February 18, 1948: 'The Original Amateur Hour's' radio comeback

February 18, 1948: The Original Amateur Hour made its comeback to radio on ABC. It was the show’s first transmission in 2 years following the death of the program's producer and presenter, Major Bowes. Bowes served for 13 years, introducing radio listeners to new star flair.

The Original Amateur Hour, the sequel to the show Major Bowes Amateur Hour, was a show aired both on television and on the radio. The highly popular, present-day talent program American Idol was inspired by this show.

Just like in American Idol, the audience in the television version of The Original Amateur Hour was asked to vote for their favorite contestants (not via text, of course) through telephone and postcards. The telephone number and the mail address were always flashed on the screen.

The show was hosted by Ted Mack, who previously worked as Major Edward Bowes' (the host of the show's predecessor) field assistant.

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1946 Great Crepitation Fart Contest

Not for the faint of heart, here is the remarkable 1946 Crepitation (Fart) Contest (part of the 1946 News Broadcasts Collection ). You'll enjoy the fart-off between champion Englishman Lord Windsmear, and challenger, Australian Paul Boomer who had stowed aboard a cabbage freighter. The hilarious comedy recording was apparently created a spoof by two Canadian radio sportscasters in 1946, but this 15 minute recording definitely has some gems in it. Apparently they made several copies, but it was not for distribution. The recording was copied again and again on disc and reel to reel tape. It was distributed underground and played in dark rooms and back alleys around the world. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element This recording is available with many other delightful treats on Random Rarities #7 available on MP3 CD , Audio CD , and instant download .

April 27, 1932: The First Performance of Ed Wynn on Texaco Fire Chief Show

April 27, 1932: Ed Wynn , the Texaco fire chief, graced the airwaves for the first time on Texaco Star Theater. Wynn, who enjoyed popularity as a vaudeville performer, gave as a condition to his switch to radio, that a live audience react to his humor.His condition was granted by the network and so began Wynn's career as the first true superstar of radio. Ed Wynn was hosted a popular radio show on Tuesday nights for most of the 1930s. The radio show was heard in North America and sponsored by Texaco gasoline. On the show Wynn played as the " Texaco Fire Chief ". He was often seen wearing a fireman's helmet. For this show, Wynn would turned down the offer form The Wizard in MGM's adaptation of The Wizard of Oz , to play a role on that show.

January 27, 1948: Wire Recording introduced the 'Wireway'

January 27, 1948: The first magnetic tape recorder was introduced by Wire Recording Corporation of America. ‘Wire Way,’ as it was called, had an integrated oscillator and was sold for $149.50 at the time.

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