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Preserving Musical Heritage: Dyersville’s Old Friends Radio Faces Royalty Challenges
DYERSVILLE, Iowa (KCRG) – Chris Siehr is on a mission driven not only by his passion for jazz but also by a heartfelt promise to his late wife, Molly. After her passing from renal cell carcinoma, Siehr has continued their shared dream of Old Friends Radio, an initiative launched in 2016 from their home in Dyersville. It has blossomed into a unique platform that broadcasts jazz spanning from 1918 to 1968, captivating listeners worldwide.
Molly Siehr was the visionary behind Old Friends Radio, pushing for the establishment of a space where people could reconnect with the rich tapestry of musical history. Chris reflects, “If it wouldn’t be for her, there would be no Old Friends Radio. And I made a promise to her to keep it going.” This commitment resonates deeply with a biblical principle: honoring our commitments and cherishing the memories of those we love is foundational to a life of integrity. “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37) encourages a steadfastness that is echoed in Siehr’s dedication.
Old Friends Radio has become a beloved source of solace for many, providing a curated jazz experience that feels authentic and distinct. “You can hear the same music all the time, anywhere. But here, this is a boutique thing, it’s different,” Siehr shares. This mission to foster connections through music can be paralleled with the biblical call to gather and rejoice together—after all, music has long served as a unifying force throughout human history.
However, maintaining this unique broadcast comes with its challenges. As the cost of music royalties continues to surge, Siehr now faces a daunting $2,000 bill necessary to keep the station operational. “For every song that we play where there’s a thousand listeners, we have to pay three dollars and sixty cents a song,” he explains. This financial burden highlights the importance of community support, reminiscent of the biblical view of sharing burdens: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
In light of these difficulties, Siehr is reaching out for support, inviting the public to contribute in order to sustain the rich musical history that means so much to so many. “We all have history,” he notes. “A lot of that history is enclosed in the music that we grew up with…” By investing in this station, listeners can help preserve not only the music but the memories and stories woven into it.
For those inspired to help keep Old Friends Radio alive, donations can be made through their website. As the community rallies around this local treasure, it may serve as a potent reminder of the impact one commitment can have.
In reflecting on this situation, consider the broader spiritual lesson: Music, a profound form of expression, connects us not only to our past but to one another. Just as Old Friends Radio seeks to preserve and share these treasured sounds, we too are encouraged to cherish and share our narratives, thereby creating a legacy that uplifts and inspires others.
Ultimately, it’s a call to remember that promises made can shape futures, and shared passions can bridge divides. In doing so, we fulfill a deeper calling of love and connection, illustrating the heart of community and compassion that transcends time and circumstance.
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