Alistair Cooke Recordings
Few voices have so gracefully bridged the Atlantic as Alistair Cooke, the British-born journalist whose warm, incisive observations of American life and culture enchanted millions around the world. This special digital collection brings together seven recordings spanning more than three hours of audio, offering a rare and intimate portrait of a man who became one of the most trusted—and beloved—commentators of the 20th century. From his early days as a film critic and NBC correspondent to his legendary 58-year run on the BBC’s Letter from America, Cooke possessed an unmatched gift for explaining the United States to the world, and the world to the United States.
Collection Highlights
- Includes the poignant Archive Hour Alistair Cooke Celebration, a tribute that reflects on his extraordinary career and the 2,869 installments of Letter from America.
- Hear Cooke’s firsthand account of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968—a moment he witnessed from just a few yards away, captured in the gripping Special Report 450412 Alistair Cooke.
- Features insightful biographical portraits of towering figures, including Biography In Sound episodes on Winston Churchill and H.L. Mencken, as well as a warm Statement Account on Eleanor Roosevelt.
- A delightful rarity: Cooke appears on Eddie Condon’s Jazz Concert from 1944, blending his distinctive commentary with the sounds of a classic Easter Parade broadcast.
Track Listing
Show all 14 tracks (3 hours, 57 min)
- Archive Hour Alistair Cooke Celebration
- Biography In Sound 541128 02 Finest Hour Winstin Churchill
- Biography In Sound 560710 55 H L Mencken
- Eddie Condons Jazz Concert 441111 26 Easter Parade
- Special Report 450412 Alistair Cooke
- Statement Account 580000 Alistair Cook Eleanor Roosevelt
- Un Radio 560000 Friendly Warning Alistair Cooke
- Archive Hour Alistair Cooke Celebration
- Biography In Sound 541128 02 Finest Hour Winstin Churchill
- Biography In Sound 560710 55 H L Mencken
- Eddie Condons Jazz Concert 441111 26 Easter Parade
- Special Report 450412 Alistair Cooke
- Statement Account 580000 Alistair Cook Eleanor Roosevelt
- Un Radio 560000 Friendly Warning Alistair Cooke
