COLCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) – Since 1931, WDEV Radio has been the voice of Central Vermont, and Joel Najman has been a staple on the airwaves.
Najman informs radio listeners with news briefs — the good, the bad, and the ugly. But down below the studio is where he finds joy — the WDEV music library. Two rooms chock full of vinyl.
“Believe it or not, I use a miner’s light when I’m down here,” Najman said, as he digs for gold in the stacks. “One of the greatest singers of all time — Sam Cooke — right here,” he points out. “Kingston Trio — still one of my favorite acts, ever… McGuire Sisters — you name ‘em, we got them here.”
In 1955, a 45 record — named for the revolutions per minute on the turntable — cost around 65 cents. Cheap enough for kids to buy, like Najman, growing up in New York City. It’s been his passion ever since. “I’m always delving into the history of contemporary popular music,” he said.
The collection is enough to make your head spin — 30,000 records that are music to Najman’s ears.
“I try to quiz him on it. I would say, ‘What’s the flip side of Mills Brothers song.’ He came up with it,” said Jack Donovan, a long-time WDEV host.
“I haven’t seen anyone in broadcasting in Vermont that has his depth of knowledge,” said Myers Mermel, WDEV’s owner.
Longtime Elmore, Vermont, singer and songwriter Jon Gailmor is one of Najman’s favorites.
Najman says music is also his salvation. “Peak behind the curtain, I have my own battles with clinical depression and whatnot. I pulled out of everything and accomplished what I have accomplished, I think, thanks to the music, that’s been part of my life,” he said.
Najman’s been at WDEV for 30 years but there’s another place up the radio dial where’s he’s held court for 40 years — Vermont Public — where he hosts “My Place” every Saturday at 7 p.m.
Rarely seen during the day, Najman prefers the solitude of evenings to produce his show. “I’m the Nighthawk here,” he said. “I did a program that was, had 18 songs all about bananas.”
It’s the history behind the music. “For me, they made one concession for ‘the old guy with the 45s,’” Najman said. The turntable spins his beloved 45s and he finds harmony in all types of music to help with his depression.
“I’m tackling all these issues. I decided not to give up at 80. I think 80 is going to be a start. I want to talk to you when I’m 90!” Najman said, leaving on a positive note.