The story behind the Chicago Stadium organ along with a demonstration by Stadium organist Ron Bogda

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10 жыл бұрын

This feature aired between periods of a Blackhawks telecast on WFLD-TV, Chicago, (CH 32) in 1976. The first segment was about its history; the second segment showed what it could do.

Пікірлер: 73

@Mike-kc8rl 2 жыл бұрын

What a shame this one of a kind instrument didn't find a suitable home! The sound of this pipe organ is almost haunting. I live in the UK and i remember as a child my father had a record of this Barton organ and it had that tune my vision on it, always remember how moving it was hearing it in the empty stadium. This brings back memories.

@GP8201 3 ай бұрын

Someone bought this organ and the system of pipes etc. yrs. ago and it lives on! Search "pipe organ Phil Maloof".

@Aerospacer77 6 жыл бұрын

The magic of the old Chicago Stadium will live with me forever. Thank God I was lucky enough to experience the magic of it in the 1990's before they tore it down.This is a great video. Thanks for sharing.

@SuperStrik9 9 жыл бұрын

Whenever the topic of organs comes up my father always mentions the old organ in Chicago stadium and how it's the best sounding organ of all time.

@shiningarmor2838 9 жыл бұрын

He would love the organ in Boardwalk Hall with its 33,000 pipes

@JAYZIGGY5 5 жыл бұрын

Your father wasn't lyin!

@The_Frozen_1 3 жыл бұрын

Your father was 1000% correct. It's an unbelievable organ!

@jpb1912 8 жыл бұрын

I will never forget walking up the steps into the Stadium or the first time: Indescribable! Started going for the hawks games, and then really to hear the organ. Andy Frain always upset cause I wouldn't leave until "My Vision" was finished after the lights were dimmed after the end of the game. The world's loudest, most wonderful organ ever made in the perfect windowless acoustically perfect building......Heaven. Thank you Mr. Palmer for this wonderful feature. Very well done (of course!)

@ktok17 7 жыл бұрын

I know how you feel! Almost impossible to describe, but the goose bumps and the "feel" of the organ's pipes vibrating through the building are felt in your body, in your soul. The anthem...well...incredible! Hard to see though with that damn mist in my eyes! 😂 Other good Stadium organ videos here and if you are lucky, you can still find a copy of the CD "My Final Vision" by Frank Pellico. Need a good sound system to appreciate the stereo surround sound.

@fuzzypony 6 жыл бұрын

I went to Chicago Stadium after graduating USN boot camp,. My uncle, who lived in the NW suburbs took me to a Blackhawks game. Ended u with a 'Hawks win-and the best organ recital ever!

@justinlavoie4810 10 жыл бұрын

What a neat video!!! That was quite an instrument. Thanks for sharing this!

@flyjarrett 5 жыл бұрын

I remember how the Chicago Stadium organ’s low notes would vibrate the entire building so that you could feel it in your seat. I feel very fortunate to have experienced that growing up in Chicago in the 80s and 90s.

@iamrepete 10 жыл бұрын

It's been 20 years since the short sighted owner encouraged by the present organist sold this absolute one of a kind treasure.Sometime afterwards it was moved to trailers in Arizona. Most of it (not the console) burned in fire...the biggest tragedy,in my opinion,to happen to what could have,and should have been,this organ in the old Chicago Stadium museum and/or National Historic Landmark.

@VinylToVideo 7 жыл бұрын

This terrific organ definitely should have went to the new stadium. "Too big?" Bullshit! Surely the new stadium is bigger than the old one!?

@sezerkaraman1769 7 жыл бұрын

so ture

@John-qt9bi 5 жыл бұрын

A true shame. Pellico was the worst organist to ever play the great Barton.

@ricktomlinson5481 5 жыл бұрын

@@VinylToVideo You are so right ! This organ should have been moved to the new stadium BUT it's all about the money and out with the old and in with the new! Squeaky wheel gets the oil and I guess enough people didn't scream about the situation at the time to save her! I think the fans would have supported the restoration needed and there are organ historical societies that help with such projects too, So yes a bunch of jack asses dumped the old girl ! Too sad for words !

