When Radio Ruled #141 – 3 Best Variety Shows of the 1930s

Bing Crosby

The first generation of radio talent, performers, directors, and writers came from the worlds of vaudeville, minstrel shows and Broadway revues. All forms of variety theater, so it isn’t any wonder that the variety show quickly emerged as a common Radio format.

Here are the three Old Time Radio shows from the 1930’s I feel best exemplify the variety format, and the reasons why.

I expect you, dear listener, might respectfully disagree with my choices. Leave me a comment on my blog, BeforeTVBlog.com, I’d love to hear your opinions.

Meanwhile, give a listen to:

Al Jolson

Fred Allen

Portland Hoffa

Rudy Vallee

Charlie McCarthy

Edgar Bergen

Don Ameche

Dorothy Lamour

Nelson Eddy

Jimmy Dorsey

Bob Burns

And More

Great Variety is Just a Click Away!

When Radio Ruled #51 – Soundscape 1937 part 18

Ida Lupino on the Radio

This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast September 5 to October 10, 1937.

Starring W.C. Fields, Charlie McCarthy, Don Ameche, Edgar Bergen, Fibber McGee and Molly, Al Jolson, George Jessell, Eddie Cantor, Bette Davis, Cecil B. DeMille, John LeRoy Johnston, Rudy Vallee, The Stroud Twins, Orson Welles, Agnes Moorehead, Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, and more.

 

Featured Songs include Al Jolson “Tootsie”, Eddie Cantor “Now’s the time to fall in love” and “Love is on the Air Tonight”, The Connecticut Yankees with an unidentified female vocalist (possibly Annette Hanshaw) “Basin Street Blues”, Eddie Cantor and Pinky Tomlin “Sweet Varsity Sue”

Click Hear to Listen to Soundscape 1937 part 18