By Janelle Gelfand
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dr. Jack M. Watson was the man most responsible for building the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music into the internationally renowned school of music that it remains today.

Dr. Watson, CCM dean emeritus, died Thursday at Hospice of West Palm Beach in Florida. He was 94. He served as dean 1963-74.

"Jack Watson was the founder of the modern-day CCM," said current Dean Douglas Lowry. "His vast background in radio, television, music education, vocal performance and management were all called into action as Jack brought CCM into national prominence."

In the early years at UC, Dr. Watson worked to make the opera and musical theater departments a showcase for the school.

"He was a visionary. He knew that opera was an important part of the future," said Inelda Tajo, wife of the late Metropolitan Opera basso Italo Tajo, who was recruited to teach at CCM.

Among other illustrious faculty members that Dr. Watson hired during the early years were opera stars Helen Laird, John Alexander and Andrew White; violinist Dorothy DeLay, the teacher of superstar violinists; and Dame Alicia Markova, who taught in the dance division. Max Rudolf, then music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, taught conducting.

CCM became the first major music school in the United States to offer a full complement of courses in guitar, when he hired Clare Callahan. Similarly, CCM was one of the only music schools in the country to have a harpsichordist-in-residence.

"He took a gamble, that's what he told me," said harpsichordist Eiji Hashimoto, now professor emeritus. "He was, in many ways, very flamboyant. Once he decided he was going to do something, he made phone calls immediately."

A dedicated supporter of his students, he went to students' concerts every night of the week, Hashimoto recalled.

Dr. Watson showed foresight in creating a home on the UC campus that could support the school's world-class programs. Philanthropists J. Ralph and Patricia Corbett and Louis and Louise (Dieterle) Nippert became his close friends, resulting in the widely hailed opening of the $5 million CCM complex in 1967.

He was not only a fine administrator, but he inspired the faculty continuously with new ideas, said Earl Rivers, CCM director of choral studies.

"He encouraged young faculty to develop in many directions, to branch off into other things and develop our skills," he said. "He entertained continuously on behalf of the school. They called him 'Smilin' Jack,' because he always had a great smile on his face. He made things happen."

A native of Dillon, S.C., Dr. Watson, who graduated from Cincinnati's Conservatory of Music, worked early in his career as a singer for WLW radio. In 1935, he acted for Universal Pictures, appearing regularly on the Burns and Allen Show and the first Bob Hope Show. In the '40s, he sang with big bands under Harry James and Andre Kostelanetz, appearing on the Kate Smith Show, among others. He was briefly an editor in music publishing for Silver Burdett.

He earned a master's degree at the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. He taught at both institutions, as well as Indiana University.

He held honorary doctorates from CCM and Geneva College.

His wife, Corinne Robertson Watson, preceded him in death.

Services will be held today in Dillon, S.C. Memorials may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 401 E. Main Street, Dillon, S.C. 29536.

E-mail jgelfand@enquirer.com