KSMU’s longtime voice of the arts, Randy Stewart, will be remembered as a “true broadcaster”

Randy Stewart, the well-known voice behind KSMU’s art exhibitions, was remembered by colleagues as a “true broadcaster” and a “legend.”

Stewart, whose voice and musical knowledge spanned the Ozarks and beyond, died of cancer late Monday, July 1, at age 67.

While he was best known to listeners of the Friday morning Arts News show about the arts event in the Ozarks, Stewart, as a fine arts producer, also produced Saturday music shows, such as the afternoon classical program and the choral tradition.

KSMU was the only place he had worked. From his start as a student at what was then Southwest Missouri State University until his retirement in March of this year, he spent 48 years at the station. Despite his years-long battle with cancer, he continued to work part-time at KSMU, continued to produce music shows and continued to host Arts News when his health allowed, until he started to decline a few weeks ago.

His colleagues in the Ozarks Public Broadcasting scene emphasized and expressed their fascination with his deep and extensive knowledge of music. KSMU News Director Michele Skalicky first met him as a student and recalled how amazed she was.

“He was a legend and one of those true radio hosts that you just admire and can’t understand how he does everything he does and knows everything he knows,” she said. “I think it helped me develop an even greater appreciation for classical music, just seeing his love for it and seeing it through his eyes and hearing the music that he chose to put on the air.”

Stay true to art and be connected to it

Stewart’s connection to the local arts community and his work promoting events in the Ozarks were also officially recognized in 2006 when he received the Ozzie Award from the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

Arlen Diamond, former manager of Ozarks Public Broadcasting, said Stewart was largely self-taught and developed his own style, voice and presentation that made radio his own. He described Stewart as “one of the best announcers in public broadcasting” and recalls other station managers calling about Stewart after hearing his voice on the radio.

“He made it look easy,” Diamond said.

Mike Smith, host and producer at KSMU, called Stewart a “true broadcaster in every sense of the word” whose knowledge extends far beyond music. Smith, who met Stewart in 1980, said Stewart knew Morse code and stayed true to his craft by knowing broadcast history — he could even tell what microphones were used during certain time periods. With radio expanding to online and streaming channels, Stewart has listeners around the world, Smith said.

“He was on point and just had incredible knowledge of all genres,” Smith said. “Our listeners have relied on Randy over the years, his coverage of arts events was simply outstanding.”

Skalicky said that although Stewart’s area of ​​expertise is music, he is always willing to step in and help in other areas, whether it’s covering hard-hitting music news or the “Sense of Community” series. Because of that ability and attitude, Diamond said Stewart always planned to continue to be involved in advancing KSMU and the arts after he retired.

“He was always a doer and he wanted to keep working as much as he damn well could,” Diamond said.

Randy Stewart leaves a legacy in the broadcasting and arts scene of the Ozarks

There is no doubt that Stewart’s work promoting the arts in the Ozarks and his extensive knowledge of classical music and opera enriched the community. Stewart’s voice may no longer be the one announcing the latest arts events in the Ozarks or putting together the latest classical music show, but his legacy will live on.

The same day Stewart died, Skalicky said, a new producer took over to handle artistic matters at KSMU – Jim Rea, himself a local musician.

“We will build on this … great foundation that he laid and we will make sure that we continue to be a source of arts news and information in the future,” she said.

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Smith said Stewart, who was not only a colleague but also a friend to many, will be remembered by all who knew him and his passion for art.

“Sometimes we have to ask ourselves, ‘What would Randy do?’ and go from there,” Smith said.

Stewart is survived by his wife, Tammy, whom he also met at KSMU. Funeral services are pending.

Marta Mieze covers local politics for the News-Leader. Do you have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the Springfield News-Leader: Randy Stewart will be remembered for promoting Ozarks arts on public radio