MOBILE — In a quiet and unexpected passing, Catt Sirten, the voice behind 92 ZEW's airwaves, bid farewell to this world on Aug. 6. He was 68.
According to a Facebook post by 92 ZEW, Sirten was discovered while producing his cherished Sunday Jazz Brunch program.
Thousands of people gathered at the Saenger Theater in Mobile on Aug. 15 to commemorate Sirten's life and the profound influence he wielded, resonating not only within the radio world but also listeners and other who knew him intimately or passively.
Sirten founded 92 ZEW in 1984, establishing not just a radio station, but a sanctuary for music enthusiasts. Yet, as he often shared, it wasn't the lure of the spoken word that piqued his interest into the realm of radio; it was his love for music. A YouTube video captured him expressing, "I was always really into music," underlining his connection to the art.
In the 13-minute video, Sirten looked back at a time in his past — a moment that rekindled his determination during a challenging time. He recounted a memory of himself at 17, seated in his Tennessee bedroom, using an eight-track player and a microphone, introducing the next track. A grin appeared on his face as he recalled his youthful excitement.
"If I had told that little 17-year-old boy one day you're going to get to be in the studio and work for 10 hours in a row just doing radio, that little kid would have went (jumps up and down)," he said.
While Sirten's influence resonated far and wide, it was his personal touch that left a mark on those who had the privilege to know him. Bill Rowan, a longtime friend and confidant, met Sirten through mutual connections in 2010. As an instructor of video production at Spring Hill College, Rowan found an ally in Sirten as they transformed a radio studio into a dynamic television set. The duo's mission was to spotlight local musicians, offering a platform for up-and-coming artists to find recognition.
"Catt wanted to do a show about local musicians that he was acquainted with," Rowan said.
The endeavor flourished, prompting Bayside Academy to reach out, seeking their expertise. This partnership forged a deep bond between the two collaborators, a bond that extended beyond the professional realm.
"We would eat lunch every week for years," Rowan said.
He painted a portrait of Sirten as someone who was always willing to extend a helping hand.
"He was always there for anybody who needed him with anything," Rowan added.
Rowan highlighted the uniqueness that set Sirten apart, describing how he crafted his shows like a sculptor.
"He had developed his own genre basically. Although it was jazz, it was his jazz," Rowan said.
He also said that at the end of every program, the radio host would play a jazz version of "Amazing Grace."
"This was a jazz version he had discovered when he had a good friend whose husband passed away, and she had a request on one of his programs to play 'Amazing Grace,'" Rowan said.
The longtime friend of Sirten reflected on a special memory he carries.
"I think it was some of the times when we would produce the shows over at Bayside and the television show," he said.
Rowan finished by saying the presence of the radio host elevated a lot of local people in the music industry and that his absence will not only impact him, but the community as well.
Nick Wiggins, assistant program director at WNSP, recounted his own experiences with the 92 ZEW founder.
"My first impression of Catt was, 'Wow this is a peppy guy.' He'd describe himself the same way. I'd tell him how I want to be like him when I'm older, and he assured me that it is entirely possible with the correct attitude and mindset," Wiggins said.
Their friendship blossomed over shared passions, particularly their love for videography.
"He told me he wanted to be the music version of Santa Claus," Wiggins said, "and just bring joy to everyone."
