THE BING CROSBY SHOW FOR CHESTERFIELD

perry_and_friends[1].jpg Following his three year stint with Philco which had concluded in the previous June, Bing Crosby’s first programme with his new sponsors was broadcast on the 21st September 1949. The decade which was drawing to a close had consolidated Bing’s position as the world’s most popular singer and in comparison to periods of a similar duration, was his most productive in terms of feature films, records, radio time and personal appearances.

Only in retrospect can the massive transformation that overtook the entertainment business, in the Fifties, be appreciated. The ailing cinema still believed it could find its salvation in gimmicks and dabbled with wide screens, stereophonic sound and 3D. In 1954, the advent of rock and roll was to provide the most astonishing and far-reaching changes that had ever taken place in the field of popular music. Radio was running out of sponsors and the “smart” money was backing television. The public infatuation with the medium became absolute and advertisers were swift to recognise the obvious advantage to be gained from visual presentation of their products. Liggett & Myers, manufacturers of Chesterfield cigarettes, were no exception, keeping a foot firmly placed in both camps. In addition to Bing Crosby, they had also acquired the services of Perry Como and Arthur Godfrey and were later to add, if only briefly, Bob Hope and Martin & Lewis.

Bing continued to resist entry into the television stakes and it would be difficult to disagree with the theory that this was the major reason for his temporary decline, in the Sixties. In fact, his TV debut did not occur until the close of the Chesterfield series, in 1952, when he appeared in a telethon to raise funds for the U.S. Olympics team. He is quoted as saying, “Anybody who allows himself to appear on television, once a week, is out of his mind. Exposure like that, devours you”. However, the medium’s gluttony did little harm to his running mates! Arthur Godfrey was on radio six times a week and became one of the first gurus. An even more apposite parallel could be drawn with the career of Perry Como. Como, a balladeer, unashamedly inspired by the Crosby style, presented a thrice weekly TV programme which eventually developed into “The Perry Como Show” and he was rarely out of the record charts, right up until 1975, including more than a dozen million-selling discs.

Although Bing Crosby Enterprises were prepared to make large investments in television, it is understandable that Crosby, personally, was not looking for new challenges. He had been hectically involved in show business for almost a quarter of a century. He enjoyed his leisure pursuits and he had found a regime which, assisted by the now, universal, acceptance of transcribed radio programmes, particularly suited his work pattern. Many of his quotes from the time would seem to bear this out, “Television is murder but radio just takes a few hours a week - All I have to do is stand up and sing” or, “I’ve watched those poor fellers on the live shows, sweat pouring out of them - Not for me!” and, “There is lots of golf, fishing and travelling to be done while I have the desire and am still able to do these things”

But if this was intended to be a conscious attempt at “slowing down”, it had little effect on Bing’s output in the Fifties. He added several hundred more titles to the catalogues, many of them destined to be top sellers. Of these, the duet with Grace Kelly of “True Love” was, undoubtedly, the most successful, reaching fourth position in the charts, on both sides of the Atlantic. He also starred in a dozen movies which apart from the box-office certainties of “Road To Bali”, “White Christmas” and “High Society”, displayed a trend to more serious roles in “Man On Fire” and “The Country Girl”. The latter providing a dramatic performance which won him his third Oscar nomination. More importantly, in the context of this Directory, Bing continued singing on radio. “I don’t think radio is dead - or ever will be”, he professed and enthusiasts should be grateful for his loyalty to the medium. The Chesterfield series produced more than three hundred titles, many of which have already appeared and no doubt, will continue to appear in various forms.

It is a personal view that many of Bing Crosby’s finest performances were contained in his duets with other performers. His own instinctive professionalism stimulating his talents to thrive on the competition provided by his partner(s). There are those who still express regrets that he never cut more sides with Judy Garland or Peggy Lee, Al Jolson or Louis Armstrong. Never recorded with Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como or Patti Page. All these are to be found in this series, as well as new titles to be added to his prolific association with the Andrews Sisters plus a full house of jazz gems with the Firehouse Five Plus Two.

1949 - 1950 Season with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra. Produced by Bill Morrow and Murdo MacKenzie

During the season the audience share was 18.0 which put Bing in ninth place overall for evening programmes. The top position was held by the Jack Benny show with a rating of 25.3. The ratings were now being collected by the AC Nielsen company which used the audiometer, a mechanical black box inserted into a radio set to record stations being listened.

No. 1 21st September 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (18th September 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee and Abe Burrows.

*Where The Blue Of The Night (a) Opening Theme

*Top O’ The Morning (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Katrina (c) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Abe Burrows & Peggy Lee

‘Salute To The Rockies’ Sketch (d) Bing Crosby, Abe Burrows & Peggy Lee

*Give Me A Man Who’s A Man (e) with Abe Burrows

*Mister Moon (f)

Louisa (From Lake Louise) (g) Peggy Lee

*We Love The Canadian Rockies (h) with Abe Burrows & Peggy Lee

*Maybe It’s Because with Peggy Lee

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing sings only the phrase, “Someone waits for me” and this much-abbreviated version of his theme song was used throughout the series.

Commercial Recordings 23.11.31, 20.7.40, 17.7.45 & 21.4.54.

(As this title appears in every programme, no further reference will be made to these commercial issue dates)

(b) Varese Sarabande CD 3020668762 “Bing Crosby – When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”

Commercial Recording 21.6.49

(d) The sketch takes the form of a comic operetta, written by Abe Burrows (See also Programme No. 2) and furnishes the framework for the musical items (e), (f), (g) & (h). Accordion accompaniment is provided by Milton DeLugg and the parts of ‘Captain Crosby - A Forest Ranger’, ‘Pierre’ and ‘Louisa’ are played by Bing, Abe Burrows and Peggy Lee, respectively.

