HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLIFF JOHNSON

Originally broadcast on WNIB
Saturday, May 6, 2000

Cliff Johnson, a CBS staff announcer at WBBM, Chicago for many years, is perhaps best known for his inno­vative family radio series, Breakfast with the Johnsons, broadcast every weekday morning from the breakfast table in his Oak Park, Illinois home to listeners across the United States from 1947-1957.

On the eve of his 85th birthday, the vet­eran broadcaster will be our special guest as he reminisces about his long career in radio.

BREAKFAST WITH THE JOHNSON’S (4-11­52) Cliff and Luella Johnson and family on the air from their home in Oak Park, Illinois. On this Good Friday broadcast, six year old Vicki tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, as she learned it in school. Mom talks about safety with scissors while making Easter deco­rations. Broadcast Corned Beef Hash, CBS. (15 min)

CLIFF JOHNSON IN CATALINA (9-4-46) From Santa Catalina Island, “just off the coast of Southern California, overlooking Avalon Bay,” Cliff Johnson interviews comedienne Vera Vague from the Bob Hope show. Krank’s Shave Kreem, CBS. (15 min)

BREAKFAST WITH THE JOHNSONS (4-24-52) Cliff, Luella and daughters talk about the rum­mage sale the girls are planning to hold to raise some money by selling “dog statues, comic books, handkerchiefs, pot holders, etc.” Broadcast Corned Beef Hash, CBS. (15 min)

BREAKFAST WITH THE JOHNSONS (4-25-52) Dad tries to get his girls to get a job this sum­mer rather than having their planned rummage sale. He suggests the kids save to buy a sav­ings bond. Mom tells how she earned money as a young girl by watching a family of six children six days a week for three dollars. Broadcast Corned Beef Hash, CBS. (15 min)

BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (5-15-40) George and Gracie in a remote broadcast from Omaha, Nebraska to attend the convention of the “Sur­prise Party” where Gracie expects she will be nominated to run for the office of President of the United States of America. Cast features announcer Truman Bradley, singer Frank Parker, Ray Noble and the orchestra, Elliott Lewis, “Bubbles” Kelly. This special Burns and Allen broadcast was produced by Cliff Johnson. Hinds Lotion, CBS. (30 min)

BREAKFAST WITH THE JOHNSONS (5-26-52) Cliff and Luella and their daughters talk about a weekend slumber party and discuss the re­sponsibilities of having a paper route. Broad­cast Corned Beef Hash, CBS. (14 min)