Murray Street Archives

Steve Rathe formed the Murray Street Productions in 1981 and continues as senior producer for specials and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Radio series. Utilizing his extensive background in production, high energy and an ear for detail, he consults often on program development and marketing. Rathe also built NPR’s Contemporary Music/Events Unit, creating Jazz Alive!, American Music Sampler, a live broadcast of The White House Jazz Festival, and the Prix Italia-winning opera-buffa Civilization and its Discontents. Recognition received by the unit’s programs included the Peabody and Headliner awards, a Grammy nomination, and jazz’s “Golden Feather.” Steve produced Sweet Honey in the Rock’s Good News Album. Over the years, Steve has collected music and which required organization and placement at a University Archive.

Amy Horowitz prepared the collection for placement to the UNC Archives:

The Steve Rathe Collection consists of audiovisual materials, supporting documentation, and office files relating to radio productions for National Public Radio and Murray Street Productions that he compiled. Radio programs represented in the collection include Appalachia Waltz, Folk Festival, USA, HEAT with John Hockenberry, Jazz Alive!, New Music America, RadioVisions, SportsBand, and The Territory of Art, among others. Other miscellaneous audio recordings found in the collection include unidentified radio productions, demos, audition tapes, dubbed recordings of 78s, and conference recordings. There are also moving image materials compiled by Rathe, including live performances, promotional videos, dubbed television broadcasts, video production materials, and video materials relating to select radio productions. The collection also contains festival programs, posters, souvenir books, t-shirts, and other ephemera from various music and art festivals. Photographic materials primarily consist of portraits and images of Steve Rathe relating to his work in the radio industry, circa 1978-2000.

Produced by Steve Rathe