January 27, 1931: Clara, Lu 'n' Em First Debut on Radio

January 27, 1931: Through NBC's Blue Network, listeners were introduced to Clara, Lu 'n' Em. It started on a nighttime slot but later on moved to its daytime slot, thus making it the first daytime network radio serial.

Clara, Lu, and Em was the first radio soap opera on radio network. It aired beginning June 16, 1930 over WGN-AM Chicago, Illinois an lasted until 1930s. Then in early 1940s was broadcast on the NBC Blue Network and CBS, finally airing as a syndicated series in 1945.The program became the first network daytime radio serial when it was moved from its original evening time slot to days.

The drama series was about Northwestern University's students, Clara (Louise Starkey), Lu (Isobel Carothers) and Em (Helen King). Their friends suggested they go on the radio, so the trio approached WGN and did their first shows for no pay.

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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 .

October 14, 1906 Benita Hume was born

On this day in 1906, Benita Hume was born.

February 10: Happy Birthday, Jimmy Durante

February 10: Happy Birthday, Jimmy Durante Actor, personality, voice-over expert and owner of a famous "schnozzola," Jimmy Durante was born on this day in 1893. Jimmy's calling card was his raspy, urbane voice. He hosted the Durante-Moore Show with partner Garry Moore and went solo with The Jimmy Durante Show in 1947. "Dat's my boy dat said dat!" was a catchphrase on the first iteration of the program. Like many shows of the era, The Jimmy Durante Show featured comedy and music. Do you remember guest appearances by: Lucille Ball , Victor Moore, Bing Crosby , and Al Jolson ? After his radio career, Durante voiced the Narrator of the 1969 cartoon special "Frosty the Snowman." He died in Santa Monica on Jan. 29, 1980.

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