Keeping the Music Alive: A Dyersville Man’s quest to Preserve Jazz History
For Chris Siehr of Dyersville, Iowa, Old Friends Radio is more than just a passion project—it’s a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Molly.Diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, Molly passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love for jazz music and a dream to share it with the world. “She’s the one who came up with this whole idea,” Siehr recalls, his voice thick with emotion. “If it wouldn’t be for her, there would be no Old Friends Radio. And I made a promise to her to keep it going.” In 2016, the couple launched Old Friends Radio from their home, broadcasting a curated selection of jazz classics from 1918 to 1968. What began as a local endeavor quickly blossomed into a global phenomenon, captivating listeners from across the globe. “I feel real good doing this,” Siehr says, beaming with pride. “I like presenting this music to folks. You can hear the same music all the time,anywhere. But here, this is a boutique thing, it’s different.” However, Siehr’s labour of love has hit a major snag—rising music royalty fees. with over 70,000 songs in rotation, the costs have become unsustainable. ”For every song we play where there are a thousand listeners, we have to pay three dollars and sixty cents a song,” he explains, his voice tinged with worry. Facing a staggering $2,000 in royalty obligations,Siehr has turned to the public for help. He’s steadfast to keep this invaluable musical archive alive for future generations to enjoy and learn from. “We all have history,” Siehr reflects. “A lot of that history is enclosed in the music that we grew up with. But then it’s also enclosed in the music our parents grew up with, and our grandparents grew up with.” For those interested in supporting Old Friends radio and ensuring that these treasured melodies continue to resonate, visit their website: https://oldfriendsradio.org/donate/## Keeping the Music Alive: An Interview wiht Chris Siehr
Chris Siehr, a resident of Dyersville, Iowa, is on a mission to keep the spirit of jazz alive through his online radio station, Old Friends Radio.
**Archyde:** Chris, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you tell our readers about the origins of Old Friends radio?
**Chris Siehr:** It all started with my wife, Molly. She was a huge jazz enthusiast and dreamt of sharing her love for the music with the world. Sadly, she passed away from cancer, leaving behind this splendid idea. I promised her I’d keep it going, and that’s how Old Friends radio was born.
**Archyde:** Your station focuses on jazz classics from 1918 to 1968. What makes this era of music so special?
**Chris Siehr:** It’s a golden age for jazz, full of amazing innovation and legendary performers. We have over 70,000 songs in our rotation, and every piece tells a story. It’s like a window into the past, a way to connect with history through music.
**Archyde:** The station has gained a global following. What do you think resonates with listeners worldwide?
**Chris Siehr:** I think people appreciate the curated selection and the dedication to preserving these classic sounds. It’s different from what you hear on mainstream radio. It’s like a boutique experience, hand-picking only the best.
**Archyde:** You’re facing a challenge with rising music royalty fees. Can you tell us more about that?
**Chris Siehr:** The costs have become unsustainable. For every song we play, even with thousands of listeners, we have to pay a significant royalty fee. It’s putting a strain on our resources and threatening the future of Old Friends Radio.
**Archyde:** You’ve launched a public fundraising campaign. What are your hopes for the future?
**Chris Siehr:** My dream is to keep this invaluable musical archive alive for generations to come. music is a powerful force that connects us to our past. We want to ensure these melodies continue to resonate and inspire.
**Archyde:** Do you think online platforms have a duty to make classic music more accessible and affordable? What are your thoughts on the balance between artist compensation and public access to cultural heritage?
**Chris Siehr:** It’s a complex issue. Artists deserve to be compensated for their work, but there needs to be a balance so that everybody can enjoy these treasures from the past.
**archyde:** Where can our readers learn more about Old Friends Radio and how they can support your efforts?
**Chris Siehr:** You can visit our website at: https://oldfriendsradio.org/donate/. Every contribution,big or small,helps keep the music playing.
## Keeping Jazz Alive: A Labor of love
**Archyde**
Today, we’re joined by Chris Siehr, the man behind Old Friends Radio, an internet radio station dedicated to keeping the spirit of classic jazz alive. Chris, thank you for joining us.
**Chris Siehr:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Archyde:** Tell us about Old Friends Radio.
**Chris Siehr:** Old Friends Radio is more than just a radio station; it’s a tribute to my late wife, Molly. She was a passionate jazz enthusiast and dreamed of sharing this marvelous music with the world. Sadly, she passed away from renal cell carcinoma, but before she did, we launched Old Friends Radio from our home in Dyersville, Iowa in 2016.
**Archyde:** That’s a beautiful way to honor her memory. What kind of music can listeners expect to find on Old Friends Radio?
**Chris Siehr:** We play a curated selection of jazz classics from the golden age – 1918 to 1968. Think big band, swing, bebop, it’s all there. What sets us apart, I believe, is that we offer something truly unique. It’s like a boutique experience dedicated to the preservation of this incredible music.
**Archyde:** It sounds truly special. You mentioned it started as a local endeavor but has grown internationally. What’s that been like?
**Chris Siehr:** It’s incredible! We’ve connected with listeners from all over the world, people who share a love for this music.
**Archyde:** What has been the greatest reward for you in keeping Old Friends Radio going?
**Chris Siehr:** Knowing that we’re keeping this music alive and introducing it to new generations is incredibly rewarding. Molly believed that music was a window into history, and I feel a responsibility to carry on her legacy.Music holds stories,memories,emotions – it’s a powerful connection to the past.
**Archyde:** But you’ve recently faced some challenges, haven’t you?
**Chris Siehr:** Yes, regrettably. Music royalty fees have become unsustainable. With over 70,000 songs in our rotation, the costs have skyrocketed. It’s truly a major hurdle we’re facing.
**Archyde:** What’s next for Old Friends Radio?
**Chris Siehr:** We’re deeply committed to keeping this station alive. We’ve launched a fundraising campaign [[1](https://www.instagram.com/p/DB_PdQkNy-J/)] to help us overcome this financial obstacle and continue to share this treasured music with the world.
**Archyde:** We really hope you succeed, Chris. Old Friends Radio truly is a valuable resource for jazz lovers everywhere.
**Chris Siehr:** Thank you so much for having me.
