Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics, and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the Golden Age of Radio

Border Radio: Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics, and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airwaves, Revised Edition

by Gene Fowler

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9943 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	481 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Golden Age of Radio, which lasted from the 1920s to the 1950s, was a time of unprecedented creativity and innovation in the broadcasting industry. During this era, a wide variety of colorful and unforgettable characters took to the airwaves, entertaining and informing listeners with their unique blend of humor, music, and storytelling.

One of the most popular genres of radio programming during the Golden Age was quackery. Quacks were salesmen who used the airwaves to peddle their dubious products and services, from miracle cures to love potions. One of the most famous quacks of the era was Dr. John R. Brinkley, who claimed to have developed a revolutionary new treatment for impotence. Brinkley's show was a huge success, and he became one of the wealthiest men in America.

Another popular genre of radio programming during the Golden Age was yodeling. Yodelers were singers who used their voices to create a unique and distinctive sound. One of the most famous yodelers of the era was Jimmie Rodgers, who was known as the "Father of Country Music." Rodgers' yodeling was a major influence on a generation of country music singers, and he is still considered one of the greatest singers of all time.

Pitchmen were another common sight on the airwaves during the Golden Age of Radio. Pitchmen were salespeople who used their persuasive skills to sell a wide variety of products, from cars to vacuum cleaners. One of the most famous pitchmen of the era was Billy Mays, who was known for his energetic and enthusiastic sales pitches. Mays' commercials were a major success, and he helped to make many products household names.

Psychics were another popular genre of radio programming during the Golden Age. Psychics claimed to have the ability to communicate with the dead, predict the future, and perform other supernatural feats. One of the most famous psychics of the era was Edgar Cayce, who was known as the "Sleeping Prophet." Cayce's readings were often eerily accurate, and he gained a large following of believers.

In addition to these popular genres of radio programming, the Golden Age also saw the rise of a number of other amazing broadcasters. These broadcasters included comedians, musicians, news reporters, and sportscasters. One of the most famous comedians of the era was Jack Benny, who was known for his dry wit and self-deprecating humor. Benny's show was a huge success, and he is still considered one of the greatest comedians of all time.

Another famous broadcaster of the Golden Age was Bing Crosby, who was one of the most popular singers of the era. Crosby's smooth and velvety voice made him a favorite of listeners, and he had a number of hit songs, including "White Christmas" and "Blue Shadows on the Trail."

In addition to comedians and singers, the Golden Age of Radio also saw the rise of a number of talented news reporters and sportscasters. Edward R. Murrow was one of the most famous news reporters of the era, and he is credited with helping to establish the standards of broadcast journalism. Murrow's coverage of World War II was particularly groundbreaking, and he helped to bring the war home to listeners in a way that had never been done before.

Mel Allen was one of the most famous sportscasters of the Golden Age. Allen was known for his enthusiastic and knowledgeable commentary on baseball games, and he helped to make the sport more popular than ever before. Allen's broadcasts were a major part of the American sports landscape for decades, and he is still considered one of the greatest sportscasters of all time.

The Golden Age of Radio was a time of unprecedented creativity and innovation in the broadcasting industry. The broadcasters of this era were a diverse and colorful group of individuals, and they helped to create a unique and unforgettable era of entertainment.

Border Radio: Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics, and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airwaves, Revised Edition

by Gene Fowler

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9943 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	481 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE