Long Beach— The hum of
technology looms in the vaulted radio room as KKJZ Afternoon drive host Helen Borgers fires off a staccato list of
names, “George Benson with Al Jarreau, God Bless the Child, the album Givin’ It
Up, David Sanborn with “Bang Bang” from the album Upfront, and Lou Pollo with
that new tribute to Les Pail—I’m confessing that I Love You, Here at K-jazz
88.1, Next up is drummer, Stix Hooper…”
The first experience Borgers had with
came through the walls of her brother Ken’s bedroom. The irresistible Shoo-doo-shoo-bee-ooo-bee-bwas
of John Coltrane, Gerald Wilson, and Charlie Byrd serenaded her until she was
hooked.
Borgers has been in the jazz radio business for 33 years, which is why
she has been called the “Queen of Jazz.” Her reign has taken her all over the
world, and her influence has brought musicians from all over the world to her.
For many years, she recorded a program called The Artist’s Corner. The show
consisted of some of the most famous interviews in jazz. Borgers witty and
smooth interview style reminds the listener of the jazz she loves so
much.
Radio and jazz are in Borgers blood as she followed in the footsteps of
her parents. Her Dad loved jazz and taught radio at University of Southern
California, while her mom was on radio with up-and-coming jazz critics. Her brother
Ken made KKJZ what it is today. Borgers has taken her love of radio and jazz to
the next level.
“I love jazz music, and I love the affect it has had on
people,” Borgers said. “It has been ahead of culture when it comes to the
issues of the day, Jazz musicians are the trailblazers.”
As a former 49er,
Borgers loves Long Beach. She uses her love of Jazz, Long Beach and theatre to
make a significant impact in her community. Borgers favorite pursuit is
speaking to the youth of Los Angeles, encouraging them to take part in four
sponsorship programs for jazz studies in K-12 schools.*Currently, Borgers is
the KKJZ weekday drive host from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., sharing what she loves most
with those she loves most.
“Jazz education is big for me, the history of jazz is
so rich and so important to our identity as humans, it’s is the voice of
humanity,” Borgers said. “When I speak to a class, I get blank stares, but
there are usually one or two students who want it, their eyes sparkle, and I
know I’ve got them hooked for life.”
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1 comments:
Yeah I remember Helen! I listened to her every day. She's no longer with us, but yeah, I remember Helen!
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