July 22, 1936: A Feud that was Loved

July 22, 1936: On this day a famous debate between Jack Benny and Fred Allen began. Mr. Allen commented on the performance of a 10 year old violinist who performed on his show. He said older violinists should be shamed by this young violinist because his violin play was better than his elders.

Mr. Benny then replied to what Mr. Allen said. That debate continued and lasted until Mr. Allen's death.

This debate was unknown after the second show for the west coast, since this conversation was not recorded and the argument was unscripted.

Jack Benny and Fred Allen Feud was actually a show featuring two people who were friends in real life. The idea to have the show started in the program The Lint Bath Club Revue wherein Benny, a very witty comedian, teased Fred Allen to hide in shame because 10-year old Stewart Canin was a very good violinist, implying that Allen was not.

Needless to say, the bantering was loved by the audience. Thus, the feud was continued and lasted for the next decade. The feud ended when Fred Allen stole the pants of Jack Benny.

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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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