Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Welcome Dr. Utterback
Please take the time to review my blog and see all the information I have compiled for you to enjoy. It's full of paraphrasing, which as of last Monday you explained I shouldn't of done. (too late) Regardless play around with everything, it make take a while to load because I have 100 entries, many with picture and youtube videos to accompany them. Firstly I would like to thank professor John Murphy for helping me compile source material for my work, without him I would have been stuck deciding exactly what I wanted to do. Chances are it would be something lame like the history of media, which is what 90% of your students hand you for projects. I decided to treat you...so enjoy.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Citations
MLA Format
"Bobbito Garcia A.k.a. Kool Bob Love | Facebook." Welcome to Facebook. Web. 30 Mar. 2010. . [1]
National Radio Hall of Fame & Museum. Web. 29 Mar. 2010.
Old Time Radio Catalog: Classic Radio | Golden Age of Radio -. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. . [3]
The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame. Web. 29 Mar. 2010.. [4]
The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame. Web. 29 Mar. 2010.
"Profiles of Popular DJs, Hosts and Radio Personalities." News and Advice on Internet Radio, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, AM, FM, HD, HD-2, Podcasting, IPhone, BlackBerry, and Android Radio Applications. Web. 29 Mar. 2010. . [5]
"Radio Rewind - The Unofficial History of BBC Radio 1 & 2." Radio Rewind - Unofficial History of BBC Radio 1 & 2 - Home Page. Web. 30 Mar. 2010. . [6]
Here are the URLs
http://www.offshoreradio.co.uk/index.html
http://www.radiorewind.co.uk/radio1/presenters_menu_page.htm
http://www.radiohof.org/inducteesaz.html
http://radio.about.com/od/profilesofdjsandhosts/Profiles_of_Popular_DJs_Hosts_and_Radio_Personalities.htm
http://www.wolfmanjack.com/Xmemorial.php
http://www.otrcat.com/
http://www.radiorewind.co.uk/radio1/presenters_menu_page.htm
http://www.radiohof.org/inducteesaz.html
http://radio.about.com/od/profilesofdjsandhosts/Profiles_of_Popular_DJs_Hosts_and_Radio_Personalities.htm
http://www.wolfmanjack.com/Xmemorial.php
http://www.otrcat.com/
Sunday, March 28, 2010
1980s-Present
Sean Hannity
Most people recognize him for his television show on fox with co-host Alan Colmes. But he does have a radio show that is nationally syndicated. When he first started "Hannity worked at WVNN in Athens, Georgia then came to prominence hosting a show on WGST-AM. By January, 1997 WABC-AM/New York offered him a full-time job." From what I have listened to he represents a more conservative side to show. His television show is probably a bit similar to his radio show, but I rarely watch television or listen to the radio. One of his awards is "being selected "Talk Show Host of the Year" and named one of the "Top 100 Talk Hosts in America" by Talkers Magazine." [2]
Star and Buc Wild
These two step brothers came on the air for Hot97 WQHT-FM, New York in 2000. "The duo joined Clear Channel Radio in March 2004 and began syndicating their show on R&B stations in Hartford, Augusta and Philadelphia." The duo hit a rough patch in 2005 when Star was fired " from Power 105 after making sexually and racially charged remarks about a rival DJ's wife and daughter." I remember listening to the show but don't exactly recall this specific incident. Their claim to fame is they were the first New York radio program to beat Howard Stern in over ten years.(at the time when Howard was still doing terrestrial radio) [5]
Terry Gross
She works at WFBO where "she is host of "Fresh Air", a one-hour interview program aired on over 200 public radio stations." Her popularit flourished in 1985 when her show became syndicated "and her weekly audience totals about 2,000,000 listeners. " Quite an accomplishment if you ask me, she has also won awards as well. In fact "Terry Gross has earned a Peabody Award and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Award for "Best Live Radio Program." [2]
DJ Bobbito Garcia
He is in my opinion the greatest DJ in all of hip-hop radio. He graduated from Wesleyan University here in Connecticut. From there he meet up with Stretch Armstrong and together they put a show together on WKCR 89.9FM. "The duo introduced the world to unsigned acts like Nas, Jay Z, Biggie Smalls, Big Pun, Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep, and many others that would go on to change the face of the industry." I currently have a large number on his radio interviews in my itunes, his on air personality is enchanting. [1]
Howard Stern
Probably the most controversial talk show host in my mind, many say he defined the term shock jock. "I always resented the label of 'shock jock' that the press came up with for me," Howard Stern has said, "because I never intentionally set out to shock anybody. "The Howard Stern Show debuted in Philadelphia in 1986 and went on to air in markets across the United States." From what I've seen his show is locker room talk, mostly sexual circus freaks mixed with semi-serious news. He has become very successful and "his $500 million dollar deal (+ stock bonuses) make Stern the highest paid radio personality in the U.S." [5]
Victoria Derbyshire
"In 1999, she won the Television and Radio Industries Club Award for a Radio Program (BBC Radio 5 Live's early morning program "Five Live Breakfast") and a Sony Bronze Broadcaster of The Year Award in 2001. " She has done morning, evening, late night shows, in my opinion she has versatility on the airwaves and is one of the few British on air personalities to be honored in such regard. [6]
Liquid Todd
"In 1994 Liquid Todd broke new ground by being the first DJ with a show dedicated solely to rave and DJ culture on a major radio station in Boston - first on 101.7 WFNX, then on 104.1 WBCN." His show Solid State airs in both Boston and New York City, he was the first to launch two mix-shows. [5]
Wendy Williams
She graduated from North Eastern University where she worked as a DJ for the college radio station. With this knowledge she went on to work for 98.7 KISS FM located in New York City. In 1993 she won Billboards Best On Air award for her 6-10pm program. The station she worked for changed to hot 97 which can be heard from the New Haven area where I live. After having her talk show The Wendy William's Show it eventually transitioned to television in 2009. I have also heard that she is bald and wears wigs all the time to change her hairstyle, however this is not confirmed. [5]
Dick Bartley
He was the host and producer of ABC's Radio’s American Gold and Rock & Roll’s Greatest Hits programs. Played across America on 300 affiliated stations, Dick entertained hundreds of thousands of fans every weekend. 1982 was when his top rated Chicago program took off, it was picked up by RKO Radio Networks. His show Solid Gold Saturday Night is a classic oldies program that fans will surely not forget. [2]
Tom Joyner
Considered one of the hardest working men in radio, in 1985 he had a morning position at KKDA/Dallas while simultaneously taking an afternoon show at WGCI/Chicago. He would hop on a plane and fly to Chicago to do the afternoon show, giving him the name "Fly Jock." He can be heard on over 100 stations, his show offers music, guests, comedy, and occasionally some social-political commentary. [2]
Satellite Radio
Tony Hawk
Many like myself think of Tony as a superstar skateboarding who landed one of the most difficult stunts in all of action sports history, the 900. I also was an avid fan of his video game series Tony Hawks Pro Skater, I must have owned over six of them throughout the years. But he now has a satellite radio show called "Tony Hawk's Demolition Radio" on Faction/28, the music channel created by SIRIUS especially for action sports enthusiasts." [5]
Vincent Pastore
Many know him as "Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO-TV series The Sopranos." He host a show on Raw Dog/147, the show is about a weekly celebration of Italian American culture. It's called The Wiseguy Show which really couldn't be anymore perfect in my opinion. I've never listened to the show but I have plenty of Italian friends that can attest to the culture the show brings. My dad is also from Manhattan, he grew up around a lot Italians. [5]
MC Lyte
"Female rap star MC Lyte (born Lana Moorer) hosts weekends on SIRIUS' Hot Jamz/50 channel, and has been part of the SIRIUS on-air lineup since before its 2002 launch." I was not able to find much more information about her show other than this. I have heard her music and know she does RnB music too. I can't say I've ever taken in interest in her music, but she has had a pretty solid career. [5]
Bubba the Love Sponge
He had been with 98 Rock (WXTB-FM, Tampa) since December of 1996, then in 2004 his career was haulted after the FCC crackdown on Radio indecency. "Bubba the Love Sponge gained much notoriety when he was arrested on animal cruelty charges following the airing of a "roadkill barbecue" featuring the slaughter of a pig." I don't have enough morbid curiosity to search into this anymore. I have heard of this guy and vaguely remember his affiliation with Howard Stern, well apparently as of January 2006 he is on Howard 101, one of Howard's two radio channels on SIRIUS. [5]
