On Sunday, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square celebrated a significant milestone by performing the 5,000th episode of its longstanding music program, “Music & the Spoken Word.” Launched almost a century ago on July 15, 1929, this program is acknowledged for its unique ability to connect spiritually with its audience, marking an impressive duration through numerous historical events, including the Great Depression and the COVID-19 pandemic. The momentous occasion took place at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, where over 11,500 attendees gathered to witness the choir’s tribute and enjoy a live performance, particularly highlighted by their rendition of the song “The Morning Breaks.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement to Fox News Digital, proudly declaring that “Music & the Spoken Word” stands as the longest-running consecutive broadcast of its category, with a staggering weekly audience exceeding 6 million listeners. Choir volunteer Heidi Swinton expressed the resilience of the program, emphasizing how it has consistently served as a source of hope and encouragement throughout challenging times. She noted that the Choir has often been regarded as a comforting voice, reminding audiences that they can endure hardships together.
“Ronald Reagan famously referred to it as ‘America’s Choir,’ and rightly so,” Swinton remarked, referencing the choir’s sustained presence since the inception of radio broadcasts. The importance of the choir extends beyond music; it embodies a sense of unity and shared fortitude through trials and tribulations, delivering messages of hope and camaraderie to its listeners.
Reflecting on the impact of this program, 101-year-old Warna Huff shared her poignant memories of listening to the very first broadcast when she was just five years old. Over the decades, she has remained a faithful viewer and reiterated the uplifting effects of the music, saying, “It just makes you feel good… It just makes you feel something that you need. The music’s beautiful.” Her sentiments resonated with many who hold these broadcasts close to their hearts and treasure the feelings they evoke.
LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson also provided testimony to the profound influence of the program in his own life. He recounted his childhood memories, highlighting how “I cannot remember life without ‘Music & the Spoken Word.’” This deep-rooted connection underscores the program’s significance not only in the present day but also throughout numerous generations.
The achievement of reaching the 5,000th episode has been lauded as an “unprecedented accomplishment” by the LDS Church, reinforcing the program’s enduring legacy and its far-reaching global impact. Nelson articulated the essence of the program’s message, stating, “Music is the universal language of the Spirit,” reinforcing the belief that music holds a unique ability to resonate with the human spirit in ways that mere words cannot replicate.
Overall, the two-hour broadcast continues to bridge the gaps of time and space as it serves as a vessel for inspiration and spiritual nourishment for millions. As “Music & the Spoken Word” continues onward from this momentous milestone, it remains a testament to the power of music and its role in fostering community, reflection, and hope amid life’s uncertainties. The program stands as an emblem of continuity, embodying the collective experiences of its listeners throughout nearly a century and paving the way for future generations to find solace within its melodies.
