Music Radio: The Great Performers and Programs of the 1920s through Early 1960s

by Jim Cox and Jim Cox

Book Overview

Long before the invention of "talk radio," music was the heart and soul of radio programming--whether standing alone, filling in the time between features, or identifying to widespread audiences the shows coming on and signing off the air.

Jim Cox's Music Radio encompasses the entire range of musical programming from the early 1920s to the early 1960s. Jazz, country, classical, gospel, pop, big band, western, and semi-classical forms...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786460857
• ISBN13: 9780786460854
• Release Date: January 2011
• Publisher: McFarland and Company, Inc.
• Length: 380 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.9" x 9.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

An Aspect of Old-Time Radio Finally Well-Covered

Music Radio: The Great Performers and Programs of the 1920s through Early 1960s By Jim Cox Radio brought live entertainment into American homes; not only dramas and comedies, but also live music programs were beamed across the air waves during the Golden Age of Radio. Because of Radio, listeners could hear live music of every genre without ever leaving their homes. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising that only a relatively few overview books have been written about the music programs of Radio's Golden Age. Old-Time Radio authority and author Jim Cox has helped rectify this oversight with the publication of MUSIC RADIO: The Great Performers and Programs of the 1920s through Early 1960s. In doing so, he has significantly increased our knowledge of broadcast music. MUSIC RADIO covers the entire gamut of radio musical programming starting in the 1920s and continuing through the early 1960s. Classical, operatic, big band, jazz, country, western, gospel, sacred, pop, and semi-classical music forms are explored in the entertaining and informative style that is a trademark of Jim Cox volumes on American Old-Time Radio. Jim has written comprehensive essays on ten major musical programs: The Bell Telephone Hour, The Bing Crosby Show, The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street, Cities Service Concerts, The Fred Waring Show, Grand Ole Opry, The Kate Smith Show, The Railroad Hour, The Voice of Firestone, and Your Hit Parade. The treatment of each of these series includes considerable information on performers, writers, production personnel, sponsors, ratings, dates on the air, and time slots. Additionally, he has provided chapters on The Big Bands, The Classics, The Contests, The Disc Jockeys, The Hummert Musicales, The Horse Operas, The House Bands, The Sacred Singers, and The Vocalists. These chapters provide significant insight into the origins and development of these music genres on the radio air waves. Also included is extensive information on many radio series in these various genres. Throughout his book, the author provides extensive biographical and program credits information on more than 125 prominent performers and groups, conductors, producers, announcers, hosts, and disk jockeys from the Golden Age of Radio Broadcast Music. For example, The Vocalists chapter includes information on the signature and hits tunes, career highlights, and radio programs of The Andrews Sisters, Jack Berch, Eddie Cantor, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Bob Crosby, Morton Downey, Eddie Fisher, Jane Froman, The Happiness Boys, Dick Haymes, Al Jolson, Peggy Lee, Curt Massey, Vaughn Monroe, Jane Pickens, Lanny Ross, Ginny Simms, Jack Smith, Jo Stafford, Mel Torme, Arthur Tracey, and Rudy Vallee. Jim Cox is one of the most productive writers on the Golden Age of Radio. He has written entertainingly and authoritatively about Radio soap operas, audience participation shows, detective and police shows, the programs of Frank and Anne Hummert, and the

Documents the presence and importance of musical programming through all the genres and station focu

Before the invention of 'talk radio' music was the cornerstone of radio programming - and Jim Cox's Music Radio: The Great Performers And Programs Of The 1920s Through Early 1960s documents the presence and importance of musical programming through all the genres and station focuses. Major series as well as artists are explored in detail, with many less-popular shows and performers included. Sections cover the classics, the disc jockeys who played the music and chose the sound, house bands, sacred singers, and much more. Each section provides a detailed historical overview, mention of major influences and personalities, and insights into music evolution from and influence on radio shows.