 
Srian Obeyesekere
He is the most `in demand’ radio
music presenter today. He is Tom Hart, and he keeps winning over hearts
when he is at the controls cutting a swathe specialising in dishing out
some top drawer stuff in country and Western music or what is popularly
called `Golden Oldies.’
Indeed, 36-year old Tom Hart, who is with Radio One, and formerly of
Yes FM and Gold FM fame, who breathes sheer music for bringing just the
right mix to listeners, cuts out an ‘Elvis like Pelvis’ image for his
husky, drawling voice, somewhat reminiscent of the late king of rock ‘n
roll whom he refers to as ‘the king of music.’ ‘Panorama’ sought to
bring a life like image of the man with such a captivating voice
recognising his rare skills in the trade.
Country and Western music listeners must be ever thankful for
bringing to them songs that had never reached Sri Lanka before like Ila
Grant’s `Yellow Rose’, ‘God Bless this couple’, `Married by the Bible’
and Jamaica Johnny’s `Mother and Wife’.
And the man proudly says that `nobody knew who Ila Grant was `till I
fished out that music from the archives which of course needs much
research. And judging by his commitment to his profession Tom has it in
him to dish out the best to listeners.
If his voice is compelling, Hart’s rare gift of giving songs that
listeners have not heard before through much research is what has
equally propelled him to be one of the most sought after presenters.
And like ‘music is the food of love,’ music, confesses Tom, is `my
first love’ and `my life blood.’ In fact, Tom grew up with music as a
knee high kid, graduating from bands to dishing out club music before
setting out to go out and capture the world in which he has become a
seasoned professional having being trained by Philipino Steven Stone
when he was with Yes FM doing the 9 to 10 show.
How would he describe the smashing impact he brings as a presenter?
“Can’t really explain it,” reacts Tom modestly as he gets into rhythm,
adding,”That knack has come to me inherently. And, you need to know the
pulse of the listener. The pulse is always there if the songs are
attractive.
Country music is the most meaningful in contemporary music starting
from Gentleman Jim, Hank Locklin and Kitty Wells, one of the first
Country and Western female artistes. Today, it has spread. So many radio
stations have taken to it. Lots of people call and talk and want a
particular song. Sometimes they don’t even know the name of the song. It
depends on your versatility in tracing the right song.”
And of course, as Tom insists’, here it is hi tech. You have to be
knowledgeable with all the software. I get some exclusive stuff. Nobody
has it. That’s what makes a radio station special. Lots of clients come
for how the presenter endorses your product. Most don’t do that.
You must know whom you’re catering to. For instance, a middle aged
person won’t listen to rap. Furthermore, getting sponsors is a huge plus
point. When I was at Gold FM I bartered nine sponsors,’ and already four
for Radio One being just three months with them.’ He also imparts that a
radio station should importantly have a format.
 “If
you lose that, you lose your objective. Whatever song has to be
meaningful. It is proved that the best listeners are those who like
oldies. And you must have the purchasing power where you must focus on
the market you cater to.” He says his work is made easier due to Radio
One’s efficient female presenter - Monique who also sings at
RNB.“Monique is one of the best newcomers we have,” he says.
Seventeen years in the field, Tom cut his teeth in the industry doing
the popular programme - `Juke Box’, a live classic and contemporary song
request show when he was with MTV when he also had the distinction of
interviewing the, Venga Boys, UB-40 and MLTR - all top musical groups.
He has a huge word of praise for his Chairman Nahil Wijesuriya, who
in Tom’s words, `is such a taskmaster that he’ll be quick to show
somebody who can’t do a particular chore how to do it.’ Tom credits his
boss and CEO Chaminda Wickramasinghe for doing big things for listeners.
“During last Christmas Nahil’s generous cash bonanza saw one lady win
Rs. 50,000. Nobody can win such big money in this field,” quips the
seasoned professional, on the job 13 hours a day and who has transformed
Radio One in so short a space into top notch stuff in the field that is
so popularly known as retro music.
No wonder the man, whose programme - the drive titled, `The drive
with Tom Hart’, has a magical dash when it comes to the likes of Country
and Western music. |