Grandmaster Flash
He has a show 3 hours every Saturday night during "Flash Mash" on Boombox/61. Since I am heavy into hip-hop music I know this pioneer, he is very oldschool, way before my time. He was one of the first Disc Jockeys in hip-hop, to my knowledge he invented the needle drop after Grand Wizard Theodore discovered scratching was even possible. I would love to tune into his program and listen to him work magic on the wheels of steel. (turn tables) [5]
Ellen DeGeneres
Her show The Ellen DeGeneres Show can be found on Take Five (XM 155), the XM talk channel designed especially for women. She is a quasi-famous comedienne and actress, I've seen her in television and movies, plus I remember her television talk show. Not sure why she has decided to get into radio, probably a little less work than television. All she needs is a studio and some material to host a show. Her show is on a channels for women, not exactly sure what that means, I would assume it's like a Lifetime station but for radio. [5]
Mike Krzyzewski
The head coach of the UConn's mortal enemy, "Coach K" is has a show on XM’s Atlantic Coast Conference channel 191. His show Basketball and Beyond with Coach K is where people discuss sports, mostly basketball. I've never listened in to this show, nor have I heard of it until I came across the source I use for information. I know Coach K is very intelligent but not sure how he hosts a radio show talking all about NCAA ball. I guess it's a real niche demographic, I don't love sports that much. [5]
Tom Petty
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a favorite of my, Last Dance With Mary Jane is such an incredible song. Well "the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer hosts Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure on Deep Tracks (XM Channel 40), where he plays rock and R&B records from his personal collection, ranging from Little Richard to the White Stripes." Sounds like a lot of good rock is played on this station, I have never listened to it and I'm not sure if Tom is a disc jockey for the show, or it's a discussion with music. [5]
Quincy Jones
His show From Be-Bop to Hip Hop with Quincy Jones can be found on the Real Jazz XM 40 channel. He looks back at music from the "perspective as an artist, composer, and producer. " It sounds pretty interesting, I'm not sure what his knowledge is about hip-hop and I would be more than surprised if it surpassed my own. I do know that Quincy is a respected Jazz artist, Big Band Swing is my cup of tea. Many older hip-hop producers sample jazz and funk so this is where the tie in my be. [5]
Tyra Banks
A television personality that I have much distaste for found her way onto satellite radio. On the show she discusses women, fashion, and inane gossip. The Tyra Banks Show can be found on Take Five (XM 155). I don't ever plan on listening to her talk channel, it seems like XM will give a program to anyone these days. [5]
Many like myself think of Tony as a superstar skateboarding who landed one of the most difficult stunts in all of action sports history, the 900. I also was an avid fan of his video game series Tony Hawks Pro Skater, I must have owned over six of them throughout the years. But he now has a satellite radio show called "Tony Hawk's Demolition Radio" on Faction/28, the music channel created by SIRIUS especially for action sports enthusiasts." [5]
Vincent Pastore
Many know him as "Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on the HBO-TV series The Sopranos." He host a show on Raw Dog/147, the show is about a weekly celebration of Italian American culture. It's called The Wiseguy Show which really couldn't be anymore perfect in my opinion. I've never listened to the show but I have plenty of Italian friends that can attest to the culture the show brings. My dad is also from Manhattan, he grew up around a lot Italians. [5]
MC Lyte
"Female rap star MC Lyte (born Lana Moorer) hosts weekends on SIRIUS' Hot Jamz/50 channel, and has been part of the SIRIUS on-air lineup since before its 2002 launch." I was not able to find much more information about her show other than this. I have heard her music and know she does RnB music too. I can't say I've ever taken in interest in her music, but she has had a pretty solid career. [5]
Bubba the Love Sponge
He had been with 98 Rock (WXTB-FM, Tampa) since December of 1996, then in 2004 his career was haulted after the FCC crackdown on Radio indecency. "Bubba the Love Sponge gained much notoriety when he was arrested on animal cruelty charges following the airing of a "roadkill barbecue" featuring the slaughter of a pig." I don't have enough morbid curiosity to search into this anymore. I have heard of this guy and vaguely remember his affiliation with Howard Stern, well apparently as of January 2006 he is on Howard 101, one of Howard's two radio channels on SIRIUS. [5]
Grandmaster Flash
He has a show 3 hours every Saturday night during "Flash Mash" on Boombox/61. Since I am heavy into hip-hop music I know this pioneer, he is very oldschool, way before my time. He was one of the first Disc Jockeys in hip-hop, to my knowledge he invented the needle drop after Grand Wizard Theodore discovered scratching was even possible. I would love to tune into his program and listen to him work magic on the wheels of steel. (turn tables) [5]
Ellen DeGeneres
Her show The Ellen DeGeneres Show can be found on Take Five (XM 155), the XM talk channel designed especially for women. She is a quasi-famous comedienne and actress, I've seen her in television and movies, plus I remember her television talk show. Not sure why she has decided to get into radio, probably a little less work than television. All she needs is a studio and some material to host a show. Her show is on a channels for women, not exactly sure what that means, I would assume it's like a Lifetime station but for radio. [5]
Mike Krzyzewski
The head coach of the UConn's mortal enemy, "Coach K" is has a show on XM’s Atlantic Coast Conference channel 191. His show Basketball and Beyond with Coach K is where people discuss sports, mostly basketball. I've never listened in to this show, nor have I heard of it until I came across the source I use for information. I know Coach K is very intelligent but not sure how he hosts a radio show talking all about NCAA ball. I guess it's a real niche demographic, I don't love sports that much. [5]
Tom Petty
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a favorite of my, Last Dance With Mary Jane is such an incredible song. Well "the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer hosts Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure on Deep Tracks (XM Channel 40), where he plays rock and R&B records from his personal collection, ranging from Little Richard to the White Stripes." Sounds like a lot of good rock is played on this station, I have never listened to it and I'm not sure if Tom is a disc jockey for the show, or it's a discussion with music. [5]
Quincy Jones
His show From Be-Bop to Hip Hop with Quincy Jones can be found on the Real Jazz XM 40 channel. He looks back at music from the "perspective as an artist, composer, and producer. " It sounds pretty interesting, I'm not sure what his knowledge is about hip-hop and I would be more than surprised if it surpassed my own. I do know that Quincy is a respected Jazz artist, Big Band Swing is my cup of tea. Many older hip-hop producers sample jazz and funk so this is where the tie in my be. [5]
Tyra Banks
A television personality that I have much distaste for found her way onto satellite radio. On the show she discusses women, fashion, and inane gossip. The Tyra Banks Show can be found on Take Five (XM 155). I don't ever plan on listening to her talk channel, it seems like XM will give a program to anyone these days. [5]
Saturday, March 27, 2010
1960s-1970s
A call in talk show based around "car mechanics at Boston University’s WBUR." The Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers” were born when host Tom Magliozzi's brother Ray joined the show. Ray was famous for his "verbal sparring" with call ins, listeners loved it. Tom's on air personality was loved as well, his bickering and bantering made for a great show. It would not surprise me if this show had many prank calls, which is why Tom has arguments with the callers.[2]
John A Gambling
John was the host on WOR/New York City's Rambling with Gambling in the morning for six days a week and over thirty years. Originally he was the production assistant for his father and would ocassionally fill in if needed. The show revolved around weather, consumer reports, sportscasts with personality and the first helicopter traffic reports on radio. famous for his upbeat optimistic attitude, John eventually passed the torch onto his son who ran the program after John's retirement. [2]
All Things Considered
A news and information program during the evening drive time, the show premiered on May 3, 1971 on National Public Radio. It is an intelligent discussion of today's events, giving in depth descriptions hard news, feature stories, commentaries, and cultural reviews, linked together by musical stitches designed to evoke an appropriate mood. The first anchor on the show was Susan Stamberg, the show has earned itself Peabody, DuPont and Overseas Press Club awards. [2]
Garrison Keillor
