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 .

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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