New York: March 12, 1925 (Thursday)
WEAF 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Victor Presentation [per New York Times]
Performers: Henry Burr, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Peerless Quartet; Rudy Wiedoeft, saxophone; and International Novelty Orchestra (Nat Shilkret, director).
Program as follows:
1. Titina (International Novelty Orch. with vocal refrain)
2. That Wicked Tango (International Novelty Orch.)
3. Oh Mabel (Murray)
4. Big Bad Bill (Murray)
5. Souvenir (Wiedoeft)
6. Saxophobia (Wiedoeft)
7. When You and I Were Young, Maggie (Burr)
8. Dear One (Burr)
9. No Wonder (International Novelty Orch.)
10. Mammy Lou (Peerless Quartet)
11. Follow the Swallow (Peerless Quartet)
12. Celito Lindo—Waltz (International Novelty Orch.)
Advertisement, Ironwood (MI) Daily Globe, March 11, 1925, page 3.
"Artists Will Figure in Next Victor Program," Washington Post, March 8, 1925, page 61.
"14 Stations to Radio Popular Music Program," New York Times, March 1, 1925, page 12.
"Pop Night at WEAF," Variety, March 11, 1925, page 45.
"Tonight's Victor Broadcasting Program," San Antonio (TX) Express, March 12, 1925, page 9.
Detroit, Michigan: October 10, 1925 (Saturday)
WGHP 7:00 PM—12:00 AM Central (5 hrs.)
Program title: unknown
Performers: Frank Banta, piano; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Rudy Wiedoeft, saxophone; symphony orchestra (Dirk Van Emmerick, director); and dance orchestra (William Finzel, director).
Details: This was the inaugural program for station WGHP in Detroit, owned by George Harrison Phelps, Inc.
"New Station on Air Tonight," Oxnard (CA) Daily Courier, October 10, 1925, page 1.
"New Super Power Station for Detroit," New Castle (PA) News, October 9, 1925, page 27.
New York: March 12, 1926 (Friday)
WJZ 9:00 PM—10:30 PM Eastern (90 minutes)
Program title: Victor Hour
Performers: Elsie Baker, contralto; Frank Banta, piano; Henry Burr, tenor; Royal Dadmun, baritone; George Hamilton Green, xylophone; Sammy Herman, xylophone; Lucy Isabelle Marsh, soprano; Lambert Murphy, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Peerless Quartet; Monroe Silver, comedian; and Victor Salon Orchestra (Nat Shilkret, director).
Program as follows:
1. The Glow Worm (Salon Orch.)
2. Memories of Mother (Murphy)
3. Roses of Yesterday (Murphy)
4. My Thoughts of You (Baker)
5. Sometime (Baker)
6. Alice Blue Gown (Salon Orch.)
7. My Hero (Marsh)
8. Annie Laurie (Marsh)
9. Give a Man a Horse He Can Ride (Dadmun)
10. Father O'Flynn (Dadmun)
11. Stephen Foster Medley (Salon Orch.)
12. Whispering Hope (Marsh and Baker)
13. Song of Love (from "Blossom Time") (Marsh and Dadmun)
14. When the Roses Bloom (Murphy)
15. A Perfect Day (Baker)
16. I Want What I Want When I Want It (Dadmun)
17. Italian Street Song (Marsh and chorus)
18. Cohen on the Telephone (Silver)
19. Always (Burr)
20. "Two xylophones and piano" (Green, Herman, and Banta)
21. It Must Be Love (Peerless Quartet)
22. Jerusalem Morn (Peerless Quartet)
23. Roll 'Em Girls (Murray)
24. Sweet Man (Banta)
25. The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise (Salon Orch.)
26. I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight? (Burr and Murray)
27. Ensemble, Salon Orch. and artists
"Three Star Concerts Booked for Radio This Month," New York Times, March 7, 1926, page 19.
According to a letter from the Victor Talking Machine Compoany (dated August 26, 1926), Henry Burr (addressed as Harry H. McClaskey) was given permission for himself, Billy Murray, Monroe Silver, Frank Banta, Sammy Herman, Carl Mathieu, James Stanley, and Stanley Baughman "to enter into a contract with the Goodrich Company for the purpose of broadcasting for them once each week for twenty-six weeks..." However, only the October 7th and October 26th dates are confirmed in the newspaper listings.
New York: October 7, 1926 (Thursday)
WEAF 10:00 PM—11:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Goodrich Zippers
Performers (under the direction of Henry Burr): Frank Banta, piano; Stanley Baughman, bass; Henry Burr, tenor; Carl Mathieu, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Monroe Silver, comedian; James Stanley, baritone; and orchestra.
Program as follows:
1. Orchestra selection
2. Operatic Nightmare (Banta)
3. Tomorrow (Stanley)
4. I Ate the Baloney (Murray and Silver)
5. Tid Bits (Silver)
6. Orchestra selection
7. Because I Love You (Burr)
8. Hello Aloha (Murray and Mathieu)
9. Xylophone selections, "Al Fresco" (Herman)
10. Who'd Be Blue (Peerless Quartet: Mathieu, Burr, Stanley, Baughman)
11. Sez I to Myself (Murray)
12. Orchestra selection
"Radio Broadcasts," Lowell (MA) Sun, October 7, 1926, page 5.
New York: October 28, 1926 (Thursday)
WEAF 10:00 PM—11: 00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Goodrich Zippers
Performers: Billy Murray, Henry Burr, Monroe Silver, and probably others. (No personnel given.)
"Daily Radio Program," Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, October 28, 1926, page 4.
New York: January 20, 1927 (Thursday)
WJZ 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Radiotrons
Performers: Franklyn Baur, tenor; Frank Black, piano; Wilfred Glenn, bass; Lewis James, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Lou Raderman, violin; Harry Reser, banjo; Elliott Shaw, baritone; and Radiotrons Orchestra.