Known for his popular show A Prairie Home Companion first aired on July 6, 1974. A combination of music and his witty nac for writing; Garrison brought listeners into a the town of Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, “where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking and all the children are above-average.” The show is still on the air today, being played on over 500 stations with 3 million listeners. [2]
Herb Kent
In the late 1940s Kent was a radio actor for NBC's WMAQ, he left for the largely African American WGES. There he learned African American radio and at WBEE started his own show devoted to a format he called “dusty records.” Kent established himself a large following of African American listeners in Chicago and was a large leader in the civil rights movement, devoting 15 minutes of his show to the “Stay in the Schools” campaign. [2]
Bruce Morrow
Better known by his alias "Cousin Brucie" he started his career in 1959 working for WINS/New York. Then in 1961 he joined the WABC/New York where his career really flourished. Most notably he spent his time at ABC hosting the famous Palisades Park rock concerts, and in 1965 introduced The Beatles at their famous Shea Stadium concert. Since he has worked on the show Crusin America, and has his own two shows on WCBS, Cousin Brucie’s Yearbook and Cousin Brucie’s Saturday Night Oldies Party. [2]
Edward F. McLaughlin
A business executive, he is responsible for the purchase of Watermark, the radio syndication company responsible for Casey Kasem’s American Top 40. First working for ABC as a general sales manager in San Francisco, he moved to New York in 1972 and became President of ABC Radio Networks. He founded EFM talk radio company and was the executive producer behind The Rush Limbaugh Show. [2]
Marian McPartland
Her career started in 1964 on WBAI-FM/New York, a weekly radio program that featured recordings and interviews of guests. Her show was picked up by Pacifica Radio’s West Coast stations and led to the creation of Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz for National Public Radio. It is currently the longest running cultural show on NPR. In 1983 the show received a Peabody award for excellence. Throughout her career Marian has recorded around 100 records, many of which were on her label Halcyon Records; which she started in 1970. [2]
Wolfman Jack
In the mid 1960s he crossed the border to Mexico and joined the powerful 250,000-watt powerhouse XERF-AM. From here he was able to reach most of the Southwestern United States. He combined the grittiness of rock n roll with his love of horror movies to create the howling personality of Wolfman Jack. It wasn't until the 1973 movie American Graffiti that people saw the face that went along with the voice; many had assumed he was African American. [2]
Robert W. Morgan
He was famous for his unique sense of timing and charm, for decades he awoke the Los Angeles residents with his signature “Good Morgan!” He also has the honor of being twice named Billboard’s “Air Personality of the Year, and getting a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. His measure of popularity was an Arbitron 20 shares, he concluded his legendary career at KRTH 101fm. [2]
Gary Owens
In 1961 he hit the big time joining KFWB in Los Angeles. His radio career started while he was still in high-school, reading the news on KORN/Mitchell. Soon after he was a DJ on KMPC, now he can be heard syndicated nightly on over 200 stations nationwide. His comedy and music programs have been syndicated and played on the air for over 30 years, ones such as: Soundtrack of the Sixties, Superfun, and Gary Owens’ Weekend Spectacular. [2]
Norman Pattiz
In 1976 Norman started his own radio station in a small one-room office located on the Westside of Los Angeles. From there his radio syndicated company would grow to be a large scale business. Westwood One is now the largest "radio network, and one of the nation’s largest suppliers of local traffic, news, and sports programming to television stations." He has also helped put radio and television in over 22 countries in the Middle East, working as a chairman on Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG). [2]
Chuck Schaden
A collector of famous golden era radio content, Chuck is said to have preserved Radio's Golden Age more than anyone else in America. In May 1970 he had his own show called Those Were The Days. This is where he shared all the vintage content he had collected through the years. His old time radio show was on WLTD, then moved to Chicago in 1975 WNIB. It is said that Chuck has collected on 1,000 radio shows, and his program can still be heard today on Saturday afternoons on WDCB/Glen Ellyn. [2]
Vin Scully
Vin was a famous broadcaster for the Dodgers, he announced for them in both Brooklyn and then Los Angeles. He has described some of the greatest moments in baseball history, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax. He has announced World Series Championships in: 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981 and 1988. His voice was heard when Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game in 1965. His vocabulary is said to be incredible as well as being well versed in the English language, in 1976 he was voted “most memorable personality” in Los Angeles Dodger history. [2]
Rush Limbaugh
He started his career in Kansas as a disc jockey and then Pittsburgh. The in 1978 he left radio to work for the Kansas City Royals baseball team, five years later he returned to radio for Kansas City news casts. He started putting his own opinions and views into the news cast which consequently got him fired. He moved to KFBK/Sacramento and then onto WABC/New York where he was a hit, and with the help of Edward F. McLaughlin, went national. Rush is popular for his strong opinionated political views, majority of which are partisan, and controversial. [2]
Charles Osgood
The voice of CBS news during the early seventies, leaving behind the carefully crafted Osgood Files. Before joining CBS in September 1971, he first worked for WCBS Newsradio 88/New York from 1967 to 1971 as a morning anchor and reporter; he was also ar general manager at WHCT/Hartford, Connecticut and program manager at WGMS/Washington, DC. [2]
Orion Samuelson
A farm broadcaster who has been talking to the Midwest since 1960. He spent his first eight years in Wisconsin at WKLJ/Sparta, the moved on to Appleton's WHBY. He was the farm director at WBAY, his show today National Farm Report is syndicated on over 260 stations He can also be found on Samuelson Sez a weekly report where he gives his professional opinion on the agricultural community . [2]
Steve Dalh
Started working at WDAI/Chicago in 1978. He is most famous for "Burned disco records at Comiskey Park during his "Disco Demolition" in 1979 and received national publicity." [2]
Don Imus
He started his career in 1970 and worked for WNBC/NewYork "and while there, he gained national recognition. The format was a mixture of rock and roll records, coarse jokes, and banter with listeners." I used to hear his sports show on WFAN/New York and I remember his controversial racial comment about the women's NCAA basketball team. [2]
Friday, March 19, 2010
Pirate Radio 1960s
Nick Bailey
In September 1966 he joined the Caroline South as a newsreader. He worked on both ships until they were forced to be closed down. "He emigrated to Australia in 1968 on a £10 assisted passage ticket. After working on several radio programmes in Australia, Nick moved to Hong Kong where he presented a classical music show." One of the few people who left pirate radio to greater pastures across the world, I have read that many returned home or to the United States.[4]
Bud Ballou
Bud was broadcasting since he was in high-school at the age of 17. He started out by helping a country music station in Lynchburg, Virginia. Then he was hired the station across town to play pop-music; something he was not familiar with. He would do a breakfast show, then an afternoon show when he returned from school. In 1967 he took his fascination with offshore radio and set off for the UK. He boarded the Caroline South to do the weekly American Hot 100 Show. He stayed in the UK long enough to help launch Radio Free London. [4]
Mike Barron
He began his career at Radio Essex, then moved to offshore Radio 270. He was a presenter in pirate radio, after the offshore stations closed down Mike seems to have disappeared. There is speculation from his friends that he went into television during the 70s and did work for the BBC. Still not concrete evidence can attest to his whereabouts after he went ashore. During the 80s he hosted a pop/rock station in Georgia, WXTQ.[4]
Karel Beer
He was a short stay DJ for Radio City, he says: “It was in 1965 during the Easter or summer holidays and I took time off from drama school to practice my cod American accent over the airways. Can't say I enjoyed the experience much being stuck in a rusty tin can out in the channel with a rather limited selection of records to play and the distinct impression that no one was listening." While at sea he completed his drama studies and moved to Paris to become an actor for voice dubbing.[4]
Paul Beresford
Started work on King Radio under the alias of Paul Levy. The station was bought out and changed to Radio 390, and Paul's name would change to Paul Beresford for the rest of his career.
