Okorie Johnson, also known as “OK Cello” being interviewed by Lois Reitzes. Photo by Summer Evans
WABE-FM’s Lois Reitzes Graces the Atlanta Arts Community with Decades of Dedication and “That Voice” By Holley Calmes
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n 1979, a young woman recently graduated from Indiana University’s School of Music, began her employment at Atlanta’s classical music station, WABEFM. From 1982 to 2017 her low, melodious voice soothed listeners as she hosted “Second Cup Concert.” Then, expanded formats placed her as host of the station’s “City Lights” in 2017. She has served as the station’s Director of Programming and then Arts and Cultural Programming since 2007. But Lois Rietzes is so much more than that.
Generations of listeners have grown up considered her their personal voice of Atlanta’s arts. She is more than a representative of WABE’s “brand,” she is one of Atlanta’s Arts treasures. “Being on air as long as I have, people have come to associate me with the arts in Atlanta,” Reitzes explains. “That is something for which I am most grateful.” This gratitude came with a front row seat to witness Atlanta arts’ history. continued on page 8
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