(e) See Note (d) above

(f) See Note (d) above

Magic AWE7 - “Dark Moon”

(g) See Note (d) above

(h) See Note (d) above

(i) Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

“CBS’s pay-off year in the wake of Bill Paley’s Capital Gains manoeuvres rolled into high gear last Wednesday (21st) when Bing Crosby, now waving the Chesterfield banner, officially unveiled the transferred ‘Bing’s Day’ on the Columbia kilocycles. The Bingo’s smooth rolling package is now sandwiched between Groucho Marx and Burns & Allen’s. A triumvirate that stacks up as Hooper-happy as anything on the Paley programme agenda with the possible exception of the Jack Benny - Amos ‘n’ Andy - Edgar Bergen - Red Skelton, Sunday night parlay. Granted, that to many and possibly to Crosby himself, judging from his capacity to kid himself on the subject - the Groaner isn’t groaning in those same superlative keys as of yore. Yet, Wednesday night 9.30 on CBS is currently as jam-packed with entertainment as those Thursday night whirls on NBC’s Kraft Music Hall when Crosby was presiding over its destinies or, Wednesday at 9 on ABC, last semester, when Philco was picking up the expensive tab, for the Crosby touch is unmistakably there.

If there was a niggardly contribution in the vocal department, as was apparent on last week’s preem, El Bingo has the flair to compensate for it in the banter division. He can still flip off those casual lines as no one else in the business, be it with the perennial Ken Carpenter to bring some delightful nuances to the otherwise old hat Paley CBS saga or with guest star, Abe Burrows (latter, incidentally, demonstrating here as on his own weekly CBS show, that you can parlay originality and the ‘common touch’ for boff comedy results). Peggy Lee, along with Burrows, was an added starter for the getaway programme and the three way clowning through a Burrow’s Canadian wood’s type song was grand listening, with Crosby’s warbling of “Mr. Moon” and Miss Lee’s “Lake Louise” vocal contributions as the topper. The Crosby/Lee team up for “Maybe” (sic) was a sure fire finale. John Scott Trotter’s music continues as a valuable asset.”

(“Variety” 28th September 1949)

No. 2 28th September 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (24th September 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee and Abe Burrows.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*A Cockeyed Optimist with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*The Last Mile Home (a) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (b) Bing Crosby, Abe Burrows & Peggy Lee

‘Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark’ Sketch (c) Bing Crosby, Abe Burrows & Peggy Lee

*Hello, Denmark (d) with Abe Burrows & Rhythmaires

Ophelia Blues (e) Peggy Lee

*Everything Is O.K. In Denmark (f) with Abe Burrows, Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

*You’re In Love With Someone (g) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 11.5.49

(b) Somewhat incongruously, Bing can be heard singing, “Chesterfield, over and over again”, after introducing Abe Burrows.

(c) Another comic operetta, written by Abe Burrows (See Programme No. 1) which furnishes the framework for the musical items (d), (e) & (f). Accordion accompaniment is again provided by Milton DeLugg and the parts of ‘Hamlet’, ‘Horatio’ and ‘Ophelia’ are played by Bing, Abe Burrows and Peggy Lee.

(d) See Note (c) above

(e) See Note (c) above

(f) See Note (c) above - The arrangement includes a snatch of “Riders In The Sky” by The Rhythmaires.

(g) Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

No. 3 5th October 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (1st October 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Judy Garland.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The Donovans (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Katrina (b) with Rhythmaires

‘Radio - Circa 1927’ Sketch (c) Bing Crosby, Judy Garland & Ken Carpenter

*Punchie And Judy (d) with Judy Garland

I Don’t Care (e) Judy Garland

*Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me (f) with Judy Garland

*Maybe It’s Because (g) with Judy Garland

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing reaches a little too high for the last note in the penultimate line and interrupts the closing bars with, “Oh, faith! You’ll try anything when you’re at Donovans - I thought I was Dennis Day, there, for a minute!”

JSP702 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Judy Garland - All The Clouds’ll Roll Away”

CD- JSP 934C – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1946-1950”

Varese Sarabande CD 3020668762 “Bing Crosby – When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”

Commercial Recording 21.6.49

(b) JSP702 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Judy Garland - All The Clouds’ll Roll Away”

CD- JSP 934C – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1946-1950”

Commercial Recordings 24.12.47 & 23.6.49

(c) This skit on the early days of radio provides the framework for the musical items (d), (e) & (f) and apart from joining Judy Garland in item (d), Bing assumes the varying roles of a farmer, ‘The Masked Poet’ and a pageboy.

(d) See Note (c) above.

Bing and Judy Garland sing a snatch of this concocted jingle in their roles as ‘The Wake-Up Kids’

Legend WM1973 - “Frances Ethel Gumm - Harry Lillis Crosby”

(e) See Note (c) above.

(f) See Note (c) above.

