Oscar Treadwell’s jazz radio shows were special for many fans. Each night, his deep knowledge, warm voice, and clear love for jazz brought people together over the airwaves. But one part of his show still raises questions—the Oscar Treadwell radio show closing song. This tune signaled the end of his broadcasts and has lived on in the memories of listeners, even if its true name is still debated.
In this article, we’ll look at who Oscar Treadwell was, why his closing song matters so much, and what people think it could be. From the start of his career to the ongoing search for that final melody, we’ll explore why this song has become such a big deal for jazz lovers.
Key Takeaways
- Oscar Treadwell was a famous jazz radio DJ who hosted shows for decades.
- His closing song is a mystery. Many believe it was “Then I’ll Be Tired of You” by Fats Waller.
- The song’s soft piano style touched listeners and signaled the end of a memorable show.
- Treadwell played a huge role in supporting jazz and its culture in America.
Who Was Oscar Treadwell?
Oscar Treadwell, born in 1926, was more than just a radio host. He loved jazz and wanted to share that love with everyone. He started his career in the late 1940s, working at stations like WNOP in Kentucky and WGUC in Cincinnati, Ohio. Oscar became famous for his calm style and stories about the music he played.
Listeners enjoyed how Oscar explained the background of artists and told fun facts about jazz history. This made his programs both educational and fun. Treadwell’s caring, poetic way of speaking made fans feel right at home. Many remember tuning in just to hear Oscar’s friendly voice and great music picks.
The Legacy of Treadwell’s Radio Show
Oscar Treadwell’s shows helped keep jazz alive for thousands of listeners. He picked songs from many jazz eras, mixing favorites with rare tracks. His playlists covered everything from the early days of jazz to modern tunes.
What made him special was his focus on less-famous artists and his heart for the community. Many jazz fans learned about new voices through his show. In the Ohio Valley and beyond, Oscar inspired a new generation of jazz lovers. He built a loyal following that remembers him for both his music and his kindness.
The Search for the Oscar Treadwell Radio Show Closing Song
At the end of each show, Oscar played a lovely piano piece that people still talk about today. For many, this sign-off song was a quiet moment to enjoy before saying goodbye to the day. Over the years, lots of fans have tried to figure out what this song is called.
People usually describe the closing song as soft, slow, and thoughtful. While not everyone remembers the exact notes, most agree the piece felt peaceful and fitting for the show’s end. This shared search for the oscar treadwell radio show closing song is one way listeners stay connected to Oscar and each other.
Unraveling the Musical Mystery
The Prime Suspect: Fats Waller
For years, many people have guessed that the closing song was “Then I’ll Be Tired of You,” played by Fats Waller. Waller was a famous jazz pianist known for both upbeat tunes and lovely ballads. This ballad fits the slow, calm feeling listeners remember.
Fans point out that the song’s gentle melody and heartfelt mood match what Oscar used. Even though there isn’t a recording of Oscar introducing the song by name, most longtime fans agree that this Fats Waller piece is the most likely answer.
Why Does This Song Fit?
“Then I’ll Be Tired of You” sends a beautiful message. The lyrics (not usually played in Oscar’s version) talk about a love that never ends. This fits the feeling of Oscar’s show—a lasting love for jazz and his audience.
Also, Fats Waller is a perfect choice given Oscar’s love for classic jazz. By ending his show with this song, Oscar shared a sense of peace and gratitude that kept his audience smiling until the next day.
Other Songs and Theories
Some listeners think the Oscar Treadwell radio show closing song could have been something else. Since most of Oscar’s shows weren’t recorded, it’s tricky to know for sure. Some have guessed songs like “Misty” by Erroll Garner or a quiet piece by Art Tatum. Others wonder if it was a rare or custom recording just for the show.
Let’s look at a table comparing the top guesses:
Artist/Song | Likelihood | Why It’s a Candidate | Arguments Against |
|---|---|---|---|
Fats Waller – “Then I’ll Be Tired of You” | High | Fits the mood and most fan memories | No direct proof or recording from the radio show |
Erroll Garner – “Misty” | Low | Famous, soft jazz piano tune | Melodically different from listeners’ descriptions |
Art Tatum – Various Ballads | Medium | Tatum’s style fits Oscar’s taste | No specific song matches exactly |
Original/Custom Recording | Low | Possible Oscar used a rare tune for uniqueness | Less likely, since Oscar loved featuring jazz legends |
This comparison helps fans sort through the theories, but the Fats Waller song remains the favorite.
Why Closing Songs Matter
Theme songs aren’t just background noise. They help us remember special times and people. For Oscar’s listeners, the closing song brought comfort and a sense of community. Even now, the mystery adds to its magic.
If you want to join the conversation about radio history, you can check out talkradionews, a place for sharing stories and learning about great radio moments.
Jazz Radio in History
Oscar Treadwell was just one of many radio DJs who made jazz popular in America. Back then, these hosts were the ones introducing new music and guiding listeners through jazz’s many styles. They had a big job—not just playing records, but also teaching and connecting.
To learn more about the history of jazz, check out Smithsonian’s jazz project. Jazz radio hosts like Oscar helped shape how Americans heard and loved jazz.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What show did Oscar Treadwell host?
He hosted several, but “Jazz with OT” on WGUC in Cincinnati was a favorite.
What was the closing song?
Most fans think it was “Then I’ll Be Tired of You” by Fats Waller.
Where did Oscar Treadwell broadcast?
He worked at WNOP in Kentucky and WGUC in Ohio.
Why is it hard to know the closing song for sure?
Most of his shows weren’t recorded, so only memories remain.
Conclusion: A Song That Stays With Us
The hunt for the Oscar Treadwell radio show closing song is about more than just music. It’s about remembering a man who brought joy to jazz fans everywhere. Whether the song was by Fats Waller or someone else, the feeling it left—of comfort and connection—can’t be denied. Oscar’s legacy, like his closing song, keeps playing on in the hearts of listeners.
Leave a comment