Program as follows:
1. Baby Face (Radiotrons)
2. Sweetie Pie (Raderman)
3. Thinking of You (Baur)
4. Meadow Lark (Reser)
5. Santa Lucia (Shannon Quartet: Baur, James, Shaw, Glenn)
6. Where Do You Work a John? (Murray)
7. "Piano Medley and vocal chorus—Mr. Black"
8. Blue Room (Radiotrons)
9. Give Me a Ukulele (Reser)
10. The Riff Song (Baritone solo and quartet)
11. I've Got the Girl (Raderman)
12. Coney Island Washboard (Reser)
13. Pale Moon (Radiotrons)
14. Hush-a-bye Waltz (Raderman)
15. Port of Missing Ships (Glenn)
16. Clock Song (Reser)
17. What Do You Think of That? (Murray)
18. Moonbeam! Kiss Her for Me (Radiotrons)
"Blue Network Includes Programs by Many Artists of International Note," Davenport (IA) Democrat and Leader, January 14, 1927, page 10.
Dayo, Ray, "Billy Murray, Comedian, On WJZ Tonight," Syracuse (NY) Herald, January 20, 1927, page 16.
"Outstanding Comedian to Be Heard on WJZ Jan. 20," Galveston (TX) Daily News, January 16, 1927, page 22.
According to a letter from the Victor Talking Machine Company (dated April 1, 1927), Murray was given "permission to broadcast one night each week during the coming Spring season in connection with a program broadcast by the Radiotrons over Station WJZ." The following programs below are confirmed from newspaper listings.
New York: April 13, 1927 (Wednesday)
WJZ 10:00 PM—11:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Radiotrons
Performers: Billy Murray and Frank Munn, guests.
Details: Songs include musical hits such as "Lucky," "Yours Truly," and a medley of old-time songs with choruses by Murray and Munn. George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" was the opening number.
Dayo, Ray, "Radiotrons In Old Time Hits At WJZ," Syracuse (NY) Herald, April 13, 1927, page 10.
"Tune In On These Today," Decatur (IL) Review, April 13, 1927, page 4.
New York: April 27, 1927 (Wednesday)
WJZ 10:00 PM—11:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Radiotrons
Performers: Frank Black, piano; Wilfred Glenn, bass; Charles Harrison, tenor; Lewis James, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Elliott Shaw, baritone; and Radiotrons Orchestra.
Program as given in the Hartford Couriant:
1. The More We are Together (Quartet)
2. Valse Huguette (Orchestra)
3. Sundown (Tenor)
4. That Little Something (Orch.)
5. Oh by Jingo, Oh by Gosh, by Gee (Comedian) [Murray?]
6. On the Banks of the Wabash (Quartet)
7. Hallelujah (Orch.)
8. Yesterday (Orch. and Quartet)
9. Wot Stomp (Orchestra)
10. Clap Yo' Hands (Quartet)
11. Hot Violin Solo
12. Pale Moon (Quartet)
13. Guitar paraphrase
14. The Little Ford Ramled Right Along (Comedian) [Murray?]
15. Somebody (Orch. with vocal chorus)
16. I'm a Roamer (Bass solo)
17. Snow Drop (Orch.)
18. I Know That You Know (Quartet)
19. Bright Eyes
"Comedian on Air with Radiotrons," Hartford (CT) Courant, April 24, 1927, page D8.
"Spring Music Feature on WRC Radio Tonight," Washington Post, April 27, 1927, page 9.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, April 27, 1927, page 28.p. 9.
Note:
This was not "The Maxwell Hour" as some listings may suggest (it was an unrelated program broadcasted one hour previously on the same day and station).
New York: May 4, 1927 (Wendesday)
WJZ 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Radiotrons
Performers: Billy Murray, and unknown others.
Dayo, Ray, "Radiocasting Today," Syracuse (NY) Herald, May 4, 1927, page 11.
Chicago, Illinois: May 11, 1927 (Wednesday)
WBCN 7:00 PM—8:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: Tivoli Theater
Performers: Frank Banta, piano; Stanley Baughman, bass; Henry Burr, tenor; Sammy Herman, xylophone; Carl Mathieu, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Monroe Silver, comedian; James Stanley, baritone; and Tivoli Symphony Orchestra (Umberto Marcelli, director). Glen R. Fouche, announcer.
Details: The Tivoli Symphony Orchestra was also to be featured with "Musical Impressions" (it was listed as part of the program in the radio schedule for the hour).
"Victor Record Stars Feature Tivoli Broadcast," Southtown Economist (Chicago, IL), May 10, 1927, page 10.
New York: May 11, 1927 (Wednesday)
WJZ 10:00 PM—11:00 Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Radiotrons
Details: Wilfred Glenn, bass; Charles Harrison, tenor; Lewis James, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Elliott Shaw, baritone; and Radiotrons Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, May 11, 1927, page 30.
"Tune In On These Today," Decatur (IL) Review, May 11, 1927, page 6.
Note: The date of this broadcast was the same date Murray was scheduled to appear in a Tivoli Theater Broadcast in Chicago. Since Murray had previously broadcasted with the Radiotrons in New York City, it is possible that the Decatur Review could be a listing error.
Chicago, Illinois: May 12, 1927 (Thursday)
WBCN 11:00 PM—12:00 AM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: Tivoli Theater
Performers: Frank Banta, piano; Stanley Baughman, bass; Henry Burr, tenor; Sammy Herman, xylophone; Carl Mathieu, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Monroe Silver, comedian; and James Stanley, baritone. Glen R. Fouche, ann.
Details: A special program where listeners can telephone requests to Fouche, the announcer and manager of the Tivoli Theater.
"Victor Record Stars Will Broadcast Request Hour," Southtown Economist (Chicago, IL), May 11, 1927, page 14.
