June 1930 to October 1971

Like his predecessors, Richard L. Evans began by announcing the titles of compositions and the station identification. In time, he began to relate the title of a song to some point of philosophy or moral value. These short thoughts flowed from the music and evolved into two-to-three-minute nondenominational "sermonettes." Listeners were so pleased with the additions he made that he began crafting weekly inspirational messages. His trademark sermonettes became known for their simple eloquence and uncommon wisdom.

For forty-one years, until his death, Richard L. Evans continued as announcer, writer, and producer of Music and the Spoken Word. His name and voice are forever linked to the broadcast. His indelible contribution is still imprinted on each broadcast. The closing words he wrote many decades ago remain unchanged today: "Again we leave you from within the shadows of the everlasting hills. May peace be with you this day and always."

In addition to the weekly broadcasts, Richard L. Evans accompanied the Choir as it traveled to sing in concert halls throughout the world. As the Choir announcer, he would introduce the music and add well-chosen words of commentary and humor.

Among others, Richard L. Evans was instrumental in bringing Music and the Spoken Word to television in 1949. In 1959 the broadcast was voted in a national listeners' poll as America's most popular classical and religious program. Evans understood the awesome power of broadcasting to spread goodwill and worked tirelessly to make his messages uplifting and inspiring.

Richard L. Evans' death was unexpected. He was only sixty-five years old when he died just after midnight on 1 November 1971. He worked vigorously, as usual, up to his final days, when he became ill with a viral infection. Just before he died, as he lay in his hospital bed, the prerecorded Sunday morning broadcast came on. His voice and words, on nationwide broadcast, encouraged faith in the future.