Radiola MR1040 - “Judy Garland On Radio”

Star-Tone ST208 - “The Judy Garland Musical Scrapbook”

JSP702 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Judy Garland - All The Clouds’ll Roll Away”

CD- JSP 934C – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1946-1950”

(g) Star-Tone ST213 _ “Judy And Her Partners In Rhythm And Rhyme”

Festival 214 - “Hollywood Story”

JSP702 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Judy Garland - All The Clouds’ll Roll Away”

Musidisc Accord 129011 (CD) - “Hollywood Stars”

On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The

Radio Shows”

CD- JSP 934C – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1946-1950”

No. 4 12th October 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (18th September 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Peggy Lee.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*How It Lies, How It Lies, How It Lies (a) with Peggy Lee

*Amor (b)

*Mam’selle with Rhythmaires

A Wonderful Guy Peggy Lee

*A Cockeyed Optimist (c) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

*Riders In The Sky (d) with Perry Botkin (Guitar)

*Make Believe (You Are Glad When You’re Sorry) (e) with Red Nichols (Cornet) & Buddy Cole

(Piano)

*Some Enchanted Evening (f)

*I’ve Got A Crush On You (g) with Peggy Lee

*The Last Mile Home (h) with Rhythmaires

*Again (i) with Peggy Lee

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 18.3.49

(b) On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The Radio Shows”

Commercial Recording 17.2.44

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats - Volume 2”

(d) On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The Radio Shows”

Commercial Recording 22.3.49

(e) Broadway BR-111 - “Crosbyana”

Commercial Recording 6.6.49

(f) Commercial Recording 10.3.49

On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The Radio Shows”

(g) On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The Radio Shows”

Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

(h) Commercial Recording 11.5.49

(i) Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

Commercial Recording 23.6.60

No. 5 19th October 1949

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee and Frank Fay.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*It’s More Fun Than A Picnic (a) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

I’ve Got A Right To Sing The Blues Peggy Lee

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Frank Fay

*That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (b) Bing Crosby & Frank Fay

Some Enchanted Evening (c) Frank Fay

Where The Blue Of The Night (d) Frank Fay

*Dear Old Girl (e) with Frank Fay

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 23.6.49

(b) The comedy dialogue centres on a discussion regarding the lyrics of ‘modern’ songs and a few lines of both items (c) & (d) are sung by Frank Fay, to illustrate.

(d) See Note (b) above.

(e) Commercial Recording 12.8.36

No. 6 26th October 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (18th October 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Lum ‘N’ Abner (Chester Lauch and Norris Goff).

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The Headless Horseman (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*(Where Are You?) Now That I Need You (b)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Lum ‘N’ Abner

*Maybe It’s Because (c)

*The Meadows Of Heaven (d) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recordings 30.12.47 & 23.6.49

(b) Magic AWE7 - “Dark Moon”

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats - Volume 2”

(d) Commercial Recording 11.5.49

No. 7 2nd November 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (31st October 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Bob Hope.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Dear Hearts And Gentle People (a) with Rhythmaires

*That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Bob Hope

‘Twenty Mule Team’ Sketch (b) Bing Crosby, Bob Hope & Ken Carpenter

*Mule Train (c) with Perry Botkin’s String Band

*(Where Are You?) Now That I Need You (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Bob Hope

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Although not generally acknowledged as having emanated ‘from a radio programme’, there is little doubt that this is the version that was issued commercially. Aural comparison confirms that the two versions are identical. (See also Note (c) below and refer to Index 4)

Varese Sarabande CD 3020669052 “Bing Crosby – Crosby Classics”

Commercial Recording 26.10.49

(b) Introduced by Ken Carpenter and featuring Bing as ‘Smokey’ Crosby and Bob Hope as ‘Soapy’ Hope.

(c) There is no doubt whatsoever that this rendition of the song is the version that was issued commercially and it is identical to the versions broadcast in Programmes Nos.9 & 36. (See also Note (a) above and refer to Index 4)

Commercial Recording 26.10.49

(d) Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

About two years later, Chesterfields had replaced Philco as sponsor of Crosby’s show. One night Bing had a cold. While doing a commercial with announcer Ken Carpenter, Bing said, “If you like smoking (cough)” and blew it right there. The audience laughed. As soon as the show was over, the ad-agency men were in my control room. In the end, we had to re-record the commercial.

Then there was the time that Crosby was ad-libbing with Bob Hope. Hope loved to take the script that Morrow had written and throw it out into the audience, saying, “Let’s go on from here without a script.” Crosby didn’t like that very much, but they would make a good show of it. On this particular occasion, Hope said, “It’s a lucky thing for you that ....” Before the show was over the people from Chesterfields were in demanding, “What can you do about it?” I didn’t know what they were talking about. “That reference to Lucky Strike” they explained. We had to replay the tape, find the offending word, and assure the sponsors that it could be removed.

(John T. Mullin, writing in High Fidelity, April, 1976)

No. 8 9th November 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (25th October 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Ella Fitzgerald and The Mills Brothers.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Let’s Take An Old Fashioned Walk (a) with Rhythmaires

*I Can Dream Can’t I? (b) with Rhythmaires

My Happiness Ella Fitzgerald

*A Dreamer’s Holiday (c) with Ella Fitzgerald & Rhythmaires

Someday The Mills Brothers

Medley:

*Lazy River (d) with The Mills Brothers

*Paper Doll (e) with The Mills Brothers

*The Meadows Of Heaven (f) with Rhythmaires

*Basin Street Blues (g) with Ella Fitzgerald

*Way Back Home (h) with Ella Fitzgerald, The Mills Bros & Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

(b) Parrot PARCD002 (CD) - “Ella Fitzgerald And Bing Crosby - My Happiness”

Legends LECD119 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 2”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

Shout! CD DK 31516 “Swingin’ With Bing”

(d) HRB Music BCP1001 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Japanese MCA9301 - “Bing Crosby Radio Show”

United Artists UAK30115 - “The Golden Age Of American Radio Starring Bing Crosby”

Golden Age GA5023 - “One Hour From The Bing Crosby Radio Shows”

Precision Records & Tapes NCP707 - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years - Volume 2” (as “Up A Lazy River” - date shewn as 25.10.49).

