Behind the Silver Microphone
Ted Kent
Ted Kent announces the Silver Memories Saturday Morning Brunch program (10 am – 1 pm) every second Saturday. He began radio announcing with 4RPH (Radio for Print Handicapped). He later auditioned for Silver Memories and was delighted to join as an announcer, combining his new-found passion for radio with his life-long love of music.
Ted chooses music for his broadcast segments from several favourite popular artists from the 60s and 70s. He also searches his extensive record collection for forgotten songs, and finds it very satisfying to share them with Silver Memories listeners.
Ted was born in London, migrating to Australia with his family as “ten-pound Poms” when he was fifteen. He won a university scholarship, completed an Arts degree and began teaching, which turned into a life-long vocation. He spent 43 years as a high school English teacher, the last 39 running English Departments in state high schools.
Ted discovered the ‘folk’ music of Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary and Bob Dylan in his teens. He learnt to play the guitar, as many of his generation did and in the 70’s he joined a band as bass player. Along the way he developed a love for The Beatles, and during the 70’s, Progressive Rock. More recently Ted has re-discovered the wonders of Baroque music.
Music has been Ted’s constant companion over the years, providing a solace and an escape for him. He finishes each day with music – either alone or with his wife, which transports him to a place where problems aren’t simply put in context, they cease to exist.
Ted's Top 5 Requests for Silver Memories:
1. You Are So Beautiful | Joe Cocker (from CD “Joe Cocker: The Essential Collection”)
Ted says, "It’s a beautiful song rendered with great emotion by Joe and I was delighted to learn recently that it was written by Billy Preston for his mother."
Ted chooses music for his broadcast segments from several favourite popular artists from the 60s and 70s. He also searches his extensive record collection for forgotten songs, and finds it very satisfying to share them with Silver Memories listeners.
Ted was born in London, migrating to Australia with his family as “ten-pound Poms” when he was fifteen. He won a university scholarship, completed an Arts degree and began teaching, which turned into a life-long vocation. He spent 43 years as a high school English teacher, the last 39 running English Departments in state high schools.
Ted discovered the ‘folk’ music of Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary and Bob Dylan in his teens. He learnt to play the guitar, as many of his generation did and in the 70’s he joined a band as bass player. Along the way he developed a love for The Beatles, and during the 70’s, Progressive Rock. More recently Ted has re-discovered the wonders of Baroque music.
Music has been Ted’s constant companion over the years, providing a solace and an escape for him. He finishes each day with music – either alone or with his wife, which transports him to a place where problems aren’t simply put in context, they cease to exist.
Ted's Top 5 Requests for Silver Memories:
1. You Are So Beautiful | Joe Cocker (from CD “Joe Cocker: The Essential Collection”)
Ted says, "It’s a beautiful song rendered with great emotion by Joe and I was delighted to learn recently that it was written by Billy Preston for his mother."
2. Unforgettable | Natalie and Nat King Cole (from the CD Natalie Cole, “Unforgettable With Love”)
"A comparatively recent discovery – I loved Nat’s original; the duet is even better."
"A comparatively recent discovery – I loved Nat’s original; the duet is even better."
3. Theme from ‘Harry’s Game’ | Clannad (CD: “Magical Ring” by Clannad)
"I first heard this on the radio driving home after a particularly stressful week at work. The haunting sound demanded that I pull over and really listen. It’s been a favourite ever since."
"I first heard this on the radio driving home after a particularly stressful week at work. The haunting sound demanded that I pull over and really listen. It’s been a favourite ever since."
4. Bridge Over Troubled Water | Simon & Garfunkel (CD “Bridge Over Troubled Water”)
"The lyrics, melody and harmonies all soar."
"The lyrics, melody and harmonies all soar."
5. Mother Russia | Renaissance (CD: “Turn Of The Cards”)
"I had to include one that combines rock band and orchestra … and it’s one that really works on the listener’s emotions (well, I think so anyway)."
"I had to include one that combines rock band and orchestra … and it’s one that really works on the listener’s emotions (well, I think so anyway)."