Joe Franklin

This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Joe Franklin was a music historian who had a series of radio and television shows including two on New York TV that ran from 1951-1993! Joe was a good guy, funny, and full of great stories of musicians and songwriters that he knew over his long career. He became a leading expert of American popular music and was often called “The King of Nostalgia,” although he preferred the title “The Wizard of Was!” Joe had a strong desire to give recognition to the performers of years gone by. As a result, he often provided the last performance opportunity for musicians and singers alike during the twilight of their lives. Anita O'Day once remarked that Joe "remembered those worth remembering."