Job Well Done, Norman Corwin
The Golden Age of Radio fades further into oblivion with the passing of Norman Corwin. Mr. Corwin began his radio career with CBS in 1938. His was a familiar voice to listeners by the time World War II began, and by the time it ended, he was known to millions who respected him for the way he had promoted patriotism and encouraged America not to lose hope.
Mr. Corwin never refused to grab a microphone when it was offered to him—communication was his passion.
His career did expand beyond broadcasting, however, into writing, producing and directing for radio, television, the stage, and movies. He wrote nineteen books and numerous stage plays. Among his many awards was an Emmy, a Golden Globe, two Peabody medals and a nomination for an Academy Award for his movie about the life of Vincent van Gogh. In 1993, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
Most people reading this tribute probably don’t know who Mr. Corwin was, but there are some things about his life that make me want to tell you about him because I think they are inspirations that we need to think about in this day and age.
Norman Corwin didn’t believe in quitting in life. The positive attitude expressed during World War II radio broadcasts remained until his death on Oct. 18, 2011.
How many people just give up when they get older? Mr. Corwin was still sharing life with others. He was a writer in residence at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism up until the day he died. By the way, did I mention that he was 101 years young when he died? Wow! I’d love to love what I do and stay involved up to the last minute!
Mr. Corwin was a firm believer in staying informed and using everything for “the good.” Being in education, I especially enjoyed his attitude toward learning. According to the USC Annenberg website, Mr. Corwin had once said, “I think it’s terribly important to read, to watch television and movies, and listen to radio, to read books, magazines, newspapers, even when the material is poor. A student should learn what makes it poor.” My sentiments exactly!
Although in radio for around seventy years, Mr. Corwin was not happy with contemporary commercial radio broadcasting. The following quote by him was in the release about his death: “Today there is a plethora of a kind of radio that is very inexpensive to produce, talking heads….We are not commemorating and celebrating the great events.” Once again, I agree.
As for World War II, Mr. Corwin reflected, “I thought to consider what had been wrought, and why–what the victory had cost, what, if anything, we had learned–and what lay ahead in the way of global obligations and responsibilities.”
Reflecting on politics today and candidates’ tendencies to be self serving and struggling to find solutions to our problems, or even address the needs of the citizens in some cases, I think his words are good to remember. I would like to know our politicians are as reflective.
Another member of “The Greatest Generation” has passed. Job well done, Norman Corwin.
Author, writer, radio host, and educator Glenda Cameron has been co-host of TownTalk since 2006. In addition, she serves as Media Producer and contributing writer to www.towntalkradio.com. She began her radio career in Littlefield, Texas, at KZZN, later moving to KJAK and KFRE in Lubbock. Glenda’s hobbies include guitar, piano, and scanography.
