REMEMBERING MEREDITH WILLSON

Originally broadcast on WNIB
Saturday, September 3, 1994

MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME  (10-18-45) George Burns and Gracie Allen star with Meredith Willson and the orchestra, announcer Bill Goodwin, Les Paul Trio and Mel Blanc.  When Gracie is told that Meredith plans to get married, she counsels him on how to handle women.

HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-10-49) “And There I Stood with My Piccolo” starring Meredith Willson in a radio version of his autobiography, dealing with his musical career from his days in high school until he arrives in Hollywood.

AND THEN I WROTE THE MUSIC (1958) Meredith Willson and his wife Rini tell the story of “The Music Man” in the manner of a songwriter trying to sell his idea for a Broadway show to a prospective producer.

MUSIC MAN PREMIERE (6-20-62) Arthur Godfrey hosts a press premiere of Meredith Willson’s movie “The Music Man” at the Palace Theatre in Mason City, Iowa.  Godfrey introduces Willson and the stars of the film.

BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (9-27-45) George and Gracie with Meredith Willson and the orchestra, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Bea Benadaret, Les Paul Trio.  While George is planning a surprise house-warming party for Gracie, she pretends that Meredith is her boyfriend.

OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Nostalgia Digest columnist BILL OATES who will talk about the many talented careers of Meredith Willson.