New York Public Media Classical 105.9 WQXR Newark NJ/New York morning host Jeff Spurgeon will retire from the station in early September ending a 50 year radio career and 30 years at the station.
Spurgeon has hosted mornings on WQXR since 2006 after previously spending time in the station’s news department and hosting middays. He first arrived in New York in 1989 spending six years at Bonneville Hot AC “Mix 105” WMXV. He commented, “What a wonderful adventure it has been to explore the world of classical music with the listeners of WQXR. Now, after a long, rich season of 30 years at the station, it is time to conclude my part in that adventure. I am unceasingly grateful to my employers for the opportunities I’ve been given, to my colleagues for their collaboration and support, and to WQXR listeners for their kindness. I shall continue to be a listener and financial contributor, and I look forward to what’s next at the station as WQXR, later this year, begins its 10th decade of service to classical music in New York City.”
WQXR head Eileen Delahunty commented, “Jeff has been the weekday morning companion for generations of WQXR listeners. He’s often the first voice in someone’s day and the soundtrack to their morning routines. Through his humor, insight and warmth he has connected a vibrant community of classical music lovers, making the music both accessible and inspiring. From the anticipation of his daily Morning Bach feature to the challenge of Know-It-All New Yorker trivia, Jeff has brought joy to listeners across New York and around the world. We are profoundly grateful for his years of dedication and for the extraordinary community he has built around the station.”
Program Director Jenny Houser followed, “Jeff has made countless contributions to WQXR content over the years, but he has also mentored and helped professionally develop so many folks at the station. His remarkable gifts and unwavering excellence as a broadcaster are matched by his kindness, collaborative spirit and incredible sense of humor that all of us have been lucky to experience as his colleagues. Though we’ll miss Jeff’s voice on the airwaves, I’m excited for our weekday morning listeners to spend more time with Paul, a familiar voice who brings his own sense of fun, wonder and love of classical music to the host’s chair.”
Longtime New York market personality Paul Cavalconte will serve as interim morning host following Spurgeon’s departure. Cavalconte, who previously worked at stations including 92.7 WLIR, 101.9 WQCD and WRXP, 102.7 WNEW, and 104.3 WNCN and WAXQ, currently hosts weekend mornings on WQXT along with specialty shows “Cavalcade” on AAA 90.7 WFUV and “New Standards” on Jazz 88.3 WBGO.
