The Greatest Memories

A 95-year old World War II veteran’s story of survival…John Jones salutes songwriter Jule Steyn on Show Tunes Spotlight…an old school building gets new life in Monticello, Georgia…residents of The Cottages of Monroe tell us what they’re most thankful for…plus music trivia, news headlines from 60 Novembers ago and more.

This month Jeff Battcher talks about the RBI program (Reviving Baseball in Innercities), and LTC (Ret) Marilla Cushman explains the mission of the Military Women’s Memorial. John Jones has one of the biggest acting and vocal challenges in musical theatre on “Show Tunes Spotlight.” Ben has some radio memories from 1972, plus celebrity milestone senior birthdays, news headlines from August 1967, spotlight artist and more.

A new novel by John Pruitt…Broadway says goodbye to its longest-running show on Show Tunes Spotlight….Mercer on Mission honors veterans of the Korean War, at home and abroad….your memories of Halloween….music trivia, spotlight artist, milestone birthdays and more.

Remembering Macon, Georgia’s only Medal of Honor recipient…Piano Days, a new novel by author Don Reid…John Jones compares New York’s Broadway and London’s West End on Show Tunes Spotlight…Your memories of school days…News Headlines from 45 Septembers ago…plus music trivia and more.

A conversation with 3 centenarians…Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration…one of Broadway’s biggest flops on Show Tunes Spotlight…news headlines from 60 Julys ago…Music Trivia Challenge, Milestone Birthdays, Spotlight Artist and more.

The birthplace of Mother's Day...the first American pilot killed in World War II...a 4-time Tony Award® winner that could surprise you on Show Tunes Spotlight....Del's Datebook has southern fried chicken on the menu....headlines from May, 60 years ago...plus stories behind the songs, a timely top 4 countdown and a story-telling Spotlight Artist. Thanks for listening to The Greatest Memories podcast.

Shakespeare in musicals…Capricorn producer Paul Hornsby talks about his new book…Del Ward’s thoughts about National Volunteer Month…2 veterans who volunteer at the perfect place for them…headlines from 45 Aprils ago…plus a top 4 countdown, Spotlight artist and stories behind the songs. All of this and more on The Greatest Memories. Thanks for listening!

Magician Mike Fuller...Vietnam Vet Gordon Winkles...a Broadway update on Show Tunes Spotlight...Welcome spring and a special state park on Del's Datebook...a Beach Boy turns 80...the first rock 'n roll record. All of this plus a top 4 countdown, spotlight artist, headlines from March 1951, stories behind the songs and more. Thanks for listening to The Greatest Memories - episode #90 !

Tony Bennett’s first appearance at Carnegie Hall…an archive interview with Ray Stevens…Show Tunes Spotlight falls on “Hello, Dolly!”…the only Japanese language record to reach #1 in the U.S. And we continue our series of stories from our military heroes. Thanks for listening and sharing The Greatest Memories!
Click on the player button below to listen:

This is the month of love and Del Ward has some thoughts on that subject, and we have the story of Sweethearts candies that are always popular this time of year. Plus Show Tunes Spotlight with John Jones, a first-hand story from a World War II fighter pilot, celebrity milestone birthdays, Top 4 Countdown, Spotlight Artist and more. Please subscribe on this page so that you  never miss an episode of The Greatest Memories!

We start the new year with two news features (1) the top 4 countdown and (2) spotlight artist. Also a Navy veteran from World War II and an interview with a special lady who just turned 101. Plus an update about Broadway on Show Tunes Spotlight, headlines from 50 years ago, celebrity milestone birthdays in January, and Del's Datebook looks at winter weather.

Georgia's World War II Military Trail...Show Tunes Spotlight looks at a musical that was built around one show-stopping song...Del Ward shares some of her favorite Christmas memories...Veterans Day visits with some of Middle Georgia's heroes...December news flashbacks from 65 years ago. All of this plus our December closing tradition, all on The Greatest Memories podcast.

