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Oscar Treadwell

Host of Jazz with OT

Oscar Treadwell returned to the Cincinnati airwaves as the host of Jazz with OT in August, 2005. Everyone at Cincinnati Public Radio was thrilled and honored that the legendary Oscar Treadwell agreed to come out of retirement and go back on the air. In April, 2006, we were saddened by his sudden death. However, thanks to his family, Jazz with OT continues on as WVXU rebroadcasts programs from his archive.

OT's career as a radio personality began in 1947 at WEEU in Reading, PA. From there he moved to stations in Camden, NJ and Philadelphia. His concentration in jazz led to friendships with many jazz luminaries including Dave Brubeck, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, many of whom immortalized him in music. First came Wardell Grey's "Treadin with Treadwell." Then, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie created "An Oscar for Treadwell" in honor of their friend. Thelonious Monk followed suit with "Oska T."

OT moved to Cincinnati in 1960, joining WZIP in 1962, WNOP in 1965, then to WGUC in 1973, where he was a jazz host for 22 years before moving to WVXU in 1995. Programs at WAVE and WMKV followed until his retirement in June 2001.

“I consider the opportunity to return OT to the air to have been one of the highlights of my professional career, “ said Richard Eiswerth, President and General Manager of Cincinnati Public Radio Inc., upon Oscar’s passing.  “He was the consummate ideal of a true professional, a warm and engaging gentleman and a gentle man.”

Jazz with OT is heard Sunday evenings at 10:00 pm EDT.