He is said to have survived a strike by lightening and he stayed with Radio 390 until its closing. Afterwards he moved to South Africa to do voice over commercials and host a game show on Springbok Radio.[4]
Bill Berry
Started his broadcast career in college, he worked at a number of stations including WHGB and WKBO in Harrisburg, KENI in Anchorage, Alaska, and WSSB in Durham, North Carolina. He then set off to do Swinging Radio in England. The intent of the station was to bring American Top 40 radio to British ears. When the station close down he went on to manage multiple music groups and solo artists; from there he purchased five radio stations, two of which he still currently owns. He even has a show today called Wolf and the Weasel, weekdays from 11am to 1pm on WHHO.[4]
Colin Berry
In 1964 he boarded the Caroline South to run the scheduling of advertising spots, Colin had worked in the advertising department of Granada in Westward television. He did audition to become a disc-jockey and even briefly acted as a relief presenter for news-readers. He had tried to become and on air personality under the alias of Robin Berry but did not fool the listeners. He did not enjoy living on the sea and spent most his time in the Caroline House.[4]
Alan Black
In 1943 he had worked as a commercial artist, then he entered a contest at Radio Scotland and The Daily Record to find a new broadcaster. He won the contest and joined Hogmanay in 1965. in 1966 he worked for Radio Britain, using themes such as: Flamingo by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass and, later, Wooden Heart by the Gary Blake Orchestra. Eventually the pirate station Radio 355 was closed down and since Alan had been a cartoonist he wokred on The Beatles film Yellow Submarine.[4]
Kenny Everett
He first entered radio by sending the BBC a demo of his own programme, BBC showed interest in him and invited him to London. He was not hired and joined Radio London instead, where he collaborated with Dave Cash to start The Kenny and Cash Show, which was a huge success. Kenny had phenomenal tape-editing skills and created many of Radio Londons advertisements, promotions and jingles. He followed The Beatles on tour in 1966 where soon became good friends with the group. Kenny was famous for his controversial comments and jokes while on air; he was eventually booted off the air for commenting about the Prime Minister's wife.[4]
Glen Adams
A mysterious character who managed to retain his real identity, joined the South Caroline in October 1967. His 6-9 spot on The Two Ton Yellow Mustard Seed played psychedelic tracks from the US and England. Glenn disappeared in early 1968 and was never heard from again until 1995.[4]
In September 1966 he joined the Caroline South as a newsreader. He worked on both ships until they were forced to be closed down. "He emigrated to Australia in 1968 on a £10 assisted passage ticket. After working on several radio programmes in Australia, Nick moved to Hong Kong where he presented a classical music show." One of the few people who left pirate radio to greater pastures across the world, I have read that many returned home or to the United States.[4]
Bud Ballou
Bud was broadcasting since he was in high-school at the age of 17. He started out by helping a country music station in Lynchburg, Virginia. Then he was hired the station across town to play pop-music; something he was not familiar with. He would do a breakfast show, then an afternoon show when he returned from school. In 1967 he took his fascination with offshore radio and set off for the UK. He boarded the Caroline South to do the weekly American Hot 100 Show. He stayed in the UK long enough to help launch Radio Free London. [4]
Mike Barron
He began his career at Radio Essex, then moved to offshore Radio 270. He was a presenter in pirate radio, after the offshore stations closed down Mike seems to have disappeared. There is speculation from his friends that he went into television during the 70s and did work for the BBC. Still not concrete evidence can attest to his whereabouts after he went ashore. During the 80s he hosted a pop/rock station in Georgia, WXTQ.[4]
Karel Beer
He was a short stay DJ for Radio City, he says: “It was in 1965 during the Easter or summer holidays and I took time off from drama school to practice my cod American accent over the airways. Can't say I enjoyed the experience much being stuck in a rusty tin can out in the channel with a rather limited selection of records to play and the distinct impression that no one was listening." While at sea he completed his drama studies and moved to Paris to become an actor for voice dubbing.[4]
Paul Beresford
Started work on King Radio under the alias of Paul Levy. The station was bought out and changed to Radio 390, and Paul's name would change to Paul Beresford for the rest of his career.
He is said to have survived a strike by lightening and he stayed with Radio 390 until its closing. Afterwards he moved to South Africa to do voice over commercials and host a game show on Springbok Radio.[4]
Bill Berry
Started his broadcast career in college, he worked at a number of stations including WHGB and WKBO in Harrisburg, KENI in Anchorage, Alaska, and WSSB in Durham, North Carolina. He then set off to do Swinging Radio in England. The intent of the station was to bring American Top 40 radio to British ears. When the station close down he went on to manage multiple music groups and solo artists; from there he purchased five radio stations, two of which he still currently owns. He even has a show today called Wolf and the Weasel, weekdays from 11am to 1pm on WHHO.[4]
Colin Berry
In 1964 he boarded the Caroline South to run the scheduling of advertising spots, Colin had worked in the advertising department of Granada in Westward television. He did audition to become a disc-jockey and even briefly acted as a relief presenter for news-readers. He had tried to become and on air personality under the alias of Robin Berry but did not fool the listeners. He did not enjoy living on the sea and spent most his time in the Caroline House.[4]
Alan Black
In 1943 he had worked as a commercial artist, then he entered a contest at Radio Scotland and The Daily Record to find a new broadcaster. He won the contest and joined Hogmanay in 1965. in 1966 he worked for Radio Britain, using themes such as: Flamingo by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass and, later, Wooden Heart by the Gary Blake Orchestra. Eventually the pirate station Radio 355 was closed down and since Alan had been a cartoonist he wokred on The Beatles film Yellow Submarine.[4]
Stuart Henry
Stuart was a trained actor, he suffered from sea sickness and was never able to overcome it. This forced him to pre-record his shows on land, in 1965 he joined Radio Scotland. Since he was not stranded on the ship like the others, he was available for gigs and live shows on the road. This helped build him an audience of listeners. His theme was Soul Finger by The Barkays. [4]Simon Dee
Simon started his career in 1956 as an actor for Player's cigarette advertisements. From there he joined the Caroline when it launched in March 1964. He was the first voice to be heard on Pirate radio and he played big band Motown. May 1965 he left the Caroline and was employed by the BBC Light Programme on the pop show Midday Spin. His shows were Simon's Scene, Swing Into Summer, Stay Late. Although Simon was popular on television he continued to pursue his career in radio.[4]
Mike Ahern
He applied for a job aboard Caroline to boost flagging audiences with Tom Lodge. Better known as "DJ Mike A" he won the hearts of housewives in England, becoming a huge star during the nine to noon spot. His two most notable themes were Buckeye by Johnny & The Hurricanes and Soul Sauce by Cal Tjader. In spring 1967 Mike left to have his own show on BBC called Top Gear, it would be his last at that station. After he left for Australia where he worked on a plethora of different stations: 4BC, 6PM, 3UZ, 2KO and 7HT.[4]
Emporer Rosko
Michael Pasternak learned how to operate radio broadcasts while in the United States Navy, from there he took at course at San Francisco. He worked in French radio before boarding Caroline, his style was a combination of gimmicks and techniques he derived from American top 40 hits. Although he was biting material, it was new to the British and it won him a large audience. After Caroline was shut down he returned to France to work on French Radio Luxembourg.[4]
Tony Windsor