GNP Crescendo GNPD9052 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years”

The Radio Years RY18 (CD) - “Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties” (Date shewn as

“(1937)”)!

Hallmark 303372 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Friends - The Radio Years”

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

(e) HRB Music BCP1001 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Japanese MCA9301 - “Bing Crosby Radio Show”

United Artists UAK30115 - “The Golden Age Of American Radio Starring Bing Crosby”

Golden Age GA5023 - “One Hour From The Bing Crosby Radio Shows”

Precision Records & Tapes NCP707 - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years - Volume 2

GNP Crescendo GNPD9052 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years”

The Radio Years RY18 (CD) - “Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties” (Date shewn as

“(1937)”)!

Hallmark 303372 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Friends - The Radio Years”

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Commercial Recording 17.4.56

(f) Commercial Recording 11.5.49

(g) Limited Edition Club JGB1006 - “Kinda Dixie”

Legends LECD118 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 1”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

Parrot PARCD002 (CD) - “Ella Fitzgerald And Bing Crosby - My Happiness” (Date shewn as

29.11.50)

Hallmark 303372 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Friends - The Radio Years”

Shout! CD DK 31516 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Commercial Recording 25.9.37

(h) Parrot PARCD002 (CD) - “Ella Fitzgerald And Bing Crosby - My Happiness” (Date shewn as

29.11.50)

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Commercial Recording 17.6.49

No. 9 16th November 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (10th November 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Bob Crosby and Cathy Crosby (a).

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Dear Hearts And Gentle People (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Mule Train (c) with Perry Botkin’s String Band

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Bob Crosby & Cathy Crosby

*A Dreamer’s Holiday with Bob Crosby, Cathy Crosby & Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Bob Crosby & Ken Carpenter

*You’re In Love With Someone (d)

*Whispering Hope (e) with Bob Crosby & Loulie Jean Norman

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Not to be confused with other ladies of the same (or similar) name in Bing’s life, this is Bob

Crosby’s daughter.

(b) See Programme No. 7 Note (a)

Commercial Recording 26.10.49

(d) Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(e) Bing and Bob Crosby introduce this, as a song they claim to have sung as a family group when they were ‘kids’. Loulie Jean Norman of the Rhythmaires sings the soprano part, originally sung by their sister, Catherine.

Jasmine CD JASCD 651 “The Crosby Brothers”

No. 10 23rd November 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (17th November 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee and Frank Fay.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*I Can Dream Can’t I? with Rhythmaires

*A Thousand Violins (b) with Peggy Lee

Comedy Dialogue (c) Bing Crosby & Frank Fay

*Everything I Have Is Yours (d)

*Way Back Home (e) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing’s first airing of the now, perennial, Christmas favourite, includes a solo by Gloria Wood, of The Rhythmaires, as the voice of ‘Rudolph’.

Commercial Recording 22.6.50

(b) Biac Records BRAD10530/531 - “Al Jolson/Peggy Lee At Their Rarest Of All Rare Performances” (as “1000 Violins” - Date shewn as 8.02.50).

Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

(d) Magic AWE7 - “Dark Moon”

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats - Volume 2”

Parrot PARCD002 (CD) - “Ella Fitzgerald And Bing Crosby - My Happiness”

(e) Biac Records BRAD10530/531 - “Al Jolson/Peggy Lee At Their Rarest Of All Rare Performances” (as “When I’m Back Home” - Date shewn as 8.02.50).

Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

Commercial Recording 17.6.49

No. 11 30th November 1949 (a)

Transcribed in Hollywood (24th November 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Al Jolson.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle (c) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Al Jolson

Toot, Toot, Tootsie (h) Al Jolson

*Back In Your Own Backyard (d) with Al Jolson

*Baby Face (e) with Al Jolson

*That Lucky Old Sun

(Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day) (f) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (g) Bing Crosby, Al Jolson & Gracie Allen

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The complete programme was issued on Totem 1013 - “Bing ‘N’ Al - Volume 3” (Sleeve shews actual transcription date as 24.11.49)

(b) Koala AW14129 - “Swing With Bing”

(c) During the commercial spot just prior to the Chesterfield jingle, there is some by-play between Bing and Ken Carpenter, pseudo-British accents which culminates in Bing singing a parodied version of item (b), as follows. “I’ve got a lovely bunch of Chesterfields, They’re the smokes that satisfy, you know...”

(d) All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(e) All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Prism PLATCD 708 (CD) – “Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(f) HRB Music BCP1001 - “Bing Crosby And Friends” (as “Lucky Ol’ Sun”)

Japanese MCA9301 - “Bing Crosby Radio Show”

Precision Records & Tapes NCP710 - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years - Volume 3”

GNP Crescendo GNPD9052 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years”

(g) A ‘surprise’ visit by Gracie Allen with a comedic ‘plug’ for her partner, “The World’s Greatest

Singer...George ‘Sugarthroat’ Burns!”

