02/20/2007
Joel Dorn, voice-over talent
I assume most people poking around here are familiar with Joel Dorn's work as a record producer; Rahsaan Roland Kirk's Atlantic albums, Bette Midler's first two records, Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," Leon Redbone's first album, "Compared To What" by Les Mcann and Eddie Harris live at Montreux, Jane Monheit, etc., etc., etc.
I met Joel in the 80's, and I've stayed more or less in touch with him ever since. Among his many gifts, Joel has a rich, wonderful voice. He was a jazz DJ on the radio in Philadelphia in the early 60's, did some wild on-camera appearances as a TV commercial personality in the early 70's (Rondo H. Slade, The Masked Announcer), and now voices a channel for Sirius Satellite Radio and several cable radio channels in California.
A few years ago, Joel had an idea for a radio show called "The Masked Announcer Radio Hour." I put the demo together with him. The show wasn't picked up, but I still have the demo. One of my favorite parts (written and acted by Mr. Dorn) was a satire on self-improvement via the airwaves.