful interviews made him a beloved figure in the city's cultural landscape. This Bach tribute program showcased Terkel's passion for classical music and his ability to bring together diverse musical talents to honor one of the greatest composers of all time.

The details

Terkel's 1980 program celebrated the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach, the renowned German composer and virtuoso of the Baroque period. The program featured performances from some of the most acclaimed classical musicians of the 20th century, including guitarist Andrés Segovia, pianist Dame Myra Hess, folk singer Pete Seeger, soprano Bidu Sayão, cellist Pablo Casals, and flautist Jean-Pierre Rampal.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21, 1685.
  • Studs Terkel's Bach tribute program aired on WFMT radio in 1980.

The players

Studs Terkel

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author and pioneering radio host who worked at WFMT in Chicago for 45 years, known for his eclectic programming and insightful interviews.

Johann Sebastian Bach

A renowned German composer and virtuoso of the Baroque period, considered one of the greatest composers of all time.

Andrés Segovia

A Spanish classical guitarist and one of the most influential classical guitarists of the 20th century.

Dame Myra Hess

A British pianist who was renowned for her interpretations of the works of Bach and other classical composers.

Pete Seeger

An American folk singer and social activist who was known for his interpretations of traditional American folk songs.

Bidu Sayão

A Brazilian soprano who was renowned for her performances of operatic roles, particularly in the works of Puccini and Verdi.

Pablo Casals

A Spanish cellist and conductor who was considered one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century.

Jean-Pierre Rampal

A French flautist who was renowned for his interpretations of the works of Bach and other Baroque composers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Studs Terkel's Bach tribute program on WFMT showcased his passion for classical music and his ability to bring together diverse musical talents to honor one of the greatest composers of all time. The program highlighted Terkel's pioneering role in redefining radio interviews and establishing WFMT as a leading classical music station in Chicago.