Radio Industry Remembers President George H.W. Bush

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 3, 2018

The radio industry is mourning the death of former President George H.W. Bush. The 41st U.S. president, who was also a World War II veteran and former CIA director, died on Friday night, eight months after the death of his wife, Barbara. Radio networks and outlets are lining up to provide full coverage of the state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. SRN NEWS, anchored by White House correspondent Greg Clugston, will provide its 2,100 affiliates with live coverage of the funeral along with accompanying honors.

FOX News Radio (FNR) will provide live reports for all radio affiliates on the memorial services beginning on Monday, December 3rd through Thursday, December 6th. Gurnal Scott, Jared Halpern, Jon Decker, Jeff Monosso and Tonya J. Powers will lead coverage which can be heard on www.FoxNewsRadio.com and Fox News Radio affiliates across the country.

Benztown is also offering an audio tribute written and produced by Benztown's Scott Phillips.

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said, "Broadcasters across America bend the knee today, in mourning, at the news of President George H. W. Bush's passing. It has long been said that greatness is revealed in service to others. By that standard, President Bush was truly great.

"In every chapter of his life, in war and in peace, in places high and low, George H.W. Bush could be found heroically serving others, with competence, goodness, grace and decency. As one who knew this man, I join all broadcasters in expressing gratitude for the life of this American servant, President George H. W. Bush. Godspeed 41."

Recording artist Sam Moore commented, "My wife Joyce and I are personally saddened by the passing of one of the most honorable decent men our country ever had serve as its President. I had the honor of performing at his 1989 Inaugural concert Joyce co-produced 'The Celebration for Young Americans', his and Barbara's 50th wedding anniversary celebration, where The Oak Ridge Boys helped celebrate them, The Points of Light Kennedy Center Concert & Fundraiser and last year's One America Appeal hurricane relief concert at Texas A & M in College Station.

"Our strength and comfort goes out to the entire Bush family who we've been fortunate to know, see and feel their collective love and admiration for Papa Bush who has now gone to join the love of his life, Barbara."

"He was like a daddy figure to me, and he was all about making everyone around him have a good time. The sting of death always hurts, but I have so many memories to make me smile. The Oak Ridge Boys have sung "Amazing Grace" for him on Air Force One, in Kennebunkport, at the White House, and over the phone when he was in the hospital. However, singing "Amazing Grace" at his funeral will be the most difficult assignment we will ever have, said Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys.

"I had the great privilege of traveling across this great nation with President Bush 41. Our time as friends took us from the White House to Camp David - which included Air Force One - to inaugurating the Points of Light Foundation at Disney World, to the opening of my theater in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, to Houston, Kennebunkport and every place where proud Americans reside. He was the best man, most generous patriot, and greatest friend a man could ask for," said Lee Greenwood.

President Trump and the First Lady will attend the funeral, and the New York Stock Exchange will be closed all day Wednesday in Bush 41's honor.