Old Radio

Al Jolson , John Wayne , and Peggy Lee were all born on May 26. For Lee, it was 1920, in Jamestown, ND. Lee is celebrated as a gifted songstress who brought to life such hits as Fever, Why Don't You Do Right? and Elmer's Tune.  Lee sang in Benny Goodman 's orchestra from 1941 til 1943 before moving on to a solo recording career and roles in several hit films. She would then win a Grammy in 1969 for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance for her song "Is That All There Is?" Naturally, Ms. Lee spent her share of time on the radio, appearing on Bing Crosby 's Philco Radio Time many a time, as well as Crosby's Chesterfield Presents the Bing Crosby Show . She also appeared in many sustaining broadcasts. Lee contributed to the world of music as a bombastic vocalist, a shining star of the Big Band Era.

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.

A stirrer of the imagination, a soother of souls, a gentle and loyal companion, Bing Crosby is a crooner for all-time, a superstar of the twentieth century. Known for his songs "White Christmas," "Surrender Dear," and "Sweet Leilani," the baritone was called "the most admired man alive" by Yank magazine. From 1935-'43, Crosby appeared regularly on Kraft Music Hall . He also made many appearances on Command Performance and Philco Radio Time. These performances, in addition to showcasing his now-legendary vocal skills, allowed him to work with the biggest names of the day, including Peggy Lee , Boris Karloff , Al Jolson , Groucho Marx , and Fred Astaire . The story has it that his nickname Bing (he was born Harry) came from his infatuation with the comic strip Bingville Bugle.