@VinylToVideo 5 жыл бұрын

@@ricktomlinson5481 The console was saved but the pipes were destroyed in a warehouse fire. Watch Dean Lemire play "Hooray for Hollywood" on it elsewhere on KZfaq.

@christopherkoutnik4430 11 ай бұрын

Chicago Stadium. What a great Building it was. I still miss it Today.

@skifusya2814 4 жыл бұрын

Ron Bogda played the Stadium organ through the 1981-82 season. Subsequent regular Stadium organists were Bob Raatz (1982-83 through 1984-85), Nancy Faust (1985-86 through 1988-89), and the worst of the bunch, Frank Pellico (1989-90 through 1993-94).

@brmhandle 7 ай бұрын

The reason they didn’t move the organ from the Stadium to the UC was because Frank told them not to because he struggled with the Barton and preferred a keyboard. Would have been a priceless relic and made the UC even better.

@hoss-lk4bg 4 ай бұрын

amen on your accurate frank pelico assessment

@hoss-lk4bg 4 ай бұрын

wonder if bob raatz is still around

@TheSeeker1960 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that Brad. I only went to the old stadium to watch hockey but my memories are of the the organ and the barn itself, and quite a few Hawks/Stars/Blues/Wings games. I loved intermissions listening to the organ and just looking around, great stuff. If it wasn't for the Oilers we may have won a cup or 2 back then.

@sammee6602 9 жыл бұрын

Just beginning to view your posts Mr. Palmer. Thanks for sharing. Great stuff from your broadcasting days and some wonderful stories. Chicago has a never ending supply of sports interests. So far, my favorites, The Stadium, Ron Bogda, Milan HS Hebron, IN and now getting into Bears past games. Best regards.

@SgtAndrewC 6 жыл бұрын

I used to be Ron's organ tuning assistant in the mid-2000s. Great to actually hear him play!

@hoss-lk4bg 3 ай бұрын

lie

@ldhorricks 8 жыл бұрын

Ive asked on many youtube clips what the name of the tune that was played by the Organist at the Montreal Forum at the beginning and end of each period and often after Habs goals...no one seems to know what the tune was called. It must be on in the background of hundreds of videos here. Thanks Brad for this...another gem from a fantastic career and time in Blackhawks and NHL history.

@bradpalmer7944 8 жыл бұрын

I wish I had the answer for you. I wouldn't have come up with "My Vision" if I hadn't done this feature.

@nedbraden5816 6 жыл бұрын

"Les Canadiens sont la."

@russhook6595 4 жыл бұрын

3 BLIND MICE was played when the refs went on the ice. lol I think that was in Montreal Forum? Could have been MLG in Toronto.

@graciemaemarie11jones16 Жыл бұрын

that organ-otherworldly beautiful

@sneakypete3560 6 жыл бұрын

I sure miss the good old days.

@MsDago1 8 жыл бұрын

also another Chicago favorite was Leon Berry

@jrzzrj 7 жыл бұрын

Wow.....a bit of nostalgia.....Them were the days.......

@russhook6595 4 жыл бұрын

them waz!

@thepetehill 4 ай бұрын

Love this! Nice memories

@bradpalmer7944 4 ай бұрын

Thank you. That's why I started this channel, to keep memories like this alive by sharing.

@peterparicka7933 2 жыл бұрын

Soooooo amazing

@stepheneggert2696 3 жыл бұрын

I recall it was proper ...the organist wore a suit and tie back then..as it was back then..as i recall mr.melgard did ..he played most events when we go to the ice shows..hockey and basket ball games..when the bulls came in 1970..i saw them play in the old amphitheatre..building.in chicago.. .

@mrnasty02106 Жыл бұрын

All of them wore suits and ties back then, especially in black (what else). Like the interviewer, I've never played one. No one in my family ever owned or played one. The interview was nicely done. This goes to show the HOW and WHY: old stadiums (and hockey/basketball) had this, before baseball did. I think it was in the 40s, that baseball caught on (to preserve the sound of theater organs, which again, I think it stupid; the silent era was long gone by that poitn). I still think it's stupid idea (symphonic/classical music at sporting event), but that was 1929.

