Martin Bookspan was an American actor who is best known for Guiding Light, New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert, and Claudio Arrau: The Emperor.
Personal and Family Life
Martin Bookspan was born on July 30, 1926, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was married to Janet Sobel from 1954 until her death in 2008, and they had three children together. His family was an essential part of his life, and he often balanced his career in broadcasting with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Career Highlights
Bookspan was the announcer for “Live from Lincoln Center” from its first broadcast in 1976 until a special retrospective in 2006. He also announced for various classical music programs on PBS, making significant contributions to the promotion of classical music on television. In 2006, he became the first announcer to be inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Death and Legacy
Martin Bookspan passed away on April 29, 2021, in Aventura, Florida, due to congestive heart failure. His voice and presence have left a lasting impact on classical music broadcasting, and he is remembered for his dedication to the arts. His legacy continues through the many programs he contributed to and the appreciation for classical music he helped foster in audiences.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Live from Lincoln Center | Announcer | 1976–2006 |
| Guiding Light | Announcer (voice) | 1999 |
| New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert | Self | 2005 |
| Claudio Arrau: The Emperor | Self | 1987 |