RELIGION

‘Music & Spoken Word’ Host Marks 30 Years With Weekly Program

May 16, 2021, 10:58 PM | Updated: Apr 14, 2023, 4:00 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Music and the Spoken Word has celebrated a new milestone in 2021, marking 30 years since its host, Lloyd Newell, has shared universal, inspirational messages of hope during the weekly broadcast with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

For decades, great voices have echoed throughout the Tabernacle.

During the last 30 years and nearly 1,600 broadcasts, Lloyd Newell has been the singular voice accompanying the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square — rejoicing during times of celebration and renewal and providing comfort when we need it most.

Newell recently shared his thoughts with KSL-TV about reaching this milestone.

“I’m so humbled to be able to do this,” he said. “I never imagined when I started this as President (Gordon B.) Hinckley called me that, 30 years later, we would be having this conversation.”

KSL joined Newell in an empty Conference Center, all part of pandemic adjustments, as he recorded a new batch of Spoken Words.

“I get letters from people from all over the world that this is their bright spot,” said Newell.

In 2020, Music and the Spoken Word, which is normally broadcast live in front of an audience, was silenced by COVID-19 restrictions,

“I just felt like, we need to say something to the world that is in turmoil through this global pandemic,” said Newell.

With a little creativity, Newell, along with a small production crew, came together to record new “Spoken Word” messages.

Those messages were then edited into previous broadcasts.

“We can’t bring 400-500 choir and orchestra members in to record some music, but I can come in with a crew and we can record new Spoken Words, where we talk about the pandemic, hope, about peace in troubled times,” said Newell.

As churches stood in isolation and congregations sat quietly, Music and the Spoke Word continued reaching people across the world.

“This is their hope for the week, especially over the pandemic, where they say, ‘This has been my worship service. This has been my spiritual uplift. This has been my inspiration,'” said Newell.

The nondenominational messages ascribed to universal themes of hope, peace and connection.

“When President Hinckley called me, his counsel was, ‘Each message needs to be an inspirational gem.’ Those two words ring in my ears and in my heart regularly,” said Newell.

Newell’s and the choir members’ roles are callings in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This isn’t their full-time job and they aren’t paid.

“That’s something that always surprises people,” said Newell.

Newell writes each unique “Spoken Word.” He said his inspiration comes from his everyday life, family members and even complete strangers.

“I can’t tell you the letters of people that I’ve received from around the world that say, ‘What is it about this program? What is this? It’s more than music, it’s more than just a little message,'” said Newell. “It’s the power, I believe, the power of Godliness coming through music that touches people’s hearts.”

A power Newell feels can withstand the test of time as the broadcast’s longevity — the longest running in history (since 1929) — can attest to.

As he looks back on the last 30 years, Newell said he’s grateful for the calling that helped shape his life.

“As President Hinckley told me, ‘This calling will change your life,'” he said. “It has changed my life for the better in ways that I can’t even fully express or give utterance to.”

There is still no word on when Music and the Spoken World will be able to fully reconvene.

As for Newell’s future with the Choir, he shared he will continue serving.

KSL 5 TV Live

Religion

The Toronto Ontario Canada Temple. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)...

Madison Swenson

Locations of new temples in Ghana, Norway announced; Canada temple to undergo renovations

The locations of two international temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been announced. Church officials also said the Toronto Ontario Temple will be closing for renovations in the coming months.

11 months ago

The Columbus Ohio Temple. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)...

Madison Swenson

Open house begins at Ohio temple; ground broken on first temple in Papua New Guinea

Following extensive renovations, the Columbus Ohio Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is back open to the public for a two-week open house. A groundbreaking ceremony was also held over the weekend for a new temple in Papua New Guinea, the country's first.

11 months ago

parents stand holding photos of missing kids...

Ladd Egan

Parents ask for help finding missing kids they say are being hidden by followers of Warren Jeffs

A group of parents, who were once part of the FLDS community, gathered to ask for helping finding their missing children. They believe those children have been assisted in running away by those loyal to convicted felon, the jailed Warren Jeffs.

12 months ago

San Diego California Temple. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)...

Madison Swenson

San Diego California Temple closing for renovations; open house set for new Japan temple

Open house and dedication dates for the Okinawa Japan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been released. Church officials also announced that the San Diego California Temple will be closing in a few months for extensive renovations.

12 months ago

Gerald Groff, a former postal worker whose case will be argued before the Supreme Court, speaks dur...

Associated Press

Supreme Court to deliver answer in religious mailman’s case

Now Groff's dispute with the Post Office has reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which will consider his case Tuesday. Lower courts have sided with the Post Office, which says Groff's demand for Sundays off meant extra work for other employees and caused tension.

12 months ago

Rabbi Chaim Zippel and his wife Esty. (KSLTV)...

Erin Cox

New rabbi hopes to bring Utah County’s Jewish community together

A Utah Rabbi is looking to continue his family's thirty-year tradition of bringing Utah's Jewish community together.

12 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Close up of an offset printing machine during production...

Les Olson IT

Top 7 Reasons to Add a Production Printer to Your Business

Learn about the different digital production printers and how they can help your company save time and money.

vintage photo of lighting showroom featuring chandeliers, lamps, wall lights and mirrors...

Lighting Design

History of Lighting Design | Over 25 Years of Providing Utah With the Latest Trends and Styles

Read about the history of Lighting Design, a family-owned and operated business that paved the way for the lighting industry in Utah.

Fiber Optical cables connected to an optic ports and Network cables connected to ethernet ports...

Brian Huston, CE and Anthony Perkins, BICSI

Why Every Business Needs a Structured Cabling System

A structured cabling system benefits businesses by giving you faster processing speeds and making your network more efficient and reliable.

notebook with password notes highlighted...

PC Laptops

How to Create Strong Passwords You Can Actually Remember

Learn how you can create strong passwords that are actually easy to remember! In a short time you can create new ones in seconds.

‘Music & Spoken Word’ Host Marks 30 Years With Weekly Program