(h) Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

“It cost CBS’ Bill Paley a lot of out-of-the-network-pocket coin to tie up Al Jolson to a three year Columbia exclusive as guest star, No. 1, in circulating the AM and TV air waves but the pay-off was already evident in Jolie’s first time out, last Wednesday (30th), guesting on Bing Crosby’s Chesterfield stanza (He’s already committed to a minimum of five with the Groaner) The team-up was a throwback to ad-lib radio comedy, at its best, paralleling those of Bob Hope-Crosby ‘dream sequences’ when scripts are tossed out of the studio window as they slug it out on the banter front. Despite the prevailing tendency of the comics to go ‘tradey’, Jolie and the Bingle parlayed the intra-trade stuff into nearly a half hour of delightful listening, punctuated by some solo and duo vocalising that was strictly off the $6.60 attraction shelf. Jolies, “Own Backyard” and Bing’s, “Lucky Old Sun”, with a choral background, were particular gems.

The frequent by-play on Paley and Columbia, video’s inroads on radio, (including the Jolie revelation that he’ll be guesting on some CBS-TV stanzas) with even some borderline suggestions as to Jolson’s relations with Columbia Pictures (“The Jolson Story”/”Jolson Sings Again”) was Tiffany slanted comedy, with Gracie Allen (for the inevitable boosting of George Burns’ vocal prowess) coming in for the wind up to effect a neat integration with the Burns & Allen stanza which follows the Crosby show. And B & A in a resumption of the ‘tradey format’, even went so far as to simulate a Burns-Harry Ackerman (CBS programming veepee) comedy sequence, with laugh dividends making CBS the beneficiary of a solid sixty minutes of Grade A entertainment”.

(“Variety” 7th December 1949)

No. 12 7th December 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (3rd December 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee and Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd).

*Where The Blue Of The Night (a) Opening Theme

*Here Comes Santa Claus

(Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (b) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

*A Dreamer’s Holiday with Rhythmaires

*Manãna (c) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Hopalong Cassidy

‘Ripsnortin’, Arizona’ Sketch (d) Bing Crosby, Hopalong Cassidy, Peggy

Lee, Ken Carpenter & John Scott Trotter

*Tumbling Tumbleweeds (e)

*Stay Well (f) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) There is some pre-show ‘business; with Bing practising scales, accompanied by chuckles from the audience and remarking, “Say, that Groucho Marx was really flying tonight, wasn’t he, Ken?” Ken Carpenter replies, “Hey! Bing, we’re on the air!” which evokes from Bing, “Well, that’s Wednesday for you, I guess”.

(b) Varese Sarabande CD 3020668482 “Bing Crosby – A Crosby Christmas”

Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “”The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

(d) Unusually, Bing plays the villain, ‘Wildcat’ Crosby in this sketch.

(e) Commercial Recordings 9.2.40 & 16.6.54

(f) Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

Commercial Recording 16.11.49

No. 13 14th December 1949 (a)

Transcribed in Hollywood (1st December 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Carole Richards and James Stewart.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (b) with Rhythmaires (featuring Gloria Wood)

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*A Thousand Violins (c)

I Can Dream Can’t I? Carole Richards

Comedy Dialogue (d) Bing Crosby & James Stewart

‘Jimmy’s Proposal’ Sketch (e) Bing Crosby, James Stewart & Ken Carpenter

*Baby, It’s Cold Outside (f) with James Stewart

*The Christmas Song (g) Bing Crosby with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) An edited version of the programme was issued on Fox American Retrospectives MF210 - “Bing Crosby - The Greatest Christmas Shows”

(b) Deja Vu DVLP2027 - “The Bing Crosby Collection - 20 Golden Greats”

Varese Sarabande CD 3020668482 “Bing Crosby – A Crosby Christmas”

Commercial Recording 22.6.50

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats - Volume 2”

Deja Vu DVLP2027 - “The Bing Crosby Collection - 20 Golden Greats”

(d) The comedy theme derives from James Stewart’s recent marriage and leads to item (e) -a humorous re-enactment of his proposal, in which Bing assumes the part of Gloria, his wife. The sketch closes with the duet at item (f).

(e) See Note (d) above.

(f) See Note (d) above

(g) Deja Vu DVLP2027 - “The Bing Crosby Collection - 20 Golden Greats”

Commercial Recording 19.3.47

No. 14 21st December 1949

Transcribed in Hollywood (8th December 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Ethel Barrymore.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Adeste Fideles (a) with Rhythmaires

*Here Comes Santa Claus

(Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (b) with Rhythmaires

*Jingle Bells (c) with Rhythmaires

*The Christmas Song (d)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Ethel Barrymore

Medley:

*Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly (e) with Rhythmaires

*Away In A Manger (f) with Rhythmaires

*The First Nowell (g) with Rhythmaires

*White Christmas (h) with Rhythmaires

*Silent Night (i) Closing Theme with Rhythmaires

Notes:

(a) Sung first, in Latin and then in English accompanied by the studio audience.

Commercial Recordings 1934, 12.11.35 & 8.6.42

(b) Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(d) Commercial Recording 19.3.47

(e) Commercial Recordings 31.5.49 & 24.12.55

(f) Commercial Recordings 31.5.49 & 24.12.55

(g) Commercial Recordings 31.5.49 & 24.12.55

(h) Commercial Recordings 29.5.42, 19.2.47, 10.4.54 &24.12.55

(i) Commercial Recordings 19.9.28, 1935, 13.11.35, 8.6.42, 19.3.47, 3.5.54 & 24.12.55

No. 15 28th December 1949 (a)

Transcribed in Hollywood (20th December 1949). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Al Jolson.

