Old Radio

  June 26, 1933: Famous variety program The Kraft Music Hall went on air for first time. The Kraft Music Hall  was a musical-variety program featuring orchestra leader Paul Whiteman and sponsored by  Kraft products. The show changed the name several times, until it finally settled on Kraft Music Hall in 1934. Paul Whiteman remained as the host until December 6, 1935. Paul Whiteman also popular as  "The King of Jazz". He was the pioneer jazz musician at that time.

It is one thing to be able to look a giraffe in the eye...but to kick one? That was the self-professed irony of one Charlotte Greenwood . Born in June of 1890, Frances Charlotte Greenwood stood 6 feet tall and was an acclaimed dancer and actress. Her lengthy reach with her legs made her a favorite for choreography selections, being able to kick high and gracefully. The celebrated comedienne would grace the screen of the notable musical, “Oklahoma” in 1955 as Aunt Eller. However, before her run as a screen actress, Ms Greenwood completed a successful run on radio with her own program which ran as a situational comedy for the airwaves. From 1941-1946, The Charlotte Greenwood Show stood the test of time and became an American favorite during a time of world wide hostilities . Families groomed their time around the radio to listen to This effervescent diva of celebrated humor and tale. As Aunt Charlotte she was full of bits and pieces of wisdom playing nursemaid to the three barton

On June 24 of 1904, Baloo...well the voice of Baloo...was born. Phil Harris (first name Wonga ) was an actor, jazz musician, singer, comedian and so many other talents. Raised in Tennessee, Harris began his foray into entertainment as a drummer for a circus.  He later formed a band that many runs at the St. Francis Hotel. Following a dissolution of the band, Harris formed a new band that still exists to this day. Through the 1930’s, Phil Harris made recordings for a variety of major labels, including Columbia, Decca and Victor. From the 30’s through the 50’s, Harris would be cast alongside some of the big names in the industry, like Walter Brennan.  He also performed in a film that also created Flying Down to Rio, which set in motion a couple of top names in Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire . During the 1930’s, Harris made his radio debut by being the Musical Director and comic relief for the Jack Benny Program. The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show also spent time on the airwa

  June 23, 1941: Heard for the first time on Mutual, Front Page Farrell moved to NBC in 1942 and remained on air until 1954. The central characters were Sally and David Farrell. The show featured David Farell, a reporter with dashing looks who impulsively married Sally. Such marriage was intended to save Sally from marrying someone who was twice her age. Together, they have solved cases, reporting gigs, and the likes. In WWII , it was said that the Office of War and information has provided some themes for the show. Enjoy this 1949 broadcast of "Fatal Smile":

June 22, 1920 was when American voice and character actor Paul Frees was born. Born Solomon Hersh Frees , his voice range that covered multiple octave levels made Frees a popular pick for voice characterizations over 40 years.  To this day, some of his voice offerings can be found in the Disney company of entrees, including Walt Disney World. Beginning in 1942, Frees would extend his voice to cartoons, and other venues of entertainment...including commercials. While beginning a career in radio, Frees was drafted into WWII and fought in the European theatre. Injured in Normandy , he would would convalescent for a year at home. His return to radio would endear him to millions of Americans as a voice actor in such popular programs as Gunsmoke and Suspense Theatre . In fact, if actor William Conrad was not the voice narration, Paul Frees would be heard giving the voice to Suspense . In the radio drama The Player , Frees handled all the parts; cast and storyteller. Paul Frees