America at 250 Episode 16: "An Opry of Our Own: Litchfield's pioneering 'Radio Karaoke' as a document of time and place."
After seeing karaoke performed for the first time in New York some years ago, John Michael Marty had an idea: why not broadcast live amateur singing? Introducing his idea to the Passport Lounge in his hometown of Litchfield, IL proved that his thought was a good one as it took right off in popularity.
I had a great time talking with John Michael and hearing all the amazing stories of what came from such an innovative concept. Just like Nashville has its Grand Ole Opry, Litchfield, for a time, had their own version, attracting folks from all around or just passing through to stop by the source of so much fun.
This is the sixteenth episode of a special season of the Everything is a Primary Source where, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, American pop culture is examined for historical value and for connection to the founding of the country in July of 1776. While karaoke and radio would each, individually, freak the founders out, John Michael's innovative thinking is exactly what Thomas Jefferson and company were envisioning when setting the country out on its own.
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