*Where The Blue Of The Night (b) Opening Theme

*I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Sorry (c) with Rhythmaires & Buddy Cole (Piano)

Swanee Al Jolson

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Al Jolson

*When The Red, Red Robin Comes

Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along (d) with Al Jolson

*I Only Have Eyes For You (e) with Al Jolson

*Waiting For The Robert E. Lee (f) with Al Jolson & Red Nichols (Cornet)

*I Can Dream Can’t I? (g) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The complete programme was issued on Totem LP1007 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

(b) Pre-show, Bing makes another reference (see Programme No. 12) to the show which immediately precedes his own, when he is heard to say, “Say, that Groucho was really rapid, tonight, wasn’t he, Ken?” Ken Carpenter replies, “Yeah, imagine that couple winning a thousand dollars”. Bing then suggests, “We’re on the wrong programme!”

Commercial Recording 16.11.49

(d) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recording 30.4.62

(e) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(f) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Broadway Intermission BR-142 - “Bing Crosby And Red Nichols - Together Again”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(g) Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

No. 16 4th January 1950 (a)

Transcribed in Hollywood. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Al Jolson.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Dear Hearts And Gentle People (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Bye, Bye, Baby (c) with Rhythmaires

Is It True What They Say About Dixie? (i) Al Jolson

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Al Jolson

*Carolina In The Morning (d) with Al Jolson

*My Blue Heaven (e) with Al Jolson

*Alabamy Bound (f) with Al Jolson

*The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else (g) with Al Jolson

*All By Myself (h) with Al Jolson

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The complete programme was issued on Totem LP1007 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

(b) Commercial Recording 26.10.49

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(d) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recording 16.1.75

(e) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Prism PLATCD 708 (CD) – “Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recording 17.4.56

(f) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recordings 14.3.57 & 16.1.75

(g) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY903 - "Bing Crosby - Love Is"

Commercial Recording 14.11.46

(h) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recording 18.7.46

(i) Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

No. 17 11th January 1950

Transcribed in Hollywood. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee and Groucho Marx.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

Comedy Dialogue (a) Bing Crosby & Ken Carpenter

*Little Jack Frost Get Lost (b) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*The Big Movie Show In The Sky (c) with Rhythmaires

When You Speak With Your Eyes Peggy Lee with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (d) Bing Crosby, Groucho Marx & Peggy Lee

*The Look In Your Eyes (e)

*Play A Simple Melody (f) with Groucho Marx

*You’re Wonderful (g)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) During his introductory remarks, Ken Carpenter reveals that Bing has been voted, ‘Radio’s Best Master Of Ceremonies in the Motion Picture Dailies Annual Poll. (A further revelation, during the same dialogue, is that Bob Hope has replaced Bing as the Nation’s No. 1 Box Office attraction!).

(b) It is generally acknowledged that the commercial version of this duet originates from a radio broadcast. The song had been used twice, during the Philco Radio Time series but this is the only version that features Peggy Lee. The only difference between this rendition and the Decca master is, that the latter closes with the Rhythmaires singing the single word, “Lost”. The broadcast version, however, does not end at this point but includes a coda by the orchestra, over which, applause can be heard. Does this offer any proof that the commercial issue was originally performed before a studio audience?

Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

Commercial Recording 17.11.52 (Mastering date)

Biac Records BRAD10520/521 - “Bing Crosby At His Rarest Of All Rare Performances” (Date shewn as 17.5.50)

Commercial Recording 23.12.49

(d) The comedy theme is mainly concerned with the efforts of Groucho Marx to persuade Bing to sing item (e) which was written by Groucho’s wife, Kay in collaboration with Harry Ruby.

(e) See Note (d) above.

(f) Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Commercial Recording 23.6.50

(f) Artistic ART001 - “Bing's Party” (as “Wonderful”)

Sounds Of Yester Year CD DSOY 605 “Bing Crosby – I Got Rhythm” (as ‘Wonderful’)

Paramount seem to have been undecided regarding a title for their new movie. This item

is introduced by Bing, as being from the film, “Bitter Victory”. This Lizbeth Scott ‘weepie’

was, in fact, released as, “Paid In Full”. This misnomer is not corrected until the song’s

third airing on Programme No. 22.

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

“Bing Crosby is taping six shows in San Francisco, so that he can rest up between pictures, at his Monterey home just a piece South of the Bay”

(“Variety” 11th January 1950)

No. 18 18th January 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Barbara Whiting (a) and Gary Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Quicksilver (b) with Rhythmaires & Perry Botkin (Guitar)

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Sorry (c) with Rhythmaires & Buddy Cole (Piano)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Gary Crosby & Barbara Whiting

Dear Hearts And Gentle People Gary Crosby with Rhythmaires

*(We’ve Got) A Sure Thing (d) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Barbara Whiting, younger sister of the better known, Margaret Whiting, was popular at this time, as star of the ‘Junior Miss’ radio series. As mentioned by Bing, item (c) was composed by her father, Richard Whiting. (See also Programme No. 15 - Note (c).

(b) Commercial Recording 25.11.49

Commercial Recording 16.11.49

(d) Commercial Recording 10.5.49

No. 19 25th January 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee, Joe Venuti, Jack Teagarden and Louis Armstrong.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Joe Venuti & Ken Carpenter

*Sunshine Cake (a) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

*Chattanoogie Shoeshine Boy (b) with Joe Venuti (Violin)

I’m Coming Virginia Peggy Lee

Royal Garden Blues Louis Armstrong (Trumpet); Jack Teagarden

(Trombone); Joe Venuti (Violin); Perry

Botkin (Guitar); Buddy Cole (Piano) &

Nick Fatool (Drums)

Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home Jack Teagarden (Trombone & Vocal),

other personnel as above

*Blueberry Hill (c) with Louis Armstrong & Rhythmaires

*Lazybones (d) with Louis Armstrong

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Sun 2110 (CD) – “Just The Way You Are – Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee”