Oakland, California: January 30, 1928 (Monday)
KLX 10:15 PM—11:15 PM Pacific (60 minutes)
Program title: unknown
Performers: Frank Banta, piano; Stanley Baughman, bass; Henry Burr, tenor; Sammy Herman, xylophone; Carl Mathieu, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Monroe Silver, comedian; and James Stanley, baritone.
Details: Artists appearing courtesy of West Coast Theaters, Inc.
"Eight Singers Will Provide Hour of Music," Oakland (CA) Tribune, January 30, 1928, page 10B.
"KLX to Radio Organist and Victor Artists," Oakland (CA) Tribune, January 28, 1928, page 23C.
Ogden City, Utah: March 31, 1928 (Saturday)
KFUR 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Mountain (60 minutes)
Program title: unknown
Performers: Frank Banta, piano; Stanley Baughman, bass; Henry Burr, tenor; Sammy Herman, xylophone; Carl Mathieu, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Monroe Silver, comedian; and James Stanley, baritone.
Details: Artists appearing courtesy of Harry Aston, manager of the Paramount Theater.
"Special Program on Radio Tonight," Ogden Standard-Examiner (Ogden City, Utah), March 31, 1928, page 6.
New York: February 11, 1929 (Monday)
WJZ 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: The Edison Hour
Performers: Edison Concert Orchestra (Carlo Peroni, conductor); Charles Edison; Thomas Edison; Frieda Hempel, soprano; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Jack Parker (vocal) with trio; B. A. Rolfe and his Lucky Strike Edison Recording Dance Orchestra; and Moriz Rosenthal, piano.
Program as follows:
1. Orchestra introduction
2. Address by Charles Edison
3. The Dance of the Hours (Edison Concert Orch.)
4. The Last Rose of Summer (Hempel; acc. by Edison Concert Orch.)
5. Blue Danube Waltz (Hempel; acc. by Edison Concert Orch.)
6. Liszt's Second Hungarian Rhapsody (Rosenthal)
7. Address by Thomas A. Edison from Fort Myers, Florida
8. I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen (Rolfe Orch.; vocal by Parker trio)
9. I Can't Give You Anything but Love (Rolfe Orch. with vocal refrain)
10. Carry Me Back to Old Virginny (Rolfe's Orch.; vocal by Parker trio)
11. Doin' the Raccoon (Billy Murray; acc. by Rolfe Orch.)
12. The Toymaker's Dream (Rolfe Orch. with vocal refrain)
13. The Chocolate Soldier (Rolfe Orch.)
Audio recording supplied from the Edison National Historic Site.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, February 11, 1929, page 15. [Only listed as a 30 min. program, but the program was a full hour.]
Note: This was a live performance to celebrate Thomas Edison's 82nd birthday. The program included the original WJZ announcement, pitch irregularities due to flaws from the original master, and due to an occurrence in the radio transfer, the program cuts off in the middle of the final selection. A transcription of this program exists on a twelve-inch 30rpm Edison Diamond Disc experimental record (matrixes EXP-185-A-1-1 and EXP-185-B-1-1).
New York: August 3, 1929 (Saturday)
WEAF 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: unknown
Performers: General Electric Concert Orchestra, songs by Carson Robison, Frank Luther, and Billy Murray.
"Radio Program," Olean (NY) Evening Times, August 2, 1929, page 7.
"Radio Program," Olean (NY) Evening Times, August 3, 1929, page 6.
New York: November 29, 1929 (Friday)
WJZ 10:30 PM—11:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Armour Program
Performers: Billy Murray, guest soloist with male trio, male chorus, and orchestra.
"Daily Radio Program," Clearfield (PA) Progress, November 27, 1929, page 5.
"On the Air Tonight," Clearfield (PA) Progress, November 29, 1929, page 13.
"Radio Programs," Manitoba (Canada) Free Press, November 29, 1929, page 21.
Recorded: New York, ca. December 1929
Brunswick Brevities, Program U. Unidentified announcer.
XE31651-A-B Medley A [selections not confirmed] (Colonial Club Orchestra) (Part ?)
XE31652-A-B Medley B [selections not confirmed] (Colonial Club Orchestra) (Part ?)
XE31653-A-B Medley C [selections not confirmed] (Colonial Club Orchestra) (Part ?)
XE31654-A-B On the Woodpile; Nola (Xylophone solo) (Part ?)
XE31655-A Shut the Door (Billy Murray and Walter Van Brunt [as "Walter Scanlan"]) (Part 5)
XE31656-A Sergeant Flagg and Sergeant Quirt (Murray and Van Brunt [as Walter Scanlan]) (Part 3)
Details: These were released onto six twelve-inch discs and distributed to radio stations for syndication. It is possible that matrixes XE31655 and XE31656 were dubbings from Murray and Van Brunt's commercial Brunswick releases, but no copies have been located for confirmation. Take A on all matrixes were apparently issued.
Laird, Ross, Brunswick Records: A Discography of Recordings, 1916-1931 (Westport, CT: Greenwood 2001), page 745.
Syracuse, New York: January 8, 1930 (Wednesday)
WFBL 7:00 PM—7:30 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Brevities
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and unknown others.
Details: This could be the syndicated Brunswick Brevities program recorded by Brunswick in December of 1929. The Syracuse Herald stated: "They [Murray and Van Brunt] will feature an impersonation of the Captain [sic] Flagg-Sergeant Quirt dialogue in 'What Price Glory?'"
Dayo, Ray, "Stage Comics To Broadcast Over WFBL," Syracuse (NY) Herald, January 8, 1930, page 9.
Recorded: New York, ca. 1931
Radio Transcription Company of America
Program title: The O'Hoolihans
Performers: Billy Murray (as Mary Ann) and Walter Van Brunt (as Michael). Accordion accompaniment. John Hart, announcer.
