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Tony Mowod

Tony Mowod, Executive Producer / Jazz Host, at WDUQ-FM 90.5, (his four hour nightly show is heard on the JazzWorks jazz network broadcasting 24/7 to public radio stations across the country), is also the President and Founder of the Pittsburgh Jazz Society, and has been one of Pittsburgh's most enduring champions of jazz for over four decades. Even as a teenager, Tony, dazzled by the tremendous number of jazz greats from his native Pittsburgh, responded to them not only as a fan does, but as a young musician himself. (The vibraphone was his instrument of choice after studying classical piano as a youngster.)

While attending Duquesne University, Tony embarked on his broadcasting career at WDUQ. Since then, he has been associated with WAZZ, WTAE, WKPA, WYDD, WAMO, and finally, coming full circle back "home" to WDUQ.

Tony has also been involved in theater. Appearing off-Broadway and on TV, as well as local pursuits in professional summer stock, the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Pittsburgh Children's Theater, and Duquesne University's Red Masquers, among others. Tony has written album/c.d. liner notes for nationally and locally known artists such as Houston Person, Chris Vadala, Jimmy Ponder, Hendrik Meurkens, Lori Russo, Frank Cunimondo, Al Dowe/Etta Cox, Joe Negri, Don Aliquo, & Gene Ludwig, to name a few. Mowod has interviewed thousands of people, from all walks of life, mostly musicians such as, Oscar Peterson, Shirley Horn, Frank Sinatra & Joe Williams. His relaxed style and informative questions are his forte.

But there's no doubt about his first love, jazz. Tony's enthusiasm in communicating his affection for music earned him recognition as "Radio Personality of the Year" for three consecutive years, 1967 to 1969. A year after that, the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival honored him for his continuing effort to promote jazz music. California University of Pennsylvania awarded Tony the "Excellence in Jazz Promotion Award" for both 1989 and 1990.

The readers of 'In Pittsburgh' magazine also nominated him one of Pittsburgh's Top Five D.J.'s in 1989 and 1990. In 1992, he was presented with a plaque by the River City Brass Band for "Outstanding Contribution to the Growth and Development of Jazz." Vectors/Pittsburgh nominated Tony for "Man of the Year in Communications"1996, 1997, 1998, & 1999. In 2000, Mowod was nominated and awarded by Vectors / Pittsburgh as "Man of the Year in Arts & Music". In 2001 he was the recipient of the "Outstanding Achievement in Broadcasting Award for Radio" by the Pittsburgh Radio & Television Club.

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