Ivan Ditmars
Recorded May 17th, 1991 - 15 min
Composer, musical director and organist on hundreds of radio broadcasts in the golden era and beyond. He was age 84 when we spent a little time with him at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California shortly before a meeting of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. He was born April 12, 1907 and he died on September 10, 1997 at age 90.
Escape - 7/4/48 - A tooth for Paul Revere
Did you enjoy the interview? Listen to the music of Ivan Ditmars on Escape from July 4th, 1948.
September 13, 2011 at 12:37 am
Enjoyed this interview. I like old time radio and Ivan Ditmars name keeps coming up in the credits. It’s great that someone took the time to get him to talk about those radio days. I couldn’t find Mr. Ditmars in Wikipedia, which is unfortunate, since he (literally) played such an important part in old time radio.
Rowby
June 28, 2012 at 12:09 am
This was my Grandfather and a great man. This is such a treat for me being 31 and losing him at such a young age, and hearing his work at a young age, was not able to appreciate it. I sit here in chills. I miss him very much.
May 29, 2014 at 3:55 pm
I enjoyed this interview very much. Thank you for making it available. I first came across Ivan Ditmars’ piano skills on a Decca studio recording by Judy Garland of “I Got Rhythm” made in association with the movie “Girl Crazy” in November 1943. I believe he plays much of the interlude between choruses as a 4-hand piano duet with Calvin Jackson. It is a marvelous but all-too-short segment that is very “Gershwinesque.” If anyone has more information about his involvement in this particular recording, I’d be very grateful to receive it.
February 26, 2016 at 7:36 pm
I just listened to an episode of The Adventures of Frank Race, featuring Paul Dubov and Tony Barrett. The opening and closing theme was so evocative that when I heard Ivan Ditmars’ name (composer and organist) I searched out this interview for further information. Thanks so much for posting an enjoyable chat with this accomplished musician from radio’s golden age.
October 31, 2016 at 11:36 am
I hear this man on the Sons of the Pioneers old 1940s and 50s radio shows on piano and vibraphone and he is so great! I didn’t think he’d mention them so it was great to hear that almost at the end! Cannot believe he is also responsible for the ‘original Brahms’ on Star Trek! What a long line of connection through show business he was.
September 16, 2017 at 6:22 pm
I enjoyed the interview immensely I’m an avid listener of old time radio I didn’t know much about the organist until I listen to the interview I’m also a Pianist so I find it very interesting and I hope this stays alive for many years to come
January 20, 2020 at 6:29 am
Wonderful interview! Recall hearing his name on the credits of old radio shows. Just heard some ESCAPE shows, which prompted me to comment. Someone else mentioned that Wikipedia doesn’t have a listing for Ivan Ditmars. But this is the best interview about the man I have heard. Thanks, Chuck. I’ll have to check out any other interviews you have.
August 14, 2020 at 3:03 pm
I knew Ivan Ditmars through his youngest son Guy. Ivan Sr. was the musical directer for Let’s Make a Deal game show as well as other shows for NBC. He was friends with Bob Barker and other celebrities. Always a soft spoken gentleman who was always interested in my musical aspirations. A Steinway in the living room took main presents and Guy was always playing some sort of ROCK N ROLL on it.
Many band practices were in their home.
I remember his harpsichord that Ivan treated us to some classical tunes.
It was a pleasure knowing Mr. and Mrs. Ditmars.