Details: Murray and Van Brunt's names are not announced in the program, but their names were written on the record label (Van Brunt's last name written as "Scanlon"). Murray plays the role of Mary Ann O'Hoolihan, using a voice similar to the one he used in his duets with Aileen Stanley, such as "Keep Your Skirts Down, Mary Ann" and "Bridget O'Flynn (Where've Ya Been?)." Van Brunt sings "Mother Machree." It is unknown when this was broadcasted—it was likely recorded for syndication and distributed to radio stations. The date given is estimated.
Audio recording supplied from the J. David Goldin Collection.
Recorded: New York, ca. May 1931
Plaza matrix 10591
Program title: Broadcast program
Performers: Billy Murray and Walter Van Brunt.
Details: unknown.
Thomas, Billie W. & Allan Sutton, The Plaza-ARC Discography: Volume I (Denver, CO: Mainspring 2006), page 435.
Marcella Shields. Courtesy of Richard O'Brien.
Beginning on August 5, 1931, Billy Murray and Walter Van Brunt teamed up with Marcella Shields to perform on weekly broadcasts sponsored by the Consolidated Cigar Company, makers of Dutch Masters Cigars. Some listings for this program appear as "Dutch Masters," or more commonly "Comedy Trio." (The NBC artist index for Murray lists the program as "Dutch Master [sic] Minstrels"). The program titles shown are what were listed in the newspapers. The broadcast times listed here are based on the New York Times radio listings, where Murray, Van Brunt, and Shields were credited on the majority of the broadcasts through January 1932. (The broadcasts origininated from New York City anyway.) If they were not listed in the New York Times, another newspaper source confirming the participants is cited. The program lasted until January 27, 1932.
Library of Congress, NBC Artist Index
New York: August 5, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Dutch Masters Program
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
Details: The Newark Advocate and American Tribune indicated this was the inaugural program. It also commented, "Marcella Shields who has played in almost every vaudeville house in the country made her first debut when she was five years old. She has played with De Wolf Hopper, Gallagher and Shean, Fay Bainter and others equally well-known. Her greatest experience was playing in 'Peter Pan' when Maude Adams had the leading role."
"To Broadcast Christening," Newark (OH) Advocate and American Tribune, August 5, 1931, page 11.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 5, 1931, page 14.
New York: August 12, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Team
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 12, 1931, page 17.
New York: August 19, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"The Dial Twister," Port Arthur (TX) News, August 19, 1931, page 15.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 19, 1931, page 19.
New York: August 26, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"The Dial Twister," Port Arthur (TX) News, August 26, 1931, page 4.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 26, 1931, page 25
New York: September 2, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Dutch Masters Program
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Radio Programs," Edwardsville (IL) Intelligencer, September 2, 1931, page 11.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, September 2, 1931, page 19.
New York: September 9, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, September 9, 1931, page 36.
New York: September 16, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, September 16, 1931, page 26.
New York: September 23, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, September 23, 1931, page 27.
New York: September 30, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, September 30, 1931, page 33.
New York: October 7, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, October 7, 1931, page 32.
New York: October 14, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, October 14, 1931, page 33.
New York: October 21, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—9:58 PM Eastern (28 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
Details: Songs to be featured included "My Irish Molly-O," "Dark Town Is Out Tonight," "All Dressed Up," and "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries."
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, October 21, 1931, page 32.
WLD, "Dial Dope," Wisconsin State Journal, October 21, 1931, page 17.
Note: 9:58 to 10:01 was a three-minute memorial program to Thomas Edison, titled "Edison Memorial."
New York: October 28, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
Details: The Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune commented, "A comedy trio, Walter Scanlon, Billy Murray and Marcella Shields, will drive away the blues with musical nonsense…'Chili Bean' and 'Me No Speaka Good English' are among the numbers to be played." The Newark Advocate and American Tribune listed some of the featured songs as "Mr. Dooley," "Dear Old Girl," and "Keep a Little Cozy Corner in Your Heart for Me."
Associated Press, "Radio Tonight and Tomorrow," Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, October 28, 1931, page 3.
"Radio Highlights," Newark (OH) Advocate and American Tribune, October 28, 1931, page 13.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, October 28, 1931, page 30.
New York: November 4, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, November 4, 1931, page 28.
New York: November 11, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Dutch Masters Program
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, November 11, 1931, page 32.
"Tonight's Program," Edwardsville (IL) Intelligencer, November 11, 1931, page 9.
New York: November 18, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, November 18, 1931, page 21
"Tonight's Program," Edwardsville (IL) Intelligencer, November 18, 1931, page 7.
New York: November 25, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
Details: Songs to be featured were "On the B, on the Bou, on the Boulevard," "I'm on My Way to Reno," "Thanks for the Buggy Ride," "Judy," "Constantinople," "Thank Your Father, Thank You [sic] Mother," "Kissable Baby," and unknown others. The Capital Times commented, "Another 'embarrassing moment' and its solution will also be told during the broadcast, which will reach listeners through stations WJR, WENR and others."
"Radio Highlights," Capital Times (Madison, WI), November 25, 1931, page 18.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, November 25, 1931, page 31.
New York: December 2, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, December 2, 1931, page 30.
New York: December 9, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, December 9, 1931, page 34.
New York: December 16, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, December 16, 1931, page 36.
New York: December 23, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. William Wirges, orchestra director.
"The Dial Twister," Port Arthur (TX) News, December 23, 1931, page 2.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, December 23, 1931, page 28.
New York: December 30, 1931 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. William Wirges, orchestra director.
"Radio Programs," Edwardsville (IL) Intelligencer, December 30, 1931, page 8.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, December 30, 1931, page 26.
New York: January 6, 1932 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, January 6, 1932, page 24.
New York: January 13, 1932 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, January 13, 1932, page 31.
New York: January 20, 1932 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, January 20, 1932, page 16.
New York: January 27, 1932 (Wednesday)
WJZ 9:30 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, January 27, 1932, page 24.
![Murray, Scanlon [sic] and Shields](comedytrio.jpg)
Library of Congress, Jim Walsh Collection
Beginning on April 15, 1932, the Comedy Trio was reinstated with Horton's Ice Cream as the sponsor. Variety magazine described the program: "Trio blends into a pleasing comedy and harmony group. Majority of the 30 minutes is devoted to warbling. Scanlon and Murray are a likeable harmony team. Solo song work also included, with all three spotted individually. Numbers mainly old ballads and novelty songs, with a pop here and there. Chatter quite happy for an air group, with an apparent attempt to be original. Miss Shields has a catchy style." ("Murray, Scanlon and Shields," April 26, 1932, page 50.) The program lasted until August 26, 1932.
New York: April 15, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, April 15, 1932, page 16.
New York: April 22, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, April 22, 1932, page 22.
New York: April 29, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, April 29, 1932, page 12.
New York: May 6, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, May 6, 1932, page 14.
New York: May 13, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, May 13, 1932, page 22.
New York: May 20, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, May 20, 1932, page 23.
New York: May 27, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, May 27, 1932, page 26.
New York: June 3, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, June 3, 1932, page 22.
New York: June 10, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, June 10, 1932, page 16.
New York: June 17, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, June 17, 1932, page 17.
New York: June 24, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: Comedy Trio
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, June 24, 1932, page 17.
New York: July 1, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, July 1, 1932, page 19.
New York: July 8, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, July 8, 1932, page 22.
New York: July 15, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, July 15, 1932, page 13.
New York: July 22, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, July 22, 1932, page 18.
New York: July 29, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, July 29, 1932, page 18.
New York: August 5, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 5, 1932, page 11.
New York: August 12, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 12, 1932, page 18.
New York: August 19, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 19, 1932, page 20.
New York: August 26, 1932 (Friday)
WOR 8:30 PM—9:00 PM Eastern (30 minutes)
Program title: "Songs"
Performers: Billy Murray, Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"), and Marcella Shields. Bowers' Orchestra.
"Today on the Radio," New York Times, August 26, 1932, page 20.
No statement has been found as to why the Comedy Trio was cancelled, although a commentary in Variety, published the same week the Trio's last broadcast aired, gave a somewhat mild review of their work. It suggested that the three "try hard to be different with their comedy interludes. Some of the gags are good; some not so, but in the main it's away from the straight singing stuff. Otherwise their pops are light and palatable." ("Little Bits from the Air," August 30, 1932, page 48.)
From this point, Murray's radio work was mostly confined to minor character roles, most notably on the newly established dramatic series, Lux Radio Theatre, sponsored by Lux Toilet Soap. From 1934 to 1936, the broadcasts originated from New York City, and contained a mixture of both major and minor stage and screen stars. Among the many prominent actors and actresses featured on Lux Radio Theatre during its first years were Ethel Barrymore, Lillian Gish, Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and George M. Cohan himself.
Sadly, not only are the programs in which Murray appeared on are lost, but he took a back seat to the prestigious stars that were well-advertised for the programs, playing only minor parts. He made his debut on "The Romantic Age" (March 31, 1935), playing the part of a grocer for the commercial spot. Others that Murray worked with also took small parts on Lux Radio Theatre, including Marcella Shields, Carl Mathieu, Bradley Barker, and Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon"). In fact, both Murray and Van Brunt appeared in at least one Lux broadcast together, in "Harmony Lane," starring Lawrence Tibbett (April 20, 1936).
The data listed here was published in Connie Billips and Arthur Pierce's Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1924-1957 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), drawing from the original casting sheets from the J. Walter Thompson Collection at Duke University, and thanks to Arthur Pierce himself for providing this tip, and his encouragement of this project.
New York (Radio City, NBC Studio 3H): March 31, 1935 (Sunday)
WJZ 2:30 PM—3:30 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #25) "The Romantic Age"
Based on the play by A. A. Milne (1922)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Leslie Howard (Gervase Mallory), Sidney Fox (Melisande Knowle), and Molly Pearson, Wallace Erskine, Lillian Tonge, Sheelagh Hayes, Gerald Oliver Smith, Walter Tetley, and John Carmody.
Commercial: Arline Blackburn (Woman), Billy Murray (Grocer), and Janet Lee Hutchinson (Mary Jane).
Host: John Anthony (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Ben Graver
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: "The whimsical tale conerns a young lady who is enamored of the knights of old, and who one day seemingly meets just such a cavalier."
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 86.
New York: August 9, 1935 (Friday)
WOR 7:45 PM—8:00 PM Eastern (15 minutes)
Program title: Front Page Drama (Program #120) "Stowaway"
Performers: Billy Murray and unknown others. Wentworth (?), announcer.
Details: Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers, with a story to be featured in The American Weekly the following Sunday. Murray is not credited in the radio listings, or in the program. Based on aural evidence, he plays the roles of a stevedore and a purser.
Audio recording supplied by Nauck's Vintage Records, from 16" RCA Victor Transcription MS-92671.
Broadcast date was given on the transcription disc and the times were drawn from the New York Times, "Today on the Radio," August 9, 1935, page 32.
