Bliss Michelson, 71, of Trenton, a popular classical-music radio host and an accomplished double bass player, died Sunday, March 14, of COVID-19 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton, N.J.
Mr. Michelson’s wife, oboist Peggy Wiltrout, also died of COVID-19, on Feb. 26 in New York.
Known for his warm voice, conversational explanations of the pieces he aired, and ebullient personality, Mr. Michelson had been a part-time host at WRTI-FM (90.1) since 2014. He was also an interviewer for the station’s Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert broadcasts and regularly performed on the bass.
Nicknamed the “Blissman,” Mr. Michelson was on the air at WRTI every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and filled in frequently for other hosts. He spent 13 years in the double bass section of the San Antonio Symphony and more recently performed with, among others, the Buffalo Philharmonic, New Jersey Capital Philharmonic, Staten Island Philharmonic, and Newtown Chamber Orchestra.
Respected for his general knowledge of orchestral music and conductors, Mr. Michelson was proficient as a radio host and interviewer. Sitting in his swivel chair at the studio’s microphone and control board, he put nervous on-air guests at ease with his friendly ways and explained sophisticated selections to his listeners in what he called his “average guy” voice.
“I learned a great deal from Bliss about the music and composers,” a listener wrote on WRTI’s online tribute. “His smooth, calming voice made some of the worst days a little better.”
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