The Song Shop (radio series)

The Song Shop is an American radio musical variety program that was broadcast on CBS from September 10, 1937, through June 3, 1938.[1] Episodes featured old and new songs, with the highlight each week being a skit that combined music and dialogue to relate the story of a song.[2]

The Song Shop featured soprano Kitty Carlisle and baritone Reed Kennedy, and Frank Crumit was the host. The soloists were backed by a 22-person male glee club, and Gustave Haenschen directed a 47-piece orchestra to accompany them.[3] Alice Cornett was a "rhythm singer"[4] (or "swing singer"), and the Song Shop Quartette also performed.[5] In January 1938, Carlisle left the show because of the time demands of the program and the Broadway show in which she was starring. A series of guest singers succeeded her, beginning with Virginia Rea.[6] Also in 1938, Nadine Conner was added as mistress of ceremonies.[1] Guests who appeared on the show included Arthur Schwartz,[7] James Melton,[8] Nino Martini,[9] and Singin' Sam.[4]

The 45-minute show was initially broadcast at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Fridays. In January 1938 it was moved to 9 p.m. E. T. Coca-Cola was the sponsor.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Dunning, John (May 7, 1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 624. ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  2. ^ "Kitty Carlisle Heads Stars in 'The Song Shop'". The St. Louis Star and Times. August 21, 1937. p. 16. Retrieved April 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "New Shows Ahead: Old Favorites Called Back to the Studios As Autumn Gives the Cue". The New York Times. August 22, 1937. p. X 10. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Singin' Sam Sings". The Shreveport Journal. October 15, 1937. p. 6. Retrieved April 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Barrows, Nancy (December 1937). "Starting at the Top". Radio Stars. pp. 26–27, 62–65. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  6. ^ "Kitty Carlisle Off 'Song Shop,' Virginia Rea Appears as Guest". The Knoxville News-Sentinel. January 14, 1938. p. 22. Retrieved April 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Orchestras - Music". Radio Daily. March 14, 1938. p. 5. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  8. ^ "Main Street". Radio Daily. January 28, 1938. p. 4. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  9. ^ "Radio Personals". Motion Picture Daily. September 21, 1937. p. 15. Retrieved April 9, 2024.