Tony originally sold airtime for a Church owned radio station by the name of 2SM. In 1953 he was a stand in for a DJ, this would be a career changing move. He went on to become one of the top DJ's in Australia and in 1962 moved to Britain to work for BBC. The result of his work was fruitless, he left to join Radio Atlanta. Shortly after that merged with Caroline, Tony became the Senior DJ on Radio London. Tony got noticed after taking over the nine to noon slot, Waltzing Matilda was his theme accompanied by the deep "hel-lo" he gave on air. He was an alcoholic, a problem that was not publicly known at the time, however, it forced him to leave Radio London in 1967.[4]
Roger Day
One of the original Swing Radio members, from there he played records on Billy Walker's Uppercut Club for a few months. Roger later joined South Caroline in July 1967. His opening catch phrase was “Hi, hello, how are you?” and he used The Ventures Green Grass, his nickname "Twiggy" was a recurring joke that Roger was "thinner than a record."[4]
Dave Cash
He first entered radio as a ringer for a commercial when the original actor passed it up due to being under the weather. No less than a month later he was signed to do more radio commercials. From there he found himself more radio work, he spent time doing grunt work at CFUN in Vancouver, co-presenter, news reader, and coffee maker. After a meeting with Ben Toney, Dave joined pirate radio as the first Programme Controller in December 1964. His nickname was "rabbit" and his program was called The Rabbit Patch until he joined forces with Kenny Everett for The Kenny & Cash Show.[4]
Tony Blackburn
Tony joined the Caroline South in July 1964, he was originally interested in persuing a singing career. After answering a recruitment advertisement, he saw radio as a promotional tool for his career. He was the youngest DJ on British radio which helped him win a cult following of teenagers that comprised his audience. His nickname was "Tea Cosy" a reference to his mop-top haircut. He was known for opening his show with "lets away" and ending it with “have lots of fun, be good and 'bye for now - goodbye everyone”. After he left Caroline, Tony finally took an offer at Radio London, then when that station ended he joined the BBC. Tony continued to sing through out the sixties and had two minor hits: So Much Love and It's Only Love. [4]
Don "Daffy" Allen
Donald had experience in the United States, Canada, and Mexico before he went across the Atlantic to hop aboard Radio Caroline South. He had his own show Big Wide Wonderful World of Daffy Don Allen and he also took over the Country and Western Jamboree when Jim Murphy left. He was known for using theme tunes and when the Caroline was shut down, he moved to Manx Radio and then BBC Radio Merseyside.[4]
Johnnie Walker
After being forced to retire his original on air personality Peter Dee, the Disc Jockey Johnnie Walker was born. He boarded the South Caroline in October as a swing-jock, filling in for which ever DJ was currently on Shore-Leave. His programs Kiss in the Car, Frinton Flashing and Ten O'Clock Turn On became huge after he took over the 9 to midnight spot. Johnnie's "intimate personal style" made him a forerunner and broke new ground in British radio. After the South Caroline was shut down he joined BBC radio but was not contempt with playing the top chart hits he was required.[4]
Kenny Everett
He first entered radio by sending the BBC a demo of his own programme, BBC showed interest in him and invited him to London. He was not hired and joined Radio London instead, where he collaborated with Dave Cash to start The Kenny and Cash Show, which was a huge success. Kenny had phenomenal tape-editing skills and created many of Radio Londons advertisements, promotions and jingles. He followed The Beatles on tour in 1966 where soon became good friends with the group. Kenny was famous for his controversial comments and jokes while on air; he was eventually booted off the air for commenting about the Prime Minister's wife.[4]
Glen Adams
A mysterious character who managed to retain his real identity, joined the South Caroline in October 1967. His 6-9 spot on The Two Ton Yellow Mustard Seed played psychedelic tracks from the US and England. Glenn disappeared in early 1968 and was never heard from again until 1995.[4]
1940s-1950s
In 1946 he purchased his own radio station, KNET/Palestine. The year after he moved to Dallas, Texas and launched KLIF, the station was mainly used for baseball and sports broadcasting but this was not enough to keep the station afloat. He then created the show The Old Scotchman and aired re-creations of games with the help of sound effects and wire service reports. These were played over 400 stations by the Liberty Broadcasting System. In 1950 he made KLIF one of America's first Top 40 stations, and each month dropped thousands on stunts and contests to promote the station. [2]
Edward R. Murrow
One of the most notable news anchors in radio history, his signature tag line being “This…is London” Edward would broacast the news into the homes of Americans giving the play by play of what was happening over seas in during the war. Starting in 1935 he joined CBS as a manager and started the CBS news legacy. He would risk his personal safety by reporting from the rooftops of London during the German Blitz in 1940. [2]
Jose Miguel Agrelot
A famous Hispanic radio host, also a television host, stand-up comedian, and media icon; Jose was well known for having multiple character personalities. It was said they were somewhere in the upwards of 200, Jose had a popular character by the name of Don Cholito and “Torito Fuertes,” a mischievous eight-year-old in a family sitcom endorsed by Borden’s evaporated milk. Jose started working with radio at the young age of 14.[2]
CBS World News Roundup
The CBS World News Roundup began on March 13, 1938. It was used to keep the people in the United States informed on the growing tensions in Europe which eventually resulted in what we know as World War II. The most famous reporter was Edward R. Murrow, who gave reports from London. His colleague William L. Shirer giving reports from Berlin; the two were essential for anyone interested in the events taking place over seas. The program has outstanding in-depth coverage and still runs on CBS today, making it the longest running radio news program. [2]
Bob & Ray
Bob Elliot and Ray Goulding would come together in 1946 to run a radio comedy that would last for forty years. The two were known for their "improvisation, and a keen understanding of the absurd." Their daily show on WHDH was Matinee With Bob & Ray. From there the show left Boston and went to to be broadcasted as The Bob and Ray Show. Appearing on NBC, CBS, the Mutual Broadcasting System, and New York stations WINS, WOR and WHN. The popular characters on the show were Mary McGoon, "adenoidal reporter Wally Ballou and incompetent showman Barry Campbell."[2]
Eve Arden
Starting radio in 1945 on the CBS show The Danny Kaye Show; Eve also co-starred on The Sealtest Village Store. Then owner of Columbia Broadcast System William S. Paley offered her a title role on a new series called Our Miss Brooks. Eve portrayed a school teacher by the name of Connie Brooks, as clever, sarcastic, and kindhearted. The show premiered July 19th, 1948. A comedy soap opera sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive-Peet, promoting Palmolive soap.[2]
Fred Foy
His career in radio started in 1940 with WMBC/Detroit. He is most remembered for his announcing during World War 2. He was place at Unit/Armed Forces Radio, stationed in Cairo, where he worked alongside greats like Jack Benny and Nelson Eddy. His commercial career can be summed up with these words: “Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear...” Fred as the narrator for The Lone Ranger, his delivery helped the programs popularity rise throughout the years.[2]
Milo Hamilton
A sports broadcaster who has witnessed some of the biggest moments in baseball history. He started in radio back in 1945, then in 1953 got a job working for St. Louis Browns. He has also announced for teams such as: Cardinals, Cubs, White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Pirates and Houston Astros. Milo has witnessed nine no hitters and Ernie Banks' five grand slams in a season, Roger Maris' 61st home run in 1961. He also announced Hank Aaron's legendary 715th home run in April 1974.[2]
Glen Miller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQseFAcWvtE
The Land of the Lost
A childrens show starting around 1940, kids would send "letters written about something they lost and wanted to have returned." The show was created by by Isabelle Manning Hughson, a female radio pioneer, The Land of the Lost is a children's adventure program about two children who travel "in that wonderful kingdom at the bottom of the sea." The show was about discovering lost items at the bottom of the ocean floor.[6]
