September 28: Happy Birthday, Ed Sullivan

Well, you've heard today is Ed Sullivan's birthday, and that has a special meaning for old time radio buffs.  Sure, Sullivan was one of the giants of the world of television, but he had a huge radio career too.

He began with interview shows and with his program "Ed Sullivan Entertains."  This fifteen-minute show ran from fall of 1943 to summer of 1944.  On this program, sponsored by Mennen, the gossip columnist had spirited conversations with popular personages.

One reason Sullivan may have resonated so well with the general public, particularly once he became a TV star, was that he didn't look or even sound like someone who'd make his living in front of a microphone.  He was too serious and seemed to be of a different world.  But as a TV host, he would go down in history as the man who hosted and introduced a panoply of amazing entertainers such as the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Pearl Bailey, The McGuire Sisters, Perry Como, Peggy Lee, you name 'em.  Happy birthday, Ed!

May 18: Happy Birthday, Perry Como

Mr. Perry Como was born on this day in 1912. His show biz career spanned half a century, including his exploits as a singer and also as a radio and TV personality.

In 1943, Como signed on with RCA Victor records and began churning out an amazing string of hits, such as "When You Were Sweet Sixteen," "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," "Because," and "Forever and Ever."

Radio played a big part in Como's life, and not just for playing his songs. He'd begun as a singer in a traveling band led by Ted Weems. When he became a family man, Como decided to quit the road life and was set to begin a middle-class life as a barber. However, an offer of a CBS radio show was what kept him in show business. The RCA recording contract would come not long after.

Radio also made Como the highest paid performer at that time--he earned this big salary as the host of Perry Como's Kraft Music Show. We're glad he didn't become a barber--a close shave to say the least.