December 7, 1948: The Big Band Star-Maker

December 7, 1948: Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program was launched on NBC. Dick Contino, an accordionist, became the first winner of the $5,000 prize on the talent show. The program proved to be a launching pad for many famous actors, including Art Carney, Al Hirt, Frankie Carle, Alvino Rey, Gordon MacRae, the King Sisters, Ken Berry, Dick Contino, Fred Lowrey, Ronnie Kemper, Frank DeVol, Larry Cotton, Donna and her Don Juans, Ollie O'Toole, and many more.

Known as one of the first reality talent searches, this youth opportunity program was hosted by the most celebrated master of ceremonies in his time - the master showman, Horace Heidt.

According to Heidt, the show was intended not only to showcase talents, but to also level the door of opportunity to any person who wanted to try and explore their talents and improve their skills.

Other than this televised talent search, Heidt was also able to search for aspiring musicians by building Musical Knights.

Such achievements garnered Heidt not one but two star awards: the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, and also the title of being the big-band star maker.

The said legacy was passed to his son, Horace Heidt Jr.

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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.

Old Radio

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