100 years ago this month a new technology called radio began, just in time for the presidential election returns between Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox. The Greatest Memories salutes this centennial anniversary with some early radio highlights, Show Tunes Spotlight, a military veteran who honed his radio skills in the U.S. Air Force, and Del Ward's groundbreaking career in the radio industry.

We have a definite train theme running through this month’s podcast. You can learn about the National Railroad Museum and a musical with a train theme on Show Tunes Spotlight. And Del Ward shares her memories of the Nancy Hanks and other trains. Train songs by Elvis, Peggy Lee and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Plus headlines from 50 Septembers ago, and a Navy veteran who was touched by Pearl Harbor though he served after that “Day of Infamy.”

Don Reid of the Statler Brothers talks about his new book...Help veterans and get your own combat boots through Boot Campaign.org...Show Tunes Spotlight looks at Merrily We Roll Along...Del Ward shares memories of back-to-school...Headlines from 70 Augusts ago...stories behind the songs from Dean Martin, Troggs, Beach Boys and Temptations.

Our veterans segment this month has an Air Force love story...the 2nd Atlanta International Pop Festival, AKA the Byron Pop Festival, is 50 years old...Show Tunes Spotlight has a song with an interesting history...Del Ward talks about summer vacations...and stories behind the songs from the Essex, Tommy Dorsey, Everly Brothers and more.

This month The Greatest Memories pays tribute to Little Richard...Show Tunes Spotlight with John Jones looks at historic Broadway shutdowns...Del Ward shares memories of summertime...and an Air Force pilot during Vietnam. Plus great musical memories from Neil Diamond, Nat King Cole, Hank Williams and The Beatles.

An interview with Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere & the Raiders...The Library of Congress Veterans History Project...Who was the youngest actor to win a Tony Award?...Del Ward looks at books...And great musical memories from the Shirelles, Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee and Stevie Wonder.

For just over two years, five radio veterans brought local, personality radio back to Middle Georgia listeners on The Fox Classic Hits Network. The audience came to rely on Ben, Gail, Jim, Kim and MaryTherese, for great music and lots of useful local information. They came to rely on us during times of weather emergencies. And though we never faced anything like COVID-19, these five friends got back together, through social distancing, to talk about how we might be helping the listeners cope today.

On this special edition of The Greatest Memories, we spotlight our exclusive sponsors - The Cottages on Wesleyan, The Gables at Wolf Creek, The Cottages of Monroe and The Cottages at Woodland Terrace. Joy, Taryll, Nancy, Claudia and Margie will talk about some of the fun and creative things their residents, their staffs and outside community groups are doing to cope with the times we're in due to COVID-19.

Not only was this class the last one under these historic names, but we also had several other firsts and lasts that made this class so special. Hear some of your classmates sharing their special memories. The podcast also includes excerpts from interviews with Major David Carter, Bob Barnette, Isaac Jackson's son and the widows of our two principals. Enjoy this special 50th anniversary podcast, and GO POETS!

A love story from a couple who served our country…an interview with the producer of “In The Mood Live”…Show Tunes spotlight on a very early musical…Solutions for Seniors answers questions about Social Security…plus great songs from Dinah Shore, Merle Haggard, Natalie Cole, The Monkees and more.
Click on the player button below to listen:

The world’s oldest female pro body builder…avoiding holiday season scams…show tunes spotlight on “The Music Man”…the biggest bargain in rock ‘n roll history…new releases from Sinatra and The Beatles…and musical memories from Johnny Rivers, Nat King Cole, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Dean and more.

Click on the player button below to listen:

Fire prevention tips for seniors…55 years of Andy…a new Sinatra book and Nat King Cole box set…a Broadway musical that produced four hit songs…and great music by Buddy Holly, Stevie Wonder, Margaret Whiting and more.

Click on the player button below to listen:

Special memories from retired educators…the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s…Happy Birthday to the U.S. Air Force…a big month for TV debuts in 1955…a record for “West Side Story” that may never be broken…and great songs you’ll remember by Johnny Mathis, Fifth Dimension, Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Wilson and others!

