July 16: Happy Birthday Barbara Stanwyck

On July 16, 1907, Barbara Stanwyck, once considered to be the highest paid actress of her time in America, was born. Originally known as Ruby Stevens, Miss. Stanwyck’s first tour of duty as an entertainer is when she traveled with her older sister, who was a Jort Cort showgirl, learning behind the scenes of the business. By 1922, she was hired as a dancer for Ziegfeld Follies, “just so she could eat.” Over the next few years she worked for an unseemly nightclub doing late shows as a chorus girl. Over the years she had a long-running success in motion pictures and televisiStella Dallas (among others) were brought to radio on Lux Radio Theatre. In a different portrayal, to that of the legendary Agnes Moorehead, Stanwyck did a run on Lux with Suspense. Varied radio theatre productions carry her movie performances around the country. Miss Stanwyck was married twice and had one adopted child. It was said that leading men of her day were also considered very close friends, usually platonically; as she prefered their company. Barbara Stanwyck died in 1990 of congestive heart failure. The much loved and celebrated Ruby Stevens had gone on.
on. Barbara Stanwyck was top favorite to guest star on radio programs, such as The Jack Benny Show and Burns and Allen.

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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 .

December 10, 1927: The first WSM Barn Dance Broadcast

December 10, 1927: George Hay introduce the WSM Barn Dance at The Grand Ole Opry for the first time on this day. The Grand Ole Opry began just five years after commercial radio was born in the United States. In 1925, WSM was formed. National Life hired George D. Hay as WSM's first program director. Hay, started his career on radio at WLS, Chicago. He created a barn dance show. Hay called himself "The Solemn Old Judge" and launched what would become the WSM Barn Dance , along with championship fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson. Hay's popular weekly broadcasts were renamed the Grand Ole Opry in 1927. When WSM radio increased the power of its transmission to 50,000 watts in 1932, the Opry, which aired every Saturday night, could be heard by most of the United States and parts of Canada. For more great radio western music see: All Star Western Theater Arthur Smith's Corner Store Bailes Brothers Bill Ring Show Checkerboard Fun Fest Chuck Wagon Jamboree ...

Fast Fun Facts about Jack Webb

Jack Webb was an American actor, television producer, director, and screenwriter, best known for his role as Sergeant Joe Friday in the 1950s TV series "Dragnet." Here's twelve FUN FACTS for you to know: Jack Webb was born on April 2, 1920 in Santa Monica, California. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, where he was a bomber pilot. In 1949, Webb created and starred in the radio series " Pat Novak for Hire ," which was the basis for the later " Dragnet " TV series. " Dragnet " was one of the first police procedural dramas on television, and it ran for eight seasons from 1951 to 1959. In addition to his work on " Dragnet ," Jack Webb also directed and produced several other TV shows, including "Adam-12," "Emergency!" and "Mark VII Limited." He was known for his distinctive style as a director, which involved using close-ups and quick cuts to convey a sense of immediacy. J...

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