Beach, Ed (Edward), 1923-2009

Edward Beach was the host of a well-known jazz radio program in New York City from the early 1960s to the mid-1970s. "Just Jazz," broadcast over station WRVR, was hailed by musicians and those with an avid interest in jazz as one of the finest radio shows in the area devoted to that topic.

Beach was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and moved to Portland, Oregon, as a child. He became interested in jazz music as a teenager. He later performed as a pianist with the Gus Arnheim Big Band, and formed a jazz trio which appeared in Portland, St. Louis and Chicago. After attending college in Portland, Beach earned course credits towards a graduate degree in theater at Cornell University. He then spent five years in New York City working as an actor in off-Broadway productions, touring companies, television and summer stock theater.

In 1957, Beach began working at radio station WNYC in New York. He took a position in 1961 with WRVR, a not-for-profit station operated by New York City's Riverside Church. It was there that he developed the much-praised format of the "Just Jazz" broadcast, which featured a single artist on each show. Beach became well-known for his extensive knowledge of jazz music and musicians. The "Just Jazz" show ceased production when the radio station was sold in 1976. Beach retired to Tualatin, Oregon, in 1977.

From the guide to the Edward Beach Collection, 1940-1975, (bulk 1950-1975), (Music Division Library of Congress)