Click on the player button below to listen:

A 75 year old Disney song…the biggest album for Ray Charles…Solutions for Seniors has some tips for better hearing…what’s so great about being a “senior”  Plus musical memories from Jerry Vale, Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Elvis and more!
Click on the player button below to listen:

The predecessor to “Sing Along With Mitch…the first Grammy® awards…Older Americans Month…advice from nonagenarians…a swimming teacher begins her 45th year and musical memories from Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Beach Boys, Carpenters, Dolly Parton and more.
Click on the player button below to listen:

Remembering Hootenanny, Your Hit Parade and Billie Holiday. An age-friendly update from AARP…a special mission in Vietnam…and great songs by Bobby Vinton, Dinah Shore, Johnny Mercer, The Beatles, Loretta Lynn and Elvis.



Click on the player button below to listen:

 

Rare voices for President’s Day…a Valentine’s Day love story…your solution might be an elder care advocate.  Plus great music from Dion, Red Foley, The Platters, Patsy Cline, Tom Jones and more.



Click on the player button below to listen:

The GrThe ultimate Elvis fan on his 80th birthday celebration…”Assisted Living” explained…New Year’s resolutions from random travelers.  And great music to start 2015 from Frank Sinatra, B.J. Thomas, The Andrews Sisters, Glen Campbell, Ray Charles, Patti Page, The Temptations and more.
Click on the player button below to listen:
 

Veteran’s Day thoughts from an Air Force community… different ways to cook your Thanksgiving turkey… and a visit from a former first lady. This month’s program also has some great musical memories from The Everly Brothers, Rosemary Clooney, Artie Shaw, Conway Twitty, the 5th Dimension and more!


Click on the player button below to listen:

Pumpkins, tailgate parties and flu shots on this month’s program. And some great music from Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, The Platters, Julie Andrews, Fats Domino and more. And this month The Greatest Memories begins its second year. Thanks for listening and sharing!



Click on the player button below to listen:

A lady who published her first book at age 85…your last chance to hear summertime memories…Solutions for Seniors has instructions on how to list a loved one on the national World War II registry…one of radio’s most popular “soaps”…and some great musical memories from Patsy Cline, Paul Anka, Harry James, The Supremes and more!
Click on the player button below to listen:

Music from Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Gladys Knight, Marty Robbins, Elvis and more.  Some special veterans share their thoughts about Memorial Day.  And Solutions for Seniors has some tips on downsizing in the kitchen without sacrificing healthy eating.  Thanks for listening and sharing with our growing family of listeners all around the world!
Click on the player button below to listen:

Music by Doris Day, Glen Campbell, Ray Charles and Jim Croce. An Easter classic from Bing Crosby. And Solutions for Seniors has some tips on how to prevent falls. Thanks for listening and helping spread The Greatest Memories all around the world.
Click on the player button below to listen:

March Musical Memories include Dick Haymes, John Denver, Dionne Warwick, Ricky Nelson and two of our most requested songs.  Personal stories about the golden days of radio and a famous neighbor.  And Solutions for Seniors explains the AARP Age-Friendly Community program. Thanks for continuing to support this podcast by listening and sharing.
Click on the player button below to listen:

Some great musical memories from Tom Jones, The Platters, Benny Goodman, The Everly Brothers and more. Love stories for Valentine’s Day from our residents. And some thoughts about music as therapy on Solutions for Seniors. Thanks for listening, downloading and sharing The Greatest Memories with your friends and family all around the world!
Click on the player button below to listen:

January 1st, 2014
HAPPY NEW YEAR ! On our podcast this month there are songs you’ll remember from Artie Shaw, Fats Domino, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, The McGuire Sisters, Johnny Cash and others. Solutions for Seniors will give you some ideas about the downsizing decisions. And some personal experiences shared by residents of the cottage lifestyle communities. Thanks for listening and sharing with your friends and family around the world.
IMPORTANT NOTE:  On this podcast, we mention the 75th birthday of Phil Everly.  The podcast was produced and published prior to Everly’s death on January 3, 2014.  The Greatest Memories joins fans of The Everly Brothers in sending our thoughts and prayers to the family of Phil Everly.
Click on the player button below to listen:

