"Words With Music" was the Armed Forces Radio's attempt at the genre. Organist Milton Charles provided the background music and various starlets would step up to the microphone to try their hand at Shakespeare, Keats and the works of other poets. You might be surprised who turns up on some of the programs. Program 1 of the series is a previously "lost" program in the series and features Merle Oberon. Milton Charles had a long career starting in the silent movie days and later on records and radio. According to a LA Times article, he passed away in 1991 at the age of 94. Merle Oberon, of course, is best remembered for her work in classic films like "Wuthering Heights" and "The Private Life of Henry VIII". The show was transferred from an original vinyl War Department Armed Forces Radio Service transcription that is undated, but is likely from the early War period. I'll drop in a few of these rare shows on the blog in coming months featuring a few stars you might recognize.
Columbia Demonstration Record
20th Century International Radio Newsreel - February 24, 1939
The FBI in Peace and War - October 15, 1952
This is War - March 14, 1942
Coleman Cox - Pgm 12
Coleman Cox - Pgm 11
This is War - February 28, 1942
Lanny Ross - May 23, 1949
Great Music - Pgm 144
This is War - February 21, 1942
The People Act - May 18, 1952
Naval Air Reserve Show - Pgm 24
Fred Waring Show - April 26, 1945
Great Music - Pgm 143
This is War - February 14, 1942
Reno Rides the Range - Pgm 4 Part 2
Reno Rides the Range - Pgm 3 Part 2
Kenny Baker - September 23, 1945
American Rhapsody - April 7, 1945
It’s Time to Smile - September 30, 1942
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