[Tradjazz] Farewell Bud Merigold

[Bruce McNichols]

Each Saturday evening in the 1960's, as I drove to my gig on the Jersey Shore, I'd tune to WMTR Radio.  I was not alone.  All my musician-friends also smiled on their way to gigs as we listened to Jazz Diversified hosted by the affable Bud Merigold.

Bud played a diverse (duh) sampling of classic jazz.  Sometimes he'd play tapes of bands that he had gone to see.   The music was wonderful and so was the host of that program.

For many years, I hadn't thought much about Bud or that program.  Then, a few years ago, we (at OKOM) got an e-mail from him.  Seems as if he was a Radio OKOM listener.  I wasted no time in contacting him and inviting him to produce programs for Radio OKOM.  

Soon enough, he made the trek from New Braintree Massachusetts to OKOM (in New Jersey).   It was as if we were old pals.  Shortly thereafter Bud began supplying us with recordings of the new, improved Jazz Diversified.

  I am a regular Radio OKOM listener and his programs are my favorites.

About a week ago, I got word that our dear friend and fellow program producer had passed away.  I was, and still am, heartsick.  

To think that I will no longer have the pleasure of chatting with this clever, knowledgeable, and supremely likable fellow is a tough thing to face.

Bud's low-key, and right-on sense of humor was only one of his many charms.  That he loved our music and produced many fine programs, was icing on the cake.

As with the late Joe H. Klee, thanks to their prolific program production I can say:  BUD MERIGOLD LIVES!

  We will continue to run their programs on radio OKOM (www.okom.com) and we will continue to enjoy their talents.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Bud's family and especially to his long-time companion, Janice, whom we've had the pleasure of spending time with over these past few years.

McN