Induction of KUVO JAZZ and Carlos Lando into The Colorado Music Hall of Fame
The legacy of jazz in Denver is deep and it is rich. It is filled with musicians, bands, nightclubs, and of course radio.
With that in mind, it was close to 40 years ago, a magical, invisible beacon was launched into the air via Denver’s radio waves. It was late August in 1985 when a small group of visionaries led by Florence Hernández-Ramos, literally flipped the switch to make the dream of an Hispanic-managed public radio station a reality.
Yes KUVO was born!
The U.K.-based Telegraph named it among the best jazz stations in the world and it was named the Major Market Jazz Station of the Year by JazzWeek. Its team of DJs and producers, operations managers, fundraisers, its board of directors and of course its wonderful and dedicated volunteers has kept KUVO as one of the world’s favorite radio stations.
And it is an on-air community center for the thousands of Denver music fans, musicians and music students. I’ll never forget the moment I heard of the tragic news of trumpeter Ron Miles passing. I, like so many of my friends and musician partners turned to KUVO so we could grieve his passing but also celebrate his musical legacy. It was the same with Ellyn Rucker, Neil Bridge and of course our beloved Freddy Rodriguez. I remember when we felt somewhat imprisoned during COVID. But we could always rely on KUVO and the comforting, recognizable voices – a warm jazz blanket during uncertain times.
Carlos Lando’s radio career began 57 years ago, in the vibrant, the diverse, the welcoming, the beautiful, the idyllic, the rhythmic musical island of Puerto Rico.
His first job at a radio station was in Jr. High at Ramey Air Force Base in Auguadilla, Puerto Rico. Following high school, his career quickly took off and he was soon working in radio between New York City and then back to Puerto Rico.
Carlos was soon interviewing all kinds of music personalities like Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone and hundreds of others. Carlos shared a story about the end of one memorable interview with Count Basie, “He shook my hand, smiled with that cigar, and he goes, 'Son, you just keep doing what you're doing. We need people like you to not only remember, but to move the music forward.'” Count Basie, I think he took your advice!
In 1980 he became the music and program director at Five Points own, 1510 KDKO.
In 1987, with Flo as President/CEO, Carlos became the program director and DJ of The Morning Set with Steve and Abby, his signature show which I still wake up to every morning.
Carlos eventually became President and General Manager of KUVO JAZZ.
Throughout his time at KUVO Carlos has instilled a culture of excellence. I know we sometimes take for granted this wonderful institution, but as a former board member, I can tell you I’ve seen how the sausage is made. That delicious musical meal that comes over the 89.3 airwaves takes a lot of work, blood, sweat and tears. KUVO has been a journey of highs and lows, struggles and successes. And one of the biggest highs was when Carlos, working with Amanda Mountain, merged KUVO with Rocky Mt. PBS ultimately, building its new, state-of-the art studios with amazing performance spaces.
But the undisputed fact Carlos has always made the music the anchor. It is one of the main reason dusty ‘ol Cowtown Denver is also the jazz capitol of the West. KUVO is one of the main reasons that Denver is not seen as a stop off for jazz musicians—it is a destination. If you are like me, I’ve had hundreds of driveway moments, when you are driving home and you just can’t get out of the car until that song or that interview ends!
And of course all of our favorite DJs – Midmorning Jazz with Tree King, Arturo "Lunchtime!" Gómez, Midday Jazz with Kim Berry, Evening Jazz with Paul Donovan, The Night Beat with Andy O’, Canción Mexicana, The Gospel Train with Deborah Walker, Brazilian Fantasy with Cenir and so many, many more!
Carlos, Flo and all of KUVO – I also want to speak as a musician. Being a jazz musician is not easy. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we might make hundreds of dollars a year! But KUVO having our backs is a confirmation. It is an affirmation. It is an inspiration. Your promotion of our gigs on the air, KUVO staff showing up at our performances, KUVO’s willingness to have us perform live on the air in the KUVO studios, your support of the Five Points Jazz Festival. And on a personal note – I’m the son of 2 music teachers. My mother Julie was one of the founders of the National Association of Jazz Educators. Your support of young, student jazz musicians and their teachers and jazz education is beyond admirable. It keeps this incredible American art form alive and thriving. Carlos Lando is the namesake of the Carlos Lando Colorado Music Educator Award.
On behalf of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, on behalf of jazz musicians and fans of music everywhere, I am honored to induct KUVO, Florence Hernández-Ramos and Carlos Lando into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
– Andrew Hudson, former KUVO JAZZ Board of Director
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