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 .

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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