On this month’s Greatest Memories podcast, we have music from Glenn Miller. Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Nat King Cole and more.  Solutions for Seniors has some healthy tips for you, and some of our residents share their memories of the holiday season.  Thanks for listening and sharing with your friends and family!
Click on the player button below to listen:

On this month’s podcast some of our Milledgeville residents share their thoughts about Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day.  Solutions for Seniors has some timely tips as we approach the holiday season.  Also news and sports memories and music by Andy Williams, Anne Murray, Bobby Darin, the Carpenters, Patsy Cline and more.  Thanks for listening, downloading, bookmarking and sharing The Greatest Memories with your friends and family around the world!
Click on the player button below to listen:

Welcome to the first monthly podcast of The Greatest Memories. On this month’s podcast there’s music by Johnny Mathis, Jo Stafford, Frank Sinatra, Hank Williams and more.  Also, some memories of Halloween and a timely edition of Solutions for Seniors, plus birthdays and October news and sports memories.  Thanks for listening and sharing with your friends.
Click on the player button below to listen:

A Navy Veteran of 20 years and 2 wars...Wesleyan Academy for Lifelong Learning...Show Tunes Spotlight falls on Broadway's greatest villains...Del Ward honors National Poetry Month...News Events from 65 Aprils ago...and musical memories from Elvis, Glenn Miller, Kenny Rogers, Beatles and more.

A veteran who was at Iwo Jima...Beware of tax season, census time and social security scams...Showtunes Spotlight and Del's Datebook both go green this month. And musical memories from Perry Como, Carpenters, Herb Alpert and Hank Ballard.

This month we take you for a ride on historic SAM Shortline Railroad…we’ll keep you healthy with Ways to Wellness…we won’t teach you to play chess, but we’ll tell you about a musical by that name on Show Tunes Spotlight…and great musical memories from Hank Williams, the Four Tops, Beach Boys, Anne Murray and more.
Click on the player button below to listen:

Remembering Elvis Presley’s Comeback Special…a Rock ‘n Roll song with Biblical lyrics…an incredible string of #1’s for Kenny Rogers…plus a few Songs of the Season by your favorite artists. Interviews with Gen. Don Davis and author Sheryl Towers. And on Show Tunes Spotlight you’ll learn the differences between Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Greatest Memories.

On this month’s program we have a special story about an Air Force veteran reunited with the plane he flew during the Vietnam War. Also an interview with the author of National Geographic Kids: Bird Guide of North America. Our Show Tunes Spotlight has a countdown. And there are great musical memories by Nat King Cole, Elvis, Anne Murray, Gary Lewis & the Playboys and others.
Here is this month’s playlist:

A conversation with Georgia author Jaclyn Weldon White…a brand new feature called Ways to Wellness…news headlines and a special song from 60 years ago…Show Tunes Spotlight falls on a controversial song from South Pacific. Plus great musical memories from Andy Williams, Everly Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and more. Thanks for listening and telling your friends about The Greatest Memories!
Click on the player button below to listen:

Happy 75th birthday to Robins Air Force Base…Happy and Safe Gardening…Showtunes Spotlight falls on Jesus Christ, Superstar…and great musical memories from Doris Day, Willie Nelson, Gary Puckett, Harry James and more. And for more great memories every day, visit us on Facebook.
Click on the player button below to listen:

This month we talk with Desmond Doss, Jr.  The 2016 movie Hacksaw Ridge was his father’s story. From the archives we have a phone interview with Johnny Rivers, plus Solutions for Seniors and Stop The World-I Want To Get Off on our Show Tunes Spotlight. And great songs from Fats Domino, Elvis, Beach Boys, Bing Crosby and more.
Click on the player button below to listen: