Outer Focus (2nd & 4th Tuesdays)
Outer Focus 13: One of many to honor Bill Lupoletti
Amadou Hampâté Bâ (1901-1991), a Malian writer and ethnologist, is credited for saying before UNESCO in 1960, “En Afrique, quand un vieillard meurt, c’est une bibliothèque qui brûle.” (“In Africa, when an old man dies, it’s a library burning.”)
I am part of this community and this radio station because of Bill Lupoletti.
I took his wife Alyssa Salomon’s alternative processes class during my undergrad years at VCU. She was my favorite professor that year (2013). I met Bill when she invited our class to celebrate the end of the semester at their home. I remember how warm and full of love the house felt. Bill had a twinkle to him, I don’t know how else to describe it. I found out about his show shortly thereafter and was immediately hooked. Nowhere else that I had ever lived (and I’ve lived in quite a few!) was there a radio station that played *REAL* world music. He was the first person I met in my life that — besides my family and some friends I made in the African & French diaspora — who knew who Amadou Y Miriam were, and would send me their new releases whenever they came.
When I joined WRIR and wanted to train to be an on-air DJ, I immediately requested that he be my mentor. I now regret not going to shadow him for more of his shows. He was always so beautifully organized and insanely knowledgeable. He not only stressed how important it was to “decolonize” our ears, but also how important it is to share information about the music you were playing. He was an excellent teacher; emphasizing the role that radio played in humanizing music and making it accessible. He felt monumental, yet was so approachable. To say I looked up to him is an understatement. He was my WRIR hero, a true Richmond icon. I am overwhelmed with grief knowing I will never be able to ask him about his most recent favorites again. What an absolute legend and immeasurable loss for our city and this station.
About a year ago, Bill asked me to substitute on his fantastic show Global A Go-Go. I was so excited and nervous; how could I possibly cover music as well as he could? I decided to focus on Sudanese music. After the show aired, he left me my first comment on a show blog post; a huge compliment that I will cherish forever.
Today’s episode is one of many that I will dedicate to him for sure. Groove down on us, Bill. To pass away on Halloween is such a legendary Richmond way to leave us. We already miss you so much.
Show archive
Playlist
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Miriam Makeba, “Ha Po Zamani (Stereo Version)”
from Pata Pata (Mono & Stereo Versions)
Strut - 1967
South African
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