American Portraits
The show tells history and discusses the lives of famous historical figures in America. " This old time radio program attempts to humanize figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin), and many others." In my opinion the show was very educational and is what I would consider the History Channel version in radio.[6]
Black Museum
A crime drama from the 50s, the show is "based on Scotland Yard’s Black Museum (aka Crime Museum) in London, where crime artifacts are stored." The shows narrator Orson Welles takes the listener on a journey as he described the story behind each item located in the museum. Most revolve around horrific murders and such; the show sounds very interesting to me and each story is loosely based on a real crime story and object from the museum. Theres no way to prove what aspects of the story are real but I guess that's what makes the show exciting.[6]
Can You Top This
The comedians on the show Ed Ford, Harry Hershfield, and Joe Laurie Jr. received jokes each week from the listeners. The guidelines were "jokes could be sent in about any subject except religion, politics or arson." "Ed, Harry and Joe then had to top the joke with another joke of the same subject. Whether the joke was “topped” was judged by the Colgate Laugh Meter, a giant smiling man’s face with a meter that moved with the live audiences laughter." I personally would love to see a show like this still on radio or television, maybe even a podcast, but with todays degenerate humor I doubt it would even be possible. It was a game show too, "their joke was read on the air, listeners received $5. They received an additional $2 per non-topping jokester."[6]
Murder at Midnight
Starting in 1946, "The classic series, Murder at Midnight, offers stories of the "witching hour, when night is darkest, our fears are the strongest, our strength at its lowest ebb -- MIDNIGHT!" I've never heard a horror show on the radio, I really only watch horror movies, but this could work. If the narrator of the show is top notch, I could find myself being scared listening to this radio program, otherwise, it is probably pretty corny. Nothing is worse than a low-budget horror story, unless you're watching it for laughs.[6]
The Whistler
"These are tales of mystery and terror, begun each week with the signature echoing footsteps and haunting whistled theme. Our host is the moody Whistler, who serves as host and narrator in these twisted tales of fate." Not to be harsh but this show does not sound appealing, it was produced by George Allen and it features many famous radio stars in each episode. The narrator was Bill Forman for the majority of the series run, and "Dorothy Roberts did the whistling weekly for 13 years."[6]
Bill Sterns Sports Reel
His show was based around tall tales of "horses winning races with dead jockeys on their backs, to armless and/or legless baseball players, to a blind athlete winning a marathon but lose his only love." He was famous for his portrayal of the stories, "long, overstated pauses, soap-opera-like vocal emotion, relentless repetition, and major exaggerated words in every sentence." The show was sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream.[6]
Mr. President
"Mr. President was a show that told stories about the Commanders-in-chief of the Union and about their untold tales about everyday life while in residency in the White House." The narrator Edward Arnold would never reveal the identity of the President in the story. It was the job of the listeners to guess who the president was. Personally this show sounds quite interesting, but any history buff could probably crack the case pretty quickly. I think a show like this should be put on CD and used for tests in history class, that be educational and fun.[6]
Silent Men
The show was "stories about "the special agents of all branches of our federal government, who daily risk their lives to protect the lives of all of us … to guard our welfare and our liberties, they must remain nameless - THE SILENT MEN!!" According to my source the show only lasted a year,(1951-1952) it does not specify why but I think the show sounds really interesting. It's seems like it's a superhero but he works for the government and doesn't have special abilities. Almost like an old-school Agent Jack Bauer.[6]
Space Patrol
The show was famous for using "whooshy and rumbling sound effects instead of music." The unique market catchphrase for the show was adding an "o" after things. So "cool names like spaceophones, projectoscopes and atomolights" are very similar to Apple with iPod, iTouch, etc. The catch phrase: "High adventure in the wild, vast reaches of space! Missions of daring in the name of interplanetary justice! Travel into the future with Buzz Corey, commander-in-chief of the Space Patrol! "[6]
Theater Royal
Originally an English show, which was later syndicated for the United States, the format is "based on the best of literature, such as Dumas, Conrad, Stevenson, Dickens, James, and London." The show started in 1954 and featured fine British actors such as: "Robert Morley, Harry Andrews, Muriel Forbes and Daphne Maddox." I personally do not find this in the least bit interesting, and literature based radio sounds boring, definitely a British thing to do.[6]
Ever been in a long car ride and you need a game to play? Well this is where that came from, apparently "The simple game of 20 questions became a surprisingly popular old time radio show, running for almost 10 years. In its first summer, between 10,000 and 20,000 letters came rumbling into the show weekly!" It was a game show and on air personalities such as Herb Polesie "offered comic relief with his questions such as “Can I give it to my mother-in-law?” or “Can I do it to my wife?” I really wish this were still around today, I would love to call in on a game show like this, but with today's people it would probably just get prank calls involving Howard Sterns genitals as the punchline.[6]
1920s-1930s
Ma Perkins
The story of a widow who owned and managed a lumberyard in the fictitious town of Rushville Center. The show started in August of 1933 on Cincinnati station WLW; by December, it had moved to WMAQ/Chicago and joined the NBC network. The character was voiced by Virginia Payne, Ma had two children Evey and Fay.[2]
The Lux Radio Theater
Starting in 1934, broadcasting dramas from Broadway, presented radio versions of movie attractions. The biggest actors and actresses played the leading roles, and in an effort to improve ratings, the Lux Radio Theatre the show moved West in June 1936 to leech on Hollywood talent and popular movie fare. The show was costly and some actors were paid up to five thousand dollars for just one show. Over 50 actors, musicians and technicians were on production every week for the show.[2]
The Lone Ranger
“A fiery horse with the speed of light! A cloud of dust and a hearty ‘Hi-Yo, Silver!’ The Lone Ranger!” Created by George W. Trendle and writer Fran Striker, the show started in 1933, a story about a cowboy who, with his companion Tonto, fought for law and order in the early Western United States. The show was intended for a young audience but a substantial amount of the listeners were adults. The original voice of the Ranger was George Steinus, who was replaced in May 1933 by Earle Graser.[2]
Don McNeill
In 1928 he joined WISN, he went to audtion for The Pepper Pot and eventually took over the show, renaming it The Breakfast Club. In less than a decade the show became the morning programs most successful show. It was said that by 1941, him and the cast were receiving around 100,000 letters a year. "The show was divided into four 15-minute segments for the "four calls to breakfast," and featured music, comedy, inspirational verse and McNeill’s sunny, easygoing personality."[2]
Edgar Bergen
With his wise cracking dummy Charlie McCarthy, Edgar began his career as talent show headliners, performing in Chicago while Bergen attended Northwestern University. They first appeard on Rudy Vallee’s Royal Gelatin Hour in 1936. The duo were in instant hit; and in 1937, they were given their own show for Chase & Sanborn. They became The Edgar Bergen/Charlie McCarthy Show one of radios highest rate programs.[2]
Burns and Allen
A married comedy couple who first appeared in 1929. Soon after the comedic formula was switched after discovering that Gracie’s delivery got a bigger laugh than George's punchlines. In 1932 they joined The Guy Lombardo Show, and by the duo became the main attraction and the show was re-titled The Adventures of Gracie.[2]