New York (CBS, Studio 1): August 19, 1935 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #42) "Ladies of the Jury"
Based on the play by Fred Ballard (1929)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Mary Boland (Mrs. Livingstone Baldwin Crane), Lorna Elliott (Lily Pratt), Helen Walpole (Cynthia Tate), Hallie Manning (Mayme Mixter), Virginia Morgan (Mrs. Dace), Marie Hunt (Mrs. Bridget Maguire), Harold Moffett (Jay J. Pressley), Hanley Stafford (Spencer B. Dazey), Irvin Jeffries (Alonzo Beal), Ralph Locke (Tony Theodophulus), Walter Kinsella (Steve Bromm), Horace Sinclair (Andrew MacKaig), Robert T. Haines (Judge Fish), Ray Collins (Halsey Van Stye), Harian Tucker (Rutherford Dale), Stuart Fox (Dr. Quincy Adams James, Jr.), Patricia Calvert (Evelyn Snow), William H. Malone (Clerk of the Court), Billy Murray (Art Dobbs), and Andree Caron (Mrs. Yvette Gordon).
Additional cast (commercial and crowd): William Shelly and Charles Barre.
Intermission Guest: Finette Walker, Broadway chorus girl (after Act 1).
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: "The plot revolves around a murder trial and one forceful lady juror who refuses to believe in the defendant's guilt, despite a preponderance of evidence against her."
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 93.
New York (CBS, Studio 1): September 2, 1935 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #44) "Whistling in the Dark"
Based on the play by Laurence Gross and Edward Childs Carpenter (1932)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Charles Ruggles (Wallace Porter), Sylvia Field (Toby Van Buren), and John F. Hamilton, Louis Sorin, Averell Harris, Billy Murray, Ruth Hammond, John A. Butler, and Santos Ortego.
Commercials: Myrl Justiz (Woman) and Marcelle D'Arsay (Herself).
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: "...concerns a meek writer of crime fiction who becomes involved in a real-life adventure when he accidentally stumbles into the hideout of a desperate gang of criminals."
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 94.
New York (CBS, Studio 1): September 16, 1935 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #46) "Leah Kleschna"
Based on the play by C. M. S. McLellan (1904)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Judith Anderson (Leah Kleschna), Conrad Nagel (Paul Sylvaine), Hanley Stafford (Schram), Wright Kramer (General Burton), Harold Vermilyea (Raoul Berton), Walter Soderling (Reichmann), Bertram Yarbrough (Baptiste), Billy Murray (Officer), and Herbert Ranson (Kleschna).
Commercials: Dorothy Blackburn, James Spotswood, Mary Reilly, Ann Williams, and Lynn Mary Oldham.
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: The story concerns a thief and his daughter, who is used as a front for her father's criminal activities. Problems arise when she falls in love with one of her father's victims.
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 95.
"Microphone Presents," New York Times, September 15, 1935, page 11. [Lists Frederick Forrester in place of Herbert Ranson.]
New York (CBS, Studio 1): September 30, 1935 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #48) "Alias Jimmy Valentine"
Based on the play by Paul Armstrong (1910), in turn based on the story "A Retired Refrmation" by O. Henry (1903)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Richard Barthelmess (Jimmy Valentine), Eleanor Phelps (Rose Lane), Janet Lee Hutchinson (Kitty), Walter Tetley (Bobby), and John Milton, Alice Fleming, Anthony Burgher, Edward J. McNamara, Blanche Hutchinson, and Billy Murray.
Commercial: Doris Dagmar (Woman)
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: "Paul Armstrong's stage adaptation of a famous O. Henry story about an ex-safecracker who cannot escape his past..."
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 95.
New York (CBS, Studio 1): November 4, 1935 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #53) "The Milky Way"
Based on the play by Lynn Root and Harry Clork (1934)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast:
Charles Butterworth (Barleigh Sullivan), Helen Lynd (Anne Westley), Edward Butler (Gabby Sloan), Jack Davis (Davis Pinchforth), Bradley Barker (Slim Lincoln), Franz Bendsten (Wilbur Austin), Billy Murray (Spider McGee), Walter Kinsella (Speed McFarland), and Emily Lowry (May Sullivan).
Commercial: Virginia Morgan and Rita Johnson.
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: Butterworth plays a milkman in this humorous program, who finds himself in the battle for the world's middleweight championship.
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 97.
"The Microphone Will Present," New York Times, November 3, 1935, page 7.
New York (CBS, Studio 1): January 13, 1936 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #63) "The Boss"
Based on the play by Edward Sheldon (1911)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Edward G. Robinson (Michael Regan), Lillian Emerson (Emily Griswold), John Milton (James Griswold), Howard Phillips (Donald Griswold), John Wheeler (Mitchell), Donald Cameron (Davis), Walter Kinsella (Porky McCoy), William Ponstance (Gates), Clyde Franklin (Scanlon), Billy Murray (Police Inspector), Frank McCullough (Policeman), and J. Francis Kirk (Archbishop O'Connor).
Commercials: Frances Woodbury (Woman) and Alfred Cora (Boy).
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: "...a drama suggested by the real-life exposés of Lincoln Steffens and Ida Tarbell..."
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 102.
"Microphone Presents," New York Times, January 12, 1936, page 15.
New York (CBS, Studio 1): February 23, 1936 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #69) "Peter Pan"
Based on the play by Sir James Barrie (1904)
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Freddie Bartholomew (Peter Pan), Janet Lee Hutchinson (Wendy), Billy Mauch (Tootles), Bobby Mauch (John Darling), Tommy Donnelly (Michael Darling), Jimmy Donnelly (Curley), Walter Tetley (Slightly), Jackie Jordan (Nibs), Evelyn Vaughn (Mrs. Darling), Bradley Barker (Nana/Jukes), Winfield Hoeny (Cecco), Donald Cameron (Mr. Darling), Tony Burgher (Smee), and Averell Harris (Captain Hook).
Additional cast (commercials and crowd): Walter Elliott, John Hewitt, Tom Dawes, Anthony Grey, Charles Crumpton, Taylor Graves, Alice Davenport, and Billy Murray.
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: "...J.M. Barrie's fantasy of the boy who refuses to grow up..."
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 104.
New York (CBS, Studio 1): April 20, 1936 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #77) "Harmony Lane"
Based on the 1935 Mascot film (screenplay by Elizabeth Meehan and Joseph Santley), taken from The Life and Songs of Stephen Foster, by Milton Krims.
Adaptation by George Wells
Cast: Lawrence Tibbett (Stephen Foster), Selena Royale (Susan Pentland), Edward Fielding (William Foster, Sr.), Grace Fox (Mrs. William Foster), Phyllis Welch (Jane), Donald Cameron (Dunning Foster), A. H. Van Buren (Edwin Christy), Ben Lackland (Andrew Robinson), Lynn Mary Oldham (Marian Foster), Taylor Graves (Tompkins), Robert Harrison (Mr. Knowles), Billy Murray (Mr. Hirsh), Clyde Fillmore (Mr. Pond), Thomas Coffin Cooke (the Doctor), and Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlon") and Carl Mathieu (Singers).
Additional cast (commercials and crowd): Bobby Burns, Loretta Archer, Marguerite Faust, and Katherine Lane.
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Details: Based on the life of Stephen Foster, and the first Lux Radio Theatre broadcast to be based on a motion picture instead of a stage play. Tibbett (as Foster) sang "Oh, Susanna" (Act 1), "Old Folks at Home (Act 2), "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" (Act 3), and George Gershwin's "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'" during the curtain call.
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), pages 107 & 108.
"The Microphone Will Present," New York Times, April 19, 1936, page 10. [Also lists Arnold Karff as part of the cast.]
New York (CBS, Studio 1): May 4, 1936 (Monday)
WABC 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: Lux Radio Theatre (Program #79) "The Music Master"
Based on the play by Charles Klein (1904)
Adaptation by Reginald Lawrence
Cast: Jean Hersholt (Anton von Barwig), Anita Louise (Helene), and Stuart Fox, Taylor Graves, Arthur Maitland, Edward Butler, Harriett Sterling, Averell Harris, Frank Curran, Georgie Drew Mendum, Muriel Harbater, Aristides deLeoni, Louis LeBey, Herbert Ashton, Jr., Billy Murray, Reynolds Denniston, Raymond Bramley, Edward Fielding, John T. Dwyer, Albert Phillips, and Donald Foster.
Host: Albert Hayes (as "Douglass Garrick")
Announcer: Art Millett
Director: Anthony Stanford
Musical Director: Robert Armbruster
Commercials: Joseph Curtain and Eleanor Phelps.
Details: A comedy-drama about a Viennese orchestra conductor "who travels to New York City in search of his long-lost daughter."
Connie Billips & Arthur Pierce, Lux Presents Hollywood: A Show-by-Show History of the Lux Radio Theatre and the Lux Video Theatre, 1934-1947 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1995), page 108.
"The Music Master" was the final Lux Radio Theatre broadcast to document Murray. The program moved to Hollywood, California the following month.
Library of Congress, NBC Artist Index
Murray's next major appearance (as a featured artist) appears to be on the November 26, 1938 broadcast of the WLS National Barn Dance. The program also starred his old protégé Henry Burr, who was a regular on the program.
Chicago, Illinois: November 26, 1938 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Gene and Glen, Henry Burr, and unknown others. Billy Murray, guest.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The Wisconsin State Journal advertised: "Billy Murray, Henry Burr reunited in 'A Carnival of Fun.'"
Library of Congress, NBC artist index.
"TCU-SMU Climax Season With Broadcast Over WOAI," San Antonio (TX) Express, November 26, 1938, page 7.
"Today's Broadcasts from Chicago Stations," Chicago Tribune, November 26, 1938, page 18.
"Variety," Wisconsin State Journal, November 26, 1938, page 6.
It would be a few years before Murray became a regular on the National Barn Dance, particularly after the death of Henry Burr on April 6, 1941. In the meantime, around mid 1940, Murray joined the cast of "The Parker Family," playing the station master and other character roles in their fifteen minute programs on WJZ Sunday nights. Only one Parker Family program listing documented Murray on a date thus far.
New York : September 8, 1940 (Sunday)
WJZ 9:15 PM—9:30 PM Eastern (15 minutes)
Program title: Parker Family
Performers: Billy Murray, and unknown others.
Details: The San Antonio Express advertised, "Hear him [Murray] on the Parker Family program tonight..."
"Bright and Early Choir Returns to Radio Today," San Antonio (TX) Express, September 8, 1940, page 9A.
"Nostalgia Booms Demand For Murray's Gilt-Edge Lilts," New York World-Telegram, August 26, 1940, page 19.
"Radio Programs This Week," New York Times, September 8, 1940, page 135.
"Veteran Gets Air Roles," Fresno (CA) Bee, September 1, 1940, page 4.
Library of Congress, Jim Walsh Collection
In a letter from the Wade Advertising Agency (marketers of Alka-Seltzer) to Jim Walsh, dated November 10, 1941, Murray was scheduled to appear again on the National Barn Dance on November 15, 22, and 29th. Although he could not be found in the program listings for the 15 and 22 dates, he is confirmed on the November 29th date, as shown below.
Chicago, Illinois: November 29, 1941 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Pat Buttram, Jane Kaye, Lulu Belle and Scotty, Eddie Peabody, and others. Billy Murray, guest.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. Songs to be featured were "Winter Song," "Button Up Your Overcoat," and "Put on Your Old Red Flannels." Eddie Peabody (banjo) plays George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."
"Bow To Winter Is Presented By Radio Folk," Fresno (CA) Bee, November 29, 1941, page 5A.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, November 29, 1941, page 13.
Chicago, Illinois: January 3, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Pat Buttram, Dinning Sisters, Hoosier Hot Shots, Jane Kaye, Lulu Belle and Scotty, and Eddie Peabody. Billy Murray, guest. Joe Kelly, announcer.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The theme was musical numbers identified with various months of the year. Songs scheduled were "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?" "When My Baby Smiles at Me," and "Call Me Up Some Rainy Afternoon."