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(b) Broadway BR111 - “Crosbyana” (as “Chattanoga Shoe Shine Boy”)

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Commercial Recording 3.1.50

Sounds Rare SR5009 - “Havin’ Fun” (as “On Blueberry Hill”)

Family SFR-DP655 - “Louis Armstrong & Bing Crosby Live”

Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Windmill WMD190 - “Louis Armstrong & Bing Crosby On Stage”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Legends LECD118 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 1”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

Shout! CD DK 31516 “Swingin’ With Bing”

(d) This version was re-broadcast on Programme No. 51 (Refer to Index 4)

Broadway BR111 - “Crosbyana”

Sounds Rare SR5009 - “Havin’ Fun” (as “On Blueberry Hill”)

Family SFR-DP655 - “Louis Armstrong & Bing Crosby Live”

Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Windmill WMD190 - “Louis Armstrong & Bing Crosby On Stage”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Legends LECD118 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 1”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

Spectrum U4016 (CD) - “Bing & Louis”

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

No. 20 1st February 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Bob Hope.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The Big Movie Show In The Sky (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*You’re Wonderful (b)

Comedy Dialogue (c) Bing Crosby & Bob Hope

*Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? (d) with Bob Hope & Rhythmaires

*Why Remind Me? with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 23.12.49

(b) Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(c) During this item and in the dialogue in subsequent programmes, there are serious references to a proposed film, starring Bing and Hopalong Cassidy - a project which obviously, never materialised.

(d) This item is a parodied version, enabling Bing and Bob Hope to exchange the customary ‘insults’.

Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Legends LECD119 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 2”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

Jasmine JASCD 357/8 (CD) – “Bob Hope & Friends – Put It There Pal”

Commercial Recording 25.11.49

“Ch’field Miffed On Crosby N.C. Junket Nix; Singer Due At Chi Convention” (Headline)

“Chesterfield was reported as plenty miffed over refusal of Bing Crosby to join with the Ciggy Company’s two other star air salesmen, Arthur Godfrey and Perry Como, in junketing to North Carolina for last Thursday night’s, hour-long NBC hoop-la, marking the opening of Chesterfield’s new factory at Durham. Instead, Chesterfield succeeded in getting Bob Hope into the act. It marked one of the rare appearances of Godfrey, CBS’ exclusive property, on a major NBC showcase. Crosby, however, has agreed to put in an appearance for Chesterfield at the upcoming Tobacco Convention in Chicago and will then continue East for a March/April stayover, during which he’ll tape record his Wednesday night CBS show in New York”

(“Variety” 1st February 1950)

(A perfect example of one of those famous headlines from “Variety” – superbly incomprehensible, without the sub-text!)

No. 21 8th February 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Peggy Lee and Fred Allen.

*Where The Blue Of The Night (a) Opening Theme

*Sunshine Cake (b) with Peggy Lee & Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes Peggy Lee

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Fred Allen

*Lonesome In The Saddle (c) with Fred Allen & Rhythmaires

*Why Remind Me? (d) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (e) Bing Crosby, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa & Al Jolson

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) There is some pre-show laughter from the audience and over the opening bars, Bing can be heard saying, “I’m not ready....I don’t feel it”

(b) Biac Records BRAD10530/531 - “Al Jolson/Peggy Lee At Their Rarest Of All Rare Performances” (Sleeve shews ‘Sunshine Lake’ and label shews ‘Sunshine Kake’!). The actual track on this issue has an unidentified voice which breaks in, over the song, saying something which is unintelligible.

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(c) This item is purported to have been written by Fred Allen and the arrangement includes Bing singing a snatch of ‘The Cry Of The Wild Goose’

Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

(d) Musidisc 30CV1356 - “Bing Crosby - His Greatest Hits”

Biac Records BRAD10520/521 - “Bing Crosby At His Rarest Of All Rare Performances”

(e) ‘Surprise’ appearances by Al Jolson and Fred Allen’s wife and radio partner, Portland Hoffa.

No. 22 15th February 1950 (a)

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Al Jolson.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The New Ashmolean Marching Society And Students’

Conservatory Band (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Happy Times (c)

California (Here I Come) (i) Al Jolson

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Al Jolson

*Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula (d) with Al Jolson

*Whispering (e) with Al Jolson

*Bye, Bye, Baby (f) with Al Jolson

*Waiting For The Robert E. Lee (g) with Al Jolson

*You’re Wonderful (h)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The complete programme was issued on Totem 1013 - “Bing ‘N’ Al - Volume 3” (Sleeve shews actual transcription date as 2.2.50)

(b) Parrot PARCD004 (CD) - “Al Jolson And Bing Crosby - Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Commercial Recording 28.1.60

(c) Biac Records BRAD10520/521 - “Bing Crosby At His Rarest Of All Rare Performances” (as ‘Wish On The Moon’ - date shewn as 17.5.50)

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(d) Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends” (as ‘Yakka Hula Hicky Dula’)

Broadcast Tributes BTRIB003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Friends”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(e) Magic AWE10 - “Bing Crosby And Friends - Volume 2”

Broadcast Tributes BTRIB003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Prism PLATCD 708 (CD) – “Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recording 20.2.57

(f) Magic AWE10 - “Bing Crosby And Friends - Volume 2”

Broadcast Tributes BTRIB003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Parrot PARCD004 (CD) - “Al Jolson And Bing Crosby - Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Prism PLATCD 708 (CD) – “Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(g) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(h) Parrot PARCD004 (CD) - “Al Jolson And Bing Crosby - Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(i) Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

