Back by popular demand to celebrate the July 4 Independence Day holiday, Recorded Recreational Reading for the Blind will be re-airing its new hour-and-a-half program titled “Celebrating America in Music.”

The program will air on RRRB’s “Music & Memories” podcast beginning on July 2 and continuing for some weeks thereafter.

Speaking about the program, its creator and narrator, Mel Livatino, said: “I was given a great country and a great time in the life of that country, both of which made it possible for me to do what I have done. Had I been born into another time and country — say, 18th century China — I should very likely have had a short, brutish life of nil accomplishment and an enormous amount of suffering before becoming at a young age ‘remains’ no one would remember. But I was born into America in the middle of the 20th century. In all the centuries mankind has occupied this planet, that was the very best luck one could have. America in the mid-20th century was the greatest gift God could have given me. Our program celebrates in music this gift we have all been given.”

“Music and Memories” is available on the RRRB website, readingfortheblind.org/. Click on “Listen to the Podcast.” Scroll to the bottom of the podcast page, click on “2” then scroll up until you come to “Music and Memories.”

In future weeks “Music & Memories” will be airing individual programs devoted to the greatest love songs of the 20th century, the songs of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, John Denver, Simon & Garfunkel, and an evening of instrumental music that will move listeners to tears. Each performer and song is introduced with an explanation of its place in popular music and Livatino’s particular memories of that performer or song. New programs are loaded on the podcast by the end of each Wednesday.

Recorded Recreational Reading for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1971 to deliver news, helpful information, stories, and entertainment for the blind and visually impaired throughout Maricopa County and beyond. Many of its programs are also richly enjoyed by the population at large.

RRRB’s office and studios are located at 9447 N. 99th Ave., just across the street from Sun City. The phone number is 623-933-0985. RRRB warmly welcomes visitors to the studio on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings or Thursday afternoons. Visitors, volunteers, and donations are always most welcome, but it is best to call before coming.