@kadeperry673 5 жыл бұрын

6:41-7:02 how Al Melgard got the job as the organist I think.

@Tmanaz480 6 жыл бұрын

LOL ... The audio sounds like it's going thru a tremulant.

@mousevisiter25 Жыл бұрын

Nothing like the Hawks leaving the ice after a victory and hearing “My Vision”

@Scranton0 4 жыл бұрын

Great to see Palm with hair on his head too.

@matts.6904 2 жыл бұрын

@Brad Palmer any chance there's a tape copy of this with the full "My Vision" being played (without the cutout) at the end?

@bradpalmer7944 2 жыл бұрын

KZfaq has several copies. Here's one: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nZhga7iqtszYhGw.html&start_radio=1

@bradpalmer7944 2 жыл бұрын

You might also enjoy this short video I made about the organ and the Stadium's history. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mZx6oJB4ls2Rias.html

@matts.6904 2 жыл бұрын

@@bradpalmer7944 Thank you very much

@mrceleb2006 8 жыл бұрын

The Swedish national anthem could have sounded beautiful on this monster pipe organ!

@herbpetrillo163 4 жыл бұрын

Or the russian national anthem

@chooch1995 3 жыл бұрын

Brad, what year was this interview done? Great stuff!

@bradpalmer7944 3 жыл бұрын

It was done during the 1975-76 season on WFLD (Channel 32) in Chicago. It aired between periods of a Blackhawks game.

@stepheneggert1551 5 жыл бұрын

I hope mr.rocky w. bring home our old restored Barton console it's in a home in vagas..some rich hotel owner music room..why?.. it's big enough the the uc. have the Allen organ co. plug it in. it can be done...not in a booth.. ty.

@Parker6432 4 жыл бұрын

Sad the sound quality is so poor :( Organ sounds awful :(

@richardforce5620 3 жыл бұрын

Wow

@Chodaboy65 Жыл бұрын

Launch it in March, right as COD burnout is really going strong.

@shiningarmor2838 9 жыл бұрын

Is this organ still around?

@shiningarmor2838 8 жыл бұрын

That's sad. Someone should reinstall it as a digital organ.

@stevelee3264 8 жыл бұрын

It is currently installed in the Maloof residence in Las Vegas. There are some youtube videos.

@JonasClark 7 жыл бұрын

It's currently playing real pipes.

@RefrigeratedWaffles2 4 жыл бұрын

The console with the manuals and stops is still alive, the original pipes, chests, and ranks were destroyed though.

@georgeb1364 10 ай бұрын

I was lucky to see, hear and sit at the restored console at Phil Maloof's home in Las Vegas several years ago. He also has at least 2 other theater organs there including a 5-manual Kimble along with a huge collections of things including, at a separate location, a huge car collection. As mentioned in other posts the pipes and other components were destroyed in a fire however the console was spared. The original console now controls a digital relay system and plays through real pipes. Mr. Maloof passed away from covis lately so the future of the organ is unknown. Several KZfaq videos show the organ at the Maloof Las Vegas home here is one: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o7yepqejmsXdZYE.html

@gotolunch 9 жыл бұрын

this work of art was in the way of rich people who like to make money. the stadium was destroyed.and then later most of all the instrument perished in a fire. once again $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ rules

@stepheneggert7388 3 жыл бұрын

Should have been moved to the u c. It was part of Chicago hockey ..and Chicago sports..would been worth all the money in the wourld...now most teams are putting in big electric organs again .. Detroit ..tampa.has a nice walker..I belive...

@bradpalmer7944 3 жыл бұрын

The organ could not have been moved. It was part of the building and occupied much of the ceiling. The keyboard was removed and became a collector's item, much like saving a computer keyboard without the computer.

@Nobody48488 9 ай бұрын

It’s completely untrue to say it couldn’t have been moved to the new stadium The cheap owners refused to pay for the removal and installation, it’s that simple

@robjaimes8830 22 күн бұрын

The Kings installed a theater-style organ a few years ago, and it sounds great live. Agree re: what the Wings and Lightning have done.