Old Radio

On this day in 1895, William Boyd was born.

On this day in 1918, Howard Culver was born.

On this day in 1890, Herbert Marshall was born.

On this day in 1859, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born.

Today marks the 1904 birth of Thomas "Fats" Waller , one of the great jazz pianists of the mid-20th century. The Harlem native began playing at rent parties, raising some cash for the hosts. He broke into the music business writing novelty songs, and started recording with Victor Records in 1926. Waller played the organ in addition to piano, and also laid down the vocals on his solo songs. His technique was considerable--he was an innovator in the difficult realm of stride piano, which requires fast alternation on the bass end of the keyboard, with the right hand augmenting the basic melody. He hosted a radio show called " Fats Waller 's Rhythm Club" from 1932-34. Waller's virtuosity and his smooth, comic patter made him a very popular entertainer in Depression-era America . Happy Birthday, Fats!

On this day in 1942, The Whistler made its radio debut.

On this day in 1904, Clifton Fadiman was born.

On this day in 1910, Paul Sutton was born.

On this day in 1912, Bret Morrison was born.

On this day in 1932, Jack Benny Program made its radio debut.

On this day in 1908, Eve Arden was born.

On this day in 1878, Lionel Barrymore was born.

On this day in 1955, X-Minus One made its debut.

On this day in 1935, Lights Out made its radio debut.

On this day in 1935, Fibber McGee & Molly made its radio debut.

On this day in 1917, Hans Conried was born.

On this day in 1943, Falcon made its debut.

On this day in 1943, The Adventures of Nero Wolfe made its radio debut.

On this day in 1906, Bea Benaderet was born.

On this day in 1924, Doris Day was born.

On this day in 1912, Frank Lovejoy was born. As Randy Stone, he was your favorite newspaperman on trail of crime and corruption in Night Beat .

March 28: Happy Birthday, Frank Lovejoy We can't know if Frank Lovejoy was voted "Most Likely To Be The Blue Beetle " by his high school class, but it seems possible. The steely-eyed, square-jawed actor exuded intensity and a detective's predatory determination. If we were alive, he'd be celebrating his one hundred and first birthday. Lovejoy's voice was one of the most recognized in the business, for Blue Beetle and several other shows.  Blue Beetle  hit the airwaves in May of 1940. Lovejoy gave voice to the title character, a superhero (whose alter-ego's name was Dan Garrett) with the strength of ten men. He carried a beetle pendant and left it around town to alert evil-doers he was on to them. Lovejoy held down this gig only for a Summer, and then future episodes went uncredited as to the voice. Frank Lovejoy is also well-known for his parts in Box 13 , Nightbeat , Dragnet , and This Is Your FBI . When they needed a stern cop or investiga

On this day in 1907, Philip Rapp was born.

On this day in 1892, Andy Clyde was born.

On this day in 1922, Jack Kruschen was born.

On this day in 1952, William Boyd was born.

On this day in 1916, Mercedes McCambridge was born.

On this day in 1903, Lawrence Welk was born.