As an OTR fan, there are two books that I consider essential to the hobby--one of which I've mentioned previously, John Dunning's On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. The other is a big honkin' volume compiled by the legendary Jay Hickerson: The Ultimate History of Network Radio Programming and Guide to ALL Circulating Shows. Jay covers whatever series Dunning can't find the space for, but the best feature of his book is that it contains a fairly extensive and comprehensive listing of what shows are in circulation among OTR hobbyists, plus it contains a roll call of dealers from where these shows might be purchased. I mention this book because Jay has just finished the second supplement to the book--you can get the book and first & second supplements for $55, plus $4 s&h. I know, it sounds pretty steep, but it's a book the OTR hobbyist simply cannot be without. While you're there, consider signing up for a subscription to Hello, Again--his bi-monthly newsletter that is now in its 33rd year.
4:36:54 AM    comment []  trackback []  

He writes books...he has a website...I'm worn out just watching him!

My good friend Martin Grams, Jr. has a website which I did not know about until I read the latest edition of the OTR Digest. Martin and OTR Digest moderator Charlie Summers are working in tandem to raise some cash for the Digest, as Charlie had to resort to some computer upgrades and features--which runs into a small amount of scratch, as I'm sure you're aware. For every copy of one of Martin's books you buy, he'll donate $7.00 to a fund set aside for the Digest's new upgrade. As they say, the money is for a good cause, and even if you're not a charitable type, Ebeneezer--buying one of Martin's books is the best investment you'll ever make. His latest book on Information Please has just been released by BearManor Media, and next year, a book on the radio series Gangbusters will be introduced in June 2004 at the REPS (Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound) Convention in Seattle. (If you're interested in reading an excerpt from that book, click here--you'll also find articles from The I Love a Mystery Companion and Information Please books at the website, also.)

I've added Martin's site to the links because of the enormous respect I have for his books--and the fact that he sent me a gratis copy of the 1943 comedy It Ain't Hay starring Bud Abbott & Lou Costello. (As I stated in an earlier post, can't be bought but can be rented.) All seriousness aside, he's one of the best things to happen to OTR research, and I'm only too happy to praise his work.
4:19:58 AM    comment []  trackback []  

On this date in the Golden Age of Radio

From Those Were the Days:

1923 - The first presidential address to be carried on radio was broadcast from Washington, DC. President Calvin Coolidge addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
4:03:45 AM    comment []  trackback []