Bill P.'s Legacy

I have previously alluded to the late Bill Pearce; my favorite radio broadcaster of all time. Mr. Pearce hosted the earlier program, ‘Night Watch’ and a subsequent broadcast, ‘Night Sounds’ for over 50 years.

During those five plus decades of ministry, Bill touched the lives of literally millions of listeners with his topical messages, rich baritone solos and trombone renditions; as well as a myriad of ‘hip’ and not so ‘hip’ musical selections by numerous 20th century Christian artists.

As time wore on, as it is prone to do, Mr. Pearce began experiencing slight, and then progressively major difficulty enunciating his words, so much so that he mentioned it ‘on the air.’ Ultimately, Bill made an appointment with a physician, and was diagnosed with,

Parkinson’s Disease

Sometime after the turn of the 21st century, the great Christian disk jockey, (if he may be referred to in this manner) singer and trombonist was forced to step away from the control booth for the last time, and to submit himself to the care of a nursing facility; in which he lived out the remainder of his days.

A couple of years prior to Bill’s passing, one of his former producers visited him in that Pennsylvania nursing home. Of course, the great radio personality was thrilled to see him. Mr. Pearce’s ability to speak may have been ‘past tense’ at this point in his life, but there was nothing wrong with hearing or mind. 

Before he departed, “Mr. Ames” decided he’d make things a bit more interesting, if for no other reason than to provide Bill a break in the routine of the place in which he found himself.

“Bill, you know many things in life aren’t permanent, and aren’t meant to be. I mean, take the 50 years of Christian radio programs that you hosted. There’s a whole lot of good stuff in the vast broadcast archives which you assembled. Still, you and I both know that material is outdated. I’m sorry, some things are meant for a season, and then fade away.”

Well, I would like to have been a fly on the wall that day. History has it that Mr. Pearce’s eyes widened, and his face turned a bit ashen. However, before the tears found the opportunity to well up in the great man’s eyes, Mr. Ames spoke again.

“Bill, I’m just teasing with you. Your broadcasts are still being aired, night after night, and now they’re available on the internet. (www.nightsoundsradio.org) We have made arrangements for your voice and music to go on reaching millions for decades to come.”
And with that, it seemed the little man with a voice as big as all outdoors, and an equally big heart relaxed, and a broad smile enveloped his face. He was a man altogether ‘taken up’ with Legacy, and his personal legacy is safe for years to come.

As I listen to Bill Pearce’s distinct voice today, it is almost impossible to comprehend that he is no longer with us. He seems so present and his monologue and music so ‘there there,’ it is as if he never left us.

May God increase the impact of ‘Night Sounds’ and hold this bless-ed man in the hollow of His loving arms.


By William McDonald, PhD. From (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol.40. Copyright pending

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