October 5, 1947: The first recorded radio show: Bing Crosby's 'Der Bingle'

October 5, 1947: The first tape-recorded show, Bing Crosby's Der Bingle, was transmitted on ABC. Crosby invested a huge amount in Ampex Company. Popularity of the show also gave boost to magnetic tape recorders, which led to the extensive dissemination of Ampex Model 200 magnetic tape recorders.

Bing Crosby, one of the most popular radio stars during that time, was open to the idea of recording radio programs, since he thought it was much better than appearing live. He first suggested this idea to NBC, but it refused, so he decided to just stop working on live radio for a while. He then returned in 1946-1947, this time to the recently-established ABC.

It was in June 1947 when Jack Mullin demonstrated to Crosby his tape recorders. After that, Crosby asked him to test record his radio show. Mullin used Ampex's Model 200 tape recorder for that. Following the successful test recording, Crosby asked ABC if he could pre-record his shows, to which the latter agreed. From then on, Crosby hired Mullin as his head engineer, and purchased $50,000 worth of recorders from Ampex.

The Ampex Company was a small company based in Northern California. The first show recorded on tape, Bing Crosby's Der Bingle, became so popular that it led to the wide distribution of the Ampex model 200.

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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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