The Shadow
First debuted in 1930, narrated by the CBS’ Detective Story Hour, the show followed the likes of Lamont Cranston and his companion Margo Lane. One of the catch lines was “the weed of crime bears bitter fruit…crime does not pay!” The main character had the ability to "cloud men’s minds so that they cannot see him." He often fought crime lords, werewolves, mad scientists, and psychopaths. In 1937 Frank Readick was replaced by Orson Wells.[2]
Little Orphan Annie
The first drama with the target audience being children, the show debuted on WGN/Chicago in 1930, then transferred to NBC blue network in 1931. The shows long time sponsor was Ovaltine chocolate milk. Anne and her dog Sandy traveled the globe, battling gangsters, pirates, and other evil doers. Her fictional hometown is Simmons Corners.[2]
The Romance of Helen Trent
The show debuted on CBS on October 30, 1933 and aired until June 24, 1960. It ran for 7,222 episodes, longer than any other soap opera. The premise involved a 35 year old woman who was still looking for romance even though she is middle aged. In doing so, thus proving that love can still be found after youth is gone. The character Helen was pure, no drinking, smoking, swearing, or promiscuous activity; even her thoughts were pure. She becomes very close to getting married but her plans are always destroyed. The show was Created by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Anne Hummert.[2]
One Man's Family
Written by Carl E Morse, his message was to depict in an artistic form that the family unit was a primary source of moral and spiritual strength. The main characters were Father Henry, Mother Fanny, and children Paul, Hazel, Claudia, Clifford and Jack. The show started in 1932, the drama of the show centered around generation gaps between family members and the struggles between the family. The show was inspired by John Galsworthy’s novel The Forsyte Saga. It was set up in a way that each episode was a chapter and divided the shows stories into books.[2]
Cast of radio's One Man's Family, clockwise from lower left: Jack (Billy Page), Clifford (Barton Yarborough), Mrs. Barbour (Minetta Ellen), Claudia (Kathleen Wilson), Paul (Michael Rafetto), Hazel (Bernice Berwin), Mr. Barbour (J. Anthony Smythe).
Mercury Theater On the Air
Created by actor/director Orson Wells, and producer John Houseman, together they produced some of the most memorable content to ever hit the airwaves. The show was on the CBS station and was focused on performing renditions of classic literature such as Dracula, The Count of Monte Cristo and Treasure Island. The most famous performance was that of October 30th, when they performed HG Wells War of the Worlds. An act that would scare more than enough people to cause a national panic. The realistic real-time news bulletins were enough to fool listeners into believing that what was being said was actually taking place.[2]
Arthur Godfrey
He started his career in 1929 at the WFBR/Baltimore station. His style was informal and he was notorious for ad-libs involving making fun of his sponsors. He was known by his audience as “Red Godfrey, the Warbling Banjoist,” and he talked to the people as if it were a one on one conversation. He felt that too many other announcers were stiff and stuffy, so he added sass to his performance. He was very successful and by 1942 his show was broadcast on the NBC flagship station as well.[2]
Amos N' Andy
The show started in 1926 on Chicago's WGN network as Sam N' Henry, then in 1928 moved to WMAQ where it changed to Amos N' Andy. The show was created by Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, the premised of which is two African American men, "the modest, pragmatic Amos and the blustery, self-confident Andy." By 1931 the show became a national hit and was pulling audiences into the numbers of 40 million listeners nationwide. Even movie theatres paused to allow listeners to catch the fifteen minute radio show. The dialogue was controversial but the show did not restrict itself to any single race.[2]
Martin Block
His career in radio started when he read commercials in Tijuana, Mexico. From there he returned to Los Angeles to work at KFWB, he was junior assistant. From here he meet a popular DJ by the name of Al Jarvis who hosted Make Believe Ballroom. In 1934 Martin went to work for WNEW/New York, from there he adopted the show Make Believe Ballroom; the premise being he was in the ballroom recording the nations top bands live. The show was a huge success, and the station moved to a new location on Fifth Avenue where they built a simulated ballroom with a chandelier and black linoleum for Block’s broadcasts.[2]
Goodman and Jane Ace
This married couple started their careers together when husband Goodman Ace was forced to continue broadcasting on air after his show had finished. After bringing in his wife one time for a guest spot on air, the positive response was enough to warrant Goodman writing a 15 minute sitcom called Easy Aces. The couple became known as radio’s laugh novelty,” the low-key Easy Aces featured Goodman as a "harried business man" and Jane as his "scatterbrained wife."[2]
Gertrude Berg
Creator of the radio comedy The Goldbergs, she was also a housewife and mother at the time. Her show The Rise of the Goldbergs is acclaimed to be the first Jewish comedy in radio history. It ran as a 15 minute program and in 1931 was when it became The Goldbergs. Realism and authenticity were the artistic driving points of the comedy, Gertrude would often visit the lower east side and prepare eggs in the stuido to give a realistic sound to a scene such as breakfast. She played Molly, the mother who could be found in realistic events. The showe later transitioned to television.[2]
Jack Benny
Starting his career with a twice weekly show on CBS, Jack Bennt went on a lead a prosperous career in radio and later transitioned to television. Jack was popular for his personal portrayal of himself in a self-loathing style of comedy. He considered himself a "stingy and vain man, concerned about his receding hairline." His show The Jack Benny Program which was highly rated and ran for over 20 years.[2]
Eddie Anderson
His career breakthrough was the character "Rochester" on The Jack Benny Program. The response from his performance was so positive the writers expanded his role. Originally he was forced to portray the negative stereotypes of African American men, but over time he added new attributes to the character Rochester. Eddie was one of the few black comedians in radio at that time, his success allowed him to be one of the more outspoken African Americans in radio.[2]
Don Ameche
Don was a Chicago based radio personality, starting with Empire Builders in 1930; he went on to become the leading man on two other Chicago-based programs. First Nighter and Betty and Bob, then in 1937 Don started working on The Chase and Sanborn Hour. His earlier Chicago work has been herald as the forerunner for the soap-opera genre.[2]
Abbot and Costello
In 1929 the dynamic duo known as Abbot and Costello was formed, "Abbott serving as the perfect straight man and Costello as the bumbling, wisecracking man-child." The two went on to hold a 30 year legacy on the air. Their most famous piece is "Who's on First" a witty dumbfounding short dialogue.[2]
The story of a widow who owned and managed a lumberyard in the fictitious town of Rushville Center. The show started in August of 1933 on Cincinnati station WLW; by December, it had moved to WMAQ/Chicago and joined the NBC network. The character was voiced by Virginia Payne, Ma had two children Evey and Fay.[2]
The Lux Radio Theater
Starting in 1934, broadcasting dramas from Broadway, presented radio versions of movie attractions. The biggest actors and actresses played the leading roles, and in an effort to improve ratings, the Lux Radio Theatre the show moved West in June 1936 to leech on Hollywood talent and popular movie fare. The show was costly and some actors were paid up to five thousand dollars for just one show. Over 50 actors, musicians and technicians were on production every week for the show.[2]
The Lone Ranger
“A fiery horse with the speed of light! A cloud of dust and a hearty ‘Hi-Yo, Silver!’ The Lone Ranger!” Created by George W. Trendle and writer Fran Striker, the show started in 1933, a story about a cowboy who, with his companion Tonto, fought for law and order in the early Western United States. The show was intended for a young audience but a substantial amount of the listeners were adults. The original voice of the Ranger was George Steinus, who was replaced in May 1933 by Earle Graser.[2]
