I found out REALLY early this morning (3am) that we lost a giant in the film music world. Beth Krakower sadly lost her long battle with breast cancer. My heart sank when I heard the news.
I’ve never met Beth, but I’ve known her for years… decades even. Like many people who have supported CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO, I’ve never met them in person but their impact on the show; its viability and popularity is credited to many people I have never met face to face.
Beth was introduced to me via Ford Thaxton. Back then she was working at Milan Records. Milan, through Beth, was one of the very first record labels to supply my show with new music to play on air… FOR FREE!!!
Beth was a huge supporter of film music on the radio, so much so that in 1998 she formed her own company, CineMedia Promotions, which specialized in publicity, radio and web promotions. Back then there weren’t many of us producing film music radio programs but Beth saw the value of getting film music heard on the radio. Even up until her final days, she always made sure we all were caught up with the latest releases to play on our shows.
Because of her, in part, my collection of albums has ballooned to 6000 physical and digital releases. Many of these scores I’ve played on the program for my listeners who in turn purchased those albums for their own personal enjoyment. That’s the power of radio and Beth knew it from the get-go.
In 2016, Beth founded The Krakower Group.
Beth and I only chatted briefly on the phone… most of our correspondents were via email… however when we did talk, and even with the millions of things she had to do that day, she made me feel like the most important person in her life at that moment. She made sure all my requests were fulfilled and would even follow up to make sure I was happy and if there was anything else she could do.
There aren’t many people like Beth in the industry today!
Beth was a smart, brave, courageous, and strong woman. Through all the pain and suffering she had to deal with after her diagnoses she always kept her head up. She didn’t give up! Where most people would have thrown in the towel, Beth stayed positive and kept herself busy doing what she loved, right until the end.
I’m sorry that I never got the chance to thank Beth formally for everything she has done not only for me but for the rest of the film music community. My little radio program would not be “on the air” today if it weren’t for Beth’s generous and loving support.
On behalf of everyone here at CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO, thank you for everything, Beth! You’ll be missed but not forgotten. You are an inspiration and you’ll always be a part of us. Rest in peace.
-Erik-
PS – Beth introduced me to David Shire’s TAKING OF THE PELHAM 123 on her short-lived film music radio program, THEMES AND VARIATIONS. The theme was her intro music. I’m embarrassed to say this but I had never heard of the score up until that point. That was 2005. Shocking I know. But that’s the power of radio. The score is now one of my all time favourites!
If you would like to read more about Beth and her battle with cancer please click HERE!
