Public Broadcasting Service taken for granted

We take for granted public television (PBS) whether it is from WGBY-TV in Springfield or WHMT in Schenectady, N.Y. They allow us to see programming many of us would not be able to attend or share.

Case in point is the Library of Congress salute to Carole King by President Barack H. Obama and a host of musicians including James Taylor of Lenox/Washington.

Ms. King has given us music for every soul and many artists have recorded her songs. The singer-songwriter was recently honored as the recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Again there is no free lunch and, therefore, as both viewers of television and supporters of the arts, we should collectively make contributions to PBS, which gives us a broader view of life and its many amenities, which so enrich us as individuals, neighbors and communities.

Pause for a moment and think of the free concerts Mr. Taylor has done for America. He, along with other musicians, has played a part in every day America. It has in some cases allowed us to reflect on a different time and under different circumstances.

Ms. King’s invitation to the White House brought back in concert a life fulfilled with opportunity not only for the arts but also for individuals to become successful. In a word: It was heartwarming to hear music from our past. Thus, our contribution should be to PBS and/or one of its stations to continue to bring us programming that is not necessarily on the commercial networks or on the cable shows.

Besides our own James Taylor and Ms. King, others performing were Gloria Estefan, Billy Joel, Jesse McCartney, Emeli Sandé and Trisha Yearwood.

Pres. Obama presented the Gershwin Prize to Ms. King during the event.

“I’m so proud that PBS can play a part in honoring and recognizing Carole King’s contribution to the musical history of this country,” said Paula A. Kerger, president and CEO of PBS.

“Carole helped shape a generation with her music, which was hugely influential and meaningful to so many who grew up listening to her songs.

“We are proud to bring every American a front-row seat to this performance, which reflects PBS’s commitment to bringing the very best of the performing arts to the largest stage.”

“Carole King’s body of work reflects the spirit of the Gershwin Prize with its originality, longevity and diversity of appeal,” commented Dr. James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress.

“Since the inception of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, PBS has brought this celebration of creativity directly and more broadly to the American people.

“We’re pleased that the greater public will be able to join in the recognition of this great artist.”

Posted by George C. Jordan III on May 30, 2013. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry