Speaking of Radio
Selected interviews we think you’ll like
Imogene, who co-starred with Sid Caesar on television’s milestone series, Your Show of Shows was in Chicago with her husband, actor King Donovan, for an appearance on Bob Kennedy’s morning TV show, Kennedy and Company. We met them in the Green Room at WLS-TV for a conversation about their careers. Imogene was born November 18, 1908 and was 63 when we spoke. King was born January 25, 1918 and was 53 when we met. Imogene Coca died June 2, 2001 at age 92. King Donovan died June 30, 1987 at age 69.
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Those Were the days, we produced a limited series of audio vignettes selected from programs originally heard between 1970 and 2020.
Twenty episodes were presented on selected TWTD programs between October 2019 and April 2020.
Chuck Schaden hosts
WMAQ Chicago
Thanks for the Memories
WMAQ SILVER ANNIVERSARY (4-13-47) Henry Cooke narrates a special broadcast commemorating the 25th anniversary of the station. Included are special portions with Amos ‘n’ Andy reminiscing about their beginnings at WMAQ, and Jim and Marion Jordan recreating a WMAQ “Smackout” show from the 1930s. Joseph Gallicchio and the orchestra.
CURTAIN TIME (4-17-48) “Miss Snoring Sleepwalker” starring Harry Elders and Nanette Sargeant in a story about a girl who wins a trip to Hollywood, cash, and a movie contract. Patrick Allen is host, Myron Wallace is spokesman for the sponsor in this broadcast from the Merchandise Mart studios of WMAQ. Mars Candy Company, NBC.
THE CHEZ SHOW (7-21-50) From the Sapphire Bar of the Chez Paree in Chicago. Buff Cobb and Mike Wal-lace interview guests Tex McCrary and Jinx Falkenberg and take phone calls from listeners. Schwartz Hotel, WMAQ, Chicago.
WMAQ, BUT WHY? (10-12-53) Staff announcer Hugh Downs describes a typical broadcast week at the NBC station in Chicago, concentrating on local program-ming. Joe Gallicchio conducts the WMAQ-NBC Chicago orchestra. Sustaining, WMAQ, Chicago.
MELODY MAGAZINE (12-4-50) Wed Howard acts as “editor” of this musical publication which features records, anecdotes, and chatter. Participating sponsors. WMAQ, Chicago.
(NOTE — With this broadcast, we fondly recall one of Chicago’s great radio stations, WMAQ. RCA sold the National Broadcasting Company to General Electric and General Electric sold WMAQ(AM) to Westinghouse who plans to change its call letters. Thus, the 66-year history of WMAQ comes to an end,)
On the Air 1-5 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 1988 WN1B, Chicago