Don McNeill
In 1928 he joined WISN, he went to audtion for The Pepper Pot and eventually took over the show, renaming it The Breakfast Club. In less than a decade the show became the morning programs most successful show. It was said that by 1941, him and the cast were receiving around 100,000 letters a year. "The show was divided into four 15-minute segments for the "four calls to breakfast," and featured music, comedy, inspirational verse and McNeill’s sunny, easygoing personality."[2]
Edgar Bergen
With his wise cracking dummy Charlie McCarthy, Edgar began his career as talent show headliners, performing in Chicago while Bergen attended Northwestern University. They first appeard on Rudy Vallee’s Royal Gelatin Hour in 1936. The duo were in instant hit; and in 1937, they were given their own show for Chase & Sanborn. They became The Edgar Bergen/Charlie McCarthy Show one of radios highest rate programs.[2]
Burns and Allen
A married comedy couple who first appeared in 1929. Soon after the comedic formula was switched after discovering that Gracie’s delivery got a bigger laugh than George's punchlines. In 1932 they joined The Guy Lombardo Show, and by the duo became the main attraction and the show was re-titled The Adventures of Gracie.[2]
The Shadow
First debuted in 1930, narrated by the CBS’ Detective Story Hour, the show followed the likes of Lamont Cranston and his companion Margo Lane. One of the catch lines was “the weed of crime bears bitter fruit…crime does not pay!” The main character had the ability to "cloud men’s minds so that they cannot see him." He often fought crime lords, werewolves, mad scientists, and psychopaths. In 1937 Frank Readick was replaced by Orson Wells.[2]
The first drama with the target audience being children, the show debuted on WGN/Chicago in 1930, then transferred to NBC blue network in 1931. The shows long time sponsor was Ovaltine chocolate milk. Anne and her dog Sandy traveled the globe, battling gangsters, pirates, and other evil doers. Her fictional hometown is Simmons Corners.[2]
The Romance of Helen Trent
The show debuted on CBS on October 30, 1933 and aired until June 24, 1960. It ran for 7,222 episodes, longer than any other soap opera. The premise involved a 35 year old woman who was still looking for romance even though she is middle aged. In doing so, thus proving that love can still be found after youth is gone. The character Helen was pure, no drinking, smoking, swearing, or promiscuous activity; even her thoughts were pure. She becomes very close to getting married but her plans are always destroyed. The show was Created by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Anne Hummert.[2]
One Man's Family
Written by Carl E Morse, his message was to depict in an artistic form that the family unit was a primary source of moral and spiritual strength. The main characters were Father Henry, Mother Fanny, and children Paul, Hazel, Claudia, Clifford and Jack. The show started in 1932, the drama of the show centered around generation gaps between family members and the struggles between the family. The show was inspired by John Galsworthy’s novel The Forsyte Saga. It was set up in a way that each episode was a chapter and divided the shows stories into books.[2]
Cast of radio's One Man's Family, clockwise from lower left: Jack (Billy Page), Clifford (Barton Yarborough), Mrs. Barbour (Minetta Ellen), Claudia (Kathleen Wilson), Paul (Michael Rafetto), Hazel (Bernice Berwin), Mr. Barbour (J. Anthony Smythe).Mercury Theater On the Air
Created by actor/director Orson Wells, and producer John Houseman, together they produced some of the most memorable content to ever hit the airwaves. The show was on the CBS station and was focused on performing renditions of classic literature such as Dracula, The Count of Monte Cristo and Treasure Island. The most famous performance was that of October 30th, when they performed HG Wells War of the Worlds. An act that would scare more than enough people to cause a national panic. The realistic real-time news bulletins were enough to fool listeners into believing that what was being said was actually taking place.[2]
Arthur Godfrey
He started his career in 1929 at the WFBR/Baltimore station. His style was informal and he was notorious for ad-libs involving making fun of his sponsors. He was known by his audience as “Red Godfrey, the Warbling Banjoist,” and he talked to the people as if it were a one on one conversation. He felt that too many other announcers were stiff and stuffy, so he added sass to his performance. He was very successful and by 1942 his show was broadcast on the NBC flagship station as well.[2]
Amos N' Andy
The show started in 1926 on Chicago's WGN network as Sam N' Henry, then in 1928 moved to WMAQ where it changed to Amos N' Andy. The show was created by Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, the premised of which is two African American men, "the modest, pragmatic Amos and the blustery, self-confident Andy." By 1931 the show became a national hit and was pulling audiences into the numbers of 40 million listeners nationwide. Even movie theatres paused to allow listeners to catch the fifteen minute radio show. The dialogue was controversial but the show did not restrict itself to any single race.[2]
Martin Block
His career in radio started when he read commercials in Tijuana, Mexico. From there he returned to Los Angeles to work at KFWB, he was junior assistant. From here he meet a popular DJ by the name of Al Jarvis who hosted Make Believe Ballroom. In 1934 Martin went to work for WNEW/New York, from there he adopted the show Make Believe Ballroom; the premise being he was in the ballroom recording the nations top bands live. The show was a huge success, and the station moved to a new location on Fifth Avenue where they built a simulated ballroom with a chandelier and black linoleum for Block’s broadcasts.[2]
Goodman and Jane Ace
This married couple started their careers together when husband Goodman Ace was forced to continue broadcasting on air after his show had finished. After bringing in his wife one time for a guest spot on air, the positive response was enough to warrant Goodman writing a 15 minute sitcom called Easy Aces. The couple became known as radio’s laugh novelty,” the low-key Easy Aces featured Goodman as a "harried business man" and Jane as his "scatterbrained wife."[2]
Gertrude Berg
Creator of the radio comedy The Goldbergs, she was also a housewife and mother at the time. Her show The Rise of the Goldbergs is acclaimed to be the first Jewish comedy in radio history. It ran as a 15 minute program and in 1931 was when it became The Goldbergs. Realism and authenticity were the artistic driving points of the comedy, Gertrude would often visit the lower east side and prepare eggs in the stuido to give a realistic sound to a scene such as breakfast. She played Molly, the mother who could be found in realistic events. The showe later transitioned to television.[2]
Jack Benny
Starting his career with a twice weekly show on CBS, Jack Bennt went on a lead a prosperous career in radio and later transitioned to television. Jack was popular for his personal portrayal of himself in a self-loathing style of comedy. He considered himself a "stingy and vain man, concerned about his receding hairline." His show The Jack Benny Program which was highly rated and ran for over 20 years.[2]
Eddie Anderson
His career breakthrough was the character "Rochester" on The Jack Benny Program. The response from his performance was so positive the writers expanded his role. Originally he was forced to portray the negative stereotypes of African American men, but over time he added new attributes to the character Rochester. Eddie was one of the few black comedians in radio at that time, his success allowed him to be one of the more outspoken African Americans in radio.[2]
Don was a Chicago based radio personality, starting with Empire Builders in 1930; he went on to become the leading man on two other Chicago-based programs. First Nighter and Betty and Bob, then in 1937 Don started working on The Chase and Sanborn Hour. His earlier Chicago work has been herald as the forerunner for the soap-opera genre.[2]
Abbot and Costello
In 1929 the dynamic duo known as Abbot and Costello was formed, "Abbott serving as the perfect straight man and Costello as the bumbling, wisecracking man-child." The two went on to hold a 30 year legacy on the air. Their most famous piece is "Who's on First" a witty dumbfounding short dialogue.[2]
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