Harvard Radio’s ‘Hillbilly’ Dies at 62

Brian D. Sinclair ’62, the witty co-host of the WHRB Radio show “Hillbilly at Harvard,” died Dec. 28 of leukemia. He was 62.

“Hillbilly at Harvard” was created 50 years ago, but in “Ol’ Sinc”—Sinclair’s on-air persona—the show found a co-host with a unique love for country music for a show whose title sounds like an oxymoron.

The only show devoted to country music in New England, “Hillbilly at Harvard” has acquired a faithful base of listeners who tune in for the banter of the co-hosts as much as for the music.

The show is popular for its mix of classic and contemporary artists and the playful banter between “Ol’ Sinc” and fellow Harvard graduate Lynn E. Joiner ’61, known as “Cousin Lynn.”

It was his enthusiastic approach to country music that set Sinclair apart from other show hosts, said fans.

“Listening to him talk, you gained an appreciation for country music, even if you didn’t particularly like country music,” said David J. Zimmer ’04, who is general manager of the station.

Sinclair bridged the gap between country music and the Harvard community, inviting country music performers and fans into the studio.

WHRB President Mona C. Lewandoski ’03 said Sinclair helped make the studio “a warm and familial place.”

“He was a real sweetheart,” Lewandoski said. “He always shared his doughnuts.”

Sinclair, an only child, born on Nov. 4, 1940, began listening to music whenhe was growing up in Sabattus, Maine.

The family relocated to Quincy, Mass., where Sinclair graduated from North Quincy High School.

After graduating from Harvard with a degree in French, Sinclair went on to graduate school at the University of North Carolina and pursued an advanced degree in linguistics.

Harvard was an integral part of his life, and he later held several jobs at the University in human resources and labor relations.

Sinclair was also the chief civilian administrator at the Harvard University Police Department.

But Sinclair’s primary role on campus was as a co-host for “Hillbilly at Harvard.” Sinclair feted his country friends each year at an annual country Christmas party, when friends and family along with musicians would come to the studio and play hillbilly music, Lewandoski said.

The show will continue every Saturday, with Joiner broadcasting alone between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., treating listeners to the likes of Patty Loveless, Iris DeMent, Ralph Stanley, Jim & Jesse and D.L. Menard.

—Staff writer Maria S. Pedroza can be reached at mpedroza@fas.harvard.edu.