At KYW Newsradio, we've spent the last few months crafting and composing updated music for the radio station. We had the help of a Philadelphia string arranger who's a music industry icon.
But it revolves around something we'd never change.
"The KYW Newsradio jingle is a local treasure that has stood the test of time, been lovingly sung by countless Philadelphians, and has evolved over the decades," said Entercom Senior Vice President and Market Manager David Yadgaroff. "As KYW Newsradio has transformed into a modern, multi-platform news organization, this is the next step in the evolution of its image."
So, in the words of Supervising Producer Amy Crawford for Man Made Music, "Let's not mess it up."
Not that the renowned production company would be capable of such a travesty. They're behind some of the most memorable sonic experiences for global brands like HBO, AT&T and IMAX.
To put a fully Philly stamp on the project, we brought in Larry Gold, a legendary hitmaker who for decades has been smack-dab in the middle of the Sound of Philadelphia, from Teddy Pendergrass to The Roots to Jill Scott.
He's also worked with Kanye West and Justin Timberlake, but his heart is here.
"The roots of Philadelphia are hard to lose," said Gold. "And KYW is part of my roots."
Like many of us, he's skeptical of change. Especially to something as iconic as KYW Newsradio's music.
"But then when I heard it, it made sense to me," he said.
From MilkBoy studio off Callowhill Street, with Gold leading 16 of the city's finest musicians, we recorded the KYW Newsradio anthem.
The goal, said Crawford, was "to retain that sound, that familiarity, but modernize it."
"It's passionate and energetic; it’s trustworthy and relatable — everything we strive to be at KYW," said KYW Newsradio Program Director Alex Silverman.
The anthem gave birth to musical elements that signal headlines, traffic and weather, sports, 3 Things to Know, money news, and special coverage.
"This piece actually really has soul to it — just like Philadelphia," said Lucas Murray, producer for Man Made Music.
The end result debuted on the air at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
KYW Newsradio also unveiled a new voice talent: accomplished film and stage actress Deidre Goodwin. And we took the wraps off a fresh new logo.
"Taken together, it captures the Newsradio legacy perfectly," said Silverman. "It’s a nod to the heritage."
And we're singing right along with you:
Some of the historical versions of our famous “KYW Newsradio” jingle:
KYW Jingles from the 1940sSeems we’ve always had a song in our heart. These classic KYW Radio jingles are from the 1940s, and include a catchy holiday version.
The KYW Newsradio Jingle StoryOriginally broadcast back in March of 1998, KYW’s Bill Roswell produced these reports marking the 20th anniversary of the “KYW Newsradio 1060” jingle (2:31)
KYW’s 40th Anniversary “Love Song”Written by Larry Freedman & Bob Dewald in 2005 as part of KYW Newsradio’s 40th anniversary of “All News. All The Time.” Sung by Bob & Denice Nejame. (1:35)
40 Years of KYW Newsradio JinglesFrom September of 2005, this is a montage of our KYW Newsradio jingles as heard during our history. (1:20)
1976: “Catch The Spirit”KYW Newsradio’s early jingle produced as part of the nation’s Bicenntenial Celebration. (1:03)
1978: “Philadelphia Turns Us On”This was the first use of the “KYW Newsradio 1060” vocal signature line — a.k.a. “The Hook.” (1:07)
1981: “You Never Needed Us More”Theme used for station identifications and promotional announcements during the early 1980s.