"Calendar Party Is Scheduled By Barn Dancers," Fresno (CA) Bee, January 3, 1942, page 5A.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, January 3, 1942, page 12.
Chicago, Illinois: January 10, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Pat Buttram, Dinning Sisters, Hoosier Hot Shots, Jane Kaye, Lulu Belle and Scotty, and Eddie Peabody. Billy Murray, guest. Joe Kelly, announcer.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. No further details given.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, January 10, 1942, page 14.
Buffalo, New York: January 31, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Pat Buttram, Dinning Sisters, Hoosier Hot Shots, Jane Kaye, Lulu Belle and Scotty, Joe Parsons, and Eddie Peabody. Billy Murray, guest. Joe Kelly, announcer.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The broadcast takes place at the Municipal Auditorium in Buffalo, New York, appearing in connection with a Smokes for Soldiers benefit.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, January 31, 1942, page 8.
"News of the Radio World," Fresno (CA) Bee, January 31, 1942, page 5A.
Chicago, Illinois: March 14, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Dinning Sisters, Jane Kaye, Lulu Belle and Scotty, Eddie Peabody, and unknown others. Billy Murray and Bill O'Connor, guests. Joe Kelly, announcer.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. A special program set in advance for Saint Patrick's Day. Murray was scheduled to sing "It's the Same Old Shillelagh," and "My Irish Molly-O." O'Connor was scheduled to sing "A Little Bit of Heaven," and join the chorus in "Kerry Dance." Peabody (banjo) performs "Londondary Air," and Lulu Belle and Scotty sing "Nora."
"Irish Singers Will Be Guests At Barn Dance," Fresno (CA) Bee, March 14, 1942, page 5A.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, March 14, 1942, page 10.
Chicago, Illinois: March 21, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Guests include Billy Murray and Red Foley.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The program features a Spring theme.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, March 21, 1942, page 14.
"News of the Radio World," Fresno (CA) Bee, March 21, 1942, page 5A.
Great Lakes, Illinois: March 28, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—9:00 PM Central (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: John Downes, Eddie Peabody, and unknown others. Billy Murray, guest. Joe Kelly, announcer.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The broadcast takes place at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, where Eddie Peabody was serving as a lieutenant commander. Murray is not in the program listing for this broadcast, but an existing transcription disc confirms his presence. Murray sings "Goodbye Mama (I'm Off to Yokohama)," "Johnny Doughboy Found a Rose in Ireland," and "Oh By Jingo! Oh By Gee! (You're the Only Girl for Me)." Also featured is the singing of "Bully of the Town," in which sailors appear with eight of the barn dance girls.
Audio excerpt supplied.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, March 28, 1942, page 12.
"News of the Radio World," Fresno (CA) Bee, March 28, 1942, page 5A.
Cleveland, Ohio: April 25, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 9:00 PM—10:00 PM Eastern (60 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Dinning Sisters, Hoosier Hot Shots, and Tom Manning, sports announcer (substituting for Jack Holden). Caroline and Mary Jane De Zurik, and Billy Murray, guests.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The broadcast takes place at the Municipal Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio for the Cuyahoga County Civilian Defense Fund. Murray was scheduled to sing "O-Hi-O," and "Sister Susie's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers." Hoosier Hot Shots perform "Meet Me Tonight in the Cowshed," and the Dinning Sisters perform "Elmer's Tune."
"Barn Dancers Stage Cleveland Defense Benefit," Fresno (CA) Bee, April 25, 1942, page 4A.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, April 25, 1942, page 8.
"On Barn Dance," Chicago Tribune, April 25, 1942, page 8.
Chicago, Illinois: August 15, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—8:30 PM Central (30 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Arkie, De Zurik Sisters, Dinning Sisters, Otto, Eddie Peabody, and Prairie Ramblers. Billy Murray, guest. Joe Kelly, announcer.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The program features a seashore theme. The Hoosier Hot Shots were to perform "I Love the Deep, Deep Water," written by the National Barn Dance script writer, Jack Frost.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, August 15, 1942, page 11.
"Stars Of Screen Are Featured In New Air Drama," Fresno (CA) Bee, August 15, 1942, page 5A.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: August 22, 1942 (Saturday)
WLS (also WEAF) 8:00 PM—8:30 Central (30 minutes)
Program title: National Barn Dance
Performers: Pat Buttram, Dinning Sisters, Hoosier Hot Shots, Lulu Belle and Scotty, and Eddie Peabody. Billy Murray, guest. Joe Kelly and Jack Holden, announcers.
Details: Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer. The broadcast takes place at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee. Program as follows:
1. Orchestra and chorus introduction; Beer Barrel Polka
2. George M. Cohan Medley (Murray and chorus):
a. The Yankee Doodle Boy
b. Mary (It's a Grand Old Name)
c. You're a Grand Old Flag
3. Meet Me Tonight in the Cowshed (Hoosier Hot Shots)
4. Comedy of Pat Buttram
5. [Unconfirmed title] (Lulu Belle and Scotty)
6. Dinah (Peabody, banjo solo)
7. Lo-lo Lita (Peabody, banjo and vocal)
8. Spot for Alka-Seltzer (Holden)
9. Conchita Marquita Lolita Pepita Rosita Juanita Lopez (Dinning Sisters)
10. [Unconfirmed title] (Hoosier Hot Shots)
11. Medley (Murray and chorus):
a. Over There
b. Marines' Hymn
c. The Caissons Go Rolling Along
d. We Did It Before and We'll Do It Again
e. America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)
Audio recording supplied.
"Barn Dancers Pay Visit To Wisconsin Fair," Fresno (CA) Bee, August 22, 1942, page 5A.
"Listeners' Choice," Chicago Tribune, August 22, 1942, page 10. |
