Dr. Jonathan Øverby, an important voice in Wisconsin broadcasting and world music for more than three decades, has announced his retirement from WPR.
Since 1994, Dr. Øverby has served as the host and executive producer of WPR Music’s “The Road to Higher Ground with Jonathan Øverby,” guiding the program through several incarnations, from an engaging talk show to a live music and variety performance program, and ultimately to its current weekly world music format.
The show’s title reflects Dr. Øverby’s belief in public broadcasting’s role in extending the educational mission of the university beyond the classroom — bringing knowledge, scholarship and artistic excellence to all of the state’s residents.
Dr. Øverby was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2023. In 2022, he was inducted into Folk Alliance International’s Folk DJ Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Kansas City. He was named a distinguished broadcaster at the University of Wisconsin-Extension in 2013 and honored with the University of Wisconsin Colleges and Extension “Wisconsin Idea Award” in 2016 for his “outstanding contributions to service and education to society, and the quality of life in Wisconsin, the nation and the world.”
“As Dr. Øverby retires, we celebrate his dedication to WPR listeners and his decades of service to the state of Wisconsin,” WPR Director Sarah Ashworth said. “‘The Road to Higher Ground’ has brought music appreciation, education and a better understanding of our world to communities in Wisconsin and beyond. My family listens on Saturday nights in our kitchen, and I’m deeply appreciative of how Dr. Øverby brings people all over the world together and provides a way to connect through music. We have all learned so much about this wide, diverse and engaging expanse of music and the performers and creators who have inspired generations.”
Dr. Øverby said “The Road To Higher Ground” represents the lifelong journey toward greater knowledge, compassion and human connection that has defined his work as a broadcaster, educator, conductor, and ethnomusicologist.
“Music reminds us that while our cultures, traditions, stories and favored styles of music may differ, our humanity often meets at the same intersection where the celebration of life thrives,” Dr. Øverby said.
Outside of WPR, Dr. Øverby serves as host and executive producer of the annual State of Wisconsin Tribute and Ceremony Honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the oldest state celebration of Dr. King in the nation. Following his retirement from WPR, Dr. Øverby will continue leading this event, while expanding his work as an international lecturer, conductor, ethnomusicologist and cultural ambassador.
Dr. Øverby also serves as an expert lecturer for Smithsonian Journeys, presenting programs that explore the history, music and cultural traditions of destinations around the world. He is founder and artistic director of the Columbus Chamber Choir, where he leads performances spanning classical masterworks, world folk traditions, gospel and contemporary choral literature.
His ongoing work includes public lectures on world music and cultural history, guest conducting and educational residencies, consultation on multicultural arts initiatives, and the development of new media projects that celebrate the musical traditions of cultures from around the globe.
Dr. Øverby holds a doctorate in Administrative Leadership in Higher Education from Edgewood College in Madison and was the first post-doctoral fellow in the history of the college.
Before joining WPR, Dr. Øverby produced and hosted a weekly gospel music program on Madison’s WORT community radio for more than 20 years. He was appointed to the Wisconsin Arts Board by Gov. Tommy Thompson and served multiple terms as vice chair. Dr. Øverby was born and raised in Milwaukee. He is a “Distinguished Alum” of Rufus King High School. For the immediate future, encore episodes of “The Road to Higher Ground with Jonathan Øverby” will continue to broadcast on WPR Music from 5-9 p.m. Saturday evenings. Future schedule adjustments and new programming will be announced in coming months.
