Radio Hall of Fame
Volume 2
From the earliest days of broadcasting, radio audiences always loved a "really big show". In December of 1943, a musical variety series that would quickly become one of the most distinguished - and expensive - radio shows on the air debuted on the then newly formed Blue Network. Titled the Radio Hall of Fame, this hour-long Sunday evening offering presented itself as a weekly tribute to the best entertainment then available on stage, in radio, on recordings, and in motion pictures.
Sponsored by the Philco Corporation, makers of refrigerators and the largest radio manufacturer in the country, Radio Hall of Fame featured entertainers considered the best of the best then, many still remembered today, including Fred Allen, Bing Crosby, Orson Welles, and many more!
Heard today, the Radio Hall of Fame remains outstanding entertainment, reflecting the tastes of the general public during the latter years of World War II. There's never any shortage of talent on hand. And today, in a time when the once-common variety show has completely disappeared from the airwaves, it's fun to return to an era when listeners could literally expect to hear anyone or anything presented in a sixty-minute line-up.
The nine broadcasts in Radio Hall of Fame, Volume 2 have been fully and beautifully restored to the best sparkling audio quality possible. These programs are truly a piece of history as well as examples of some of the finest entertainers of the Twentieth Century and belong in any Pop Culture enthusiast's collection!
Host Deems Taylor
With Fred Allen and the Allen Company, Lauritz Melchior, Lou Holtz, Raymond Edward Johnson, Helen Forrest, Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, and announcer Glen Riggs
Sunday, December 26, 1943 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Deems Taylor
With Fanny Brice, Hanley Stafford, Laird Cregar, Garry Moore, Joan Edwards, Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, and announcer Glen Riggs
Sunday, January 9, 1944 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Paul Whiteman
With Bob Johnston, Eileen Woods, Four Chicks and Chuck, Paul Whiteman and The Radio Hall of Fame Orchestra, and announcer Glen Riggs
Sunday, September 10, 1944 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Paul Whiteman
With the Radio Hall of Fame Orchestra, Eileen Woods, Bob Johnston, Four Chicks and Chuck, Mike Pingatore, Hank D'Amico, Cliff "Ukelele Ike" Edwards and announcer Glen Riggs
Sunday, September 17, 1944 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Paul Whiteman
With Bob Johnston, Four Chicks and Chuck, Eileen Woods, The Memphis Five, Red Norvo, Inez Carillo, and announcer Glen Riggs
Sunday, September 24, 1944 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Bing Crosby
With Orson Welles, Sally Stewart, The King's Men, Joe DeRita, Darlene Garner, Jeannie Darrell, Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, and announcer Jimmy Wallington
Sunday, December 24, 1944 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Frances Langford
With Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, Ed Gardner, The Hoosier Hot Shots, Johnny Mercer, Alan Reed, Nigel Bruce, James Forrestal, and announcer Jimmy Willington
Sunday, February 25, 1945 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Garry Moore
With The Eighty Voice Waves Singing Platoon from the United States Naval Training School, Wilbur Evans, Leo Durocher, Mike Pingatore, Felix Adler, The Ringling Brothers Circus, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra
Sunday, April 1, 1945 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
Host Bob Hawk
With Rose Marie, Lt. Jackie Coogan, Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), Mr. District Attorney cast-Jerry Devine (creator), Jay Jostyn, Len Doyle and Vickie Vola
Sunday, April 8, 1945 - 60:00 - Blue Network, sponsored by the Philco Corporation