“Some of the old-timers can recall when Bing Crosby was jammed up with the Musicians’ Union, years ago and used the alias of ‘Travis McGutney’ on his KMPC programme - brother Bob was ‘Ivor McGutney’”

(“Variety” 15th January 1950)

No. 23 22nd February 1950

Transcribed in Hollywood (26th January 1950). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, The Firehouse Five Plus Two (a) and The Andrews Sisters.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters

*The Wedding Samba (c) with The Andrews Sisters

*Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? (d) with The Andrews Sisters

The Firehouse Stomp The Firehouse Five Plus Two

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Ward Kimball

*Yessir! That’s My Baby (e) with The Firehouse Five Plus Two

*I Can Dream Can’t I? (f) with The Andrews Sisters & Rhythmaires

*(We’ve Got) A Sure Thing (g) with Rhythmaires & Buddy Cole (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing notes that this is the radio debut for the recently, highly successful group, led by Ward Kimball and composed mainly of employees from the Walt Disney Studios.

(b) Commercial Recording 3.1.50

Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Limited Edition Club JGB1005 – “Slightly Latin”

(d) Commercial Recording 25.11.49

(e) Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

Limited Edition Club JGB1006 - “Kinda Dixie”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

(f) HRB Music BCP1001 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Japanese MCA9301 - “Bing Crosby Radio Show”

United Artists UAK30115 - “The Golden Age Of American Radio Starring Bing Crosby”

Golden Age GA5023 - “One Hour From The Bing Crosby Radio Shows”

Precision Records & Tapes NCP711 - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years - Volume 4 (Recording date shewn as 26.1.50).

GNP Crescendo GNPD9051 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years”

The Radio Years RY18 (CD) - “Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties” (Date shewn as “(1938)”!

Hallmark 303372 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Friends - The Radio Years”

Shout! CD DK 31515 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Riff CDPRGA 50290 (CD) – “Bing And His Gal Pals”

Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY903 - "Bing Crosby - Love Is"

(g) Shout! CD DK 31515 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

No. 24 1st March 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Bob Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Quicksilver (a) with Rhythmaires (featuring Gloria Wood)

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Chattanoogie Shoeshine Boy (b) with Red Nichols (Cornet)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Bob Crosby

*Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think) (c) with Bob Crosby & Rhythmaires

*The Little Grey House (d) with Rhythmaires

*Whispering Hope (e) with Bob Crosby & Loulie Jean Norman

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 25.11.49

(b) Commercial Recording 3.1.50

Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Jasmine CD JASCD 651 “The Crosby Brothers”

(d) Commercial Recording 16.11.49

(e) Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

No. 25 8th March 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Gary Crosby and Gary Cooper.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The New Ashmolean Marching Society

And Students’ Conservatory Band (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Why Remind Me? with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Gary Cooper

‘New Arrival’ Sketch (b) Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper & Ken Carpenter

*Cradle Song (Brahms) (c)

*Play A Simple Melody (d) with Gary Crosby

Dear Hearts And Gentle People Gary Crosby with Rhythmaires

*My Foolish Heart

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 28.1.60

(b) This item is a comic re-enactment of the scene in the hospital waiting room at the time of Gary Crosby’s birth and closes with Bing singing (unaccompanied), a few lines of item (c).

Commercial Recording 23.5.41

(d) Varese Sarabande CD 3020669052 “Bing Crosby – Crosby Classics”

Commercial Recording 23.6.50

No. 26 15th March 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Dennis Crosby and Phillip Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Copper Canyon (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Sunshine Cake (b) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Dennis Crosby & Phillip Crosby

*Thanks (c) with Phillip Crosby

The Cry Of The Wild Goose Dennis Crosby

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Dennis & Phillip Crosby with Rhythmaires

*Marta (Rambling Rose Of The Wildwood) (d) with Perry Botkin (Guitar)

*A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

(b) Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(c) Bing’s contribution is restricted to spoken comments, only. It will be recalled that Phillip Crosby recorded the same song, some years later, with similar accompaniment from his father.

(d) Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

Commercial Recording 22.6.50

(e) At the close of the programme, Bing confesses that he has no idea who next week’s guests will be but after the closing theme, Ken Carpenter is heard announcing that the guests will be Clifton Webb and Mildred Bailey. Although Mildred Bailey is featured in Programme No. 30, Clifton Webb never appeared in the Chesterfield series.

No. 27 22nd March 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd) and Ethel Merman.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Copper Canyon (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Bye, Bye, Baby with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Ethel Merman

*Dearie (b) with Ethel Merman

‘Littleheardof, Nevada’ Sketch Bing Crosby, Hopalong Cassidy, Ethel

Merman & Ken Carpenter

*My Foolish Heart (c)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Jasmine CD JASMCD 3558 - “Bing Crosby – Another Ride in Cowboy Country”

(b) Bing ‘breaks up’ during this item and comments, “Don Ameche gets better cues than that!”

Magic AWE3 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Magic DAWE3 (CD) - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Parrot PARCD006 (CD) - “Hollywood Guys And Dolls - Bing Crosby & His Hollywood Guests - Volume 2”

No. 28 29th March 1950

Transcribed in Hollywood (23rd March 1950). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, The Firehouse Five Plus Two and The Andrews Sisters.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

Comedy Dialogue (a) Bing Crosby & Ken Carpenter

*Wilhelmina (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*You’re Wonderful (c) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters

That’s A-Plenty The Andrews Sisters

*Lock, Stock And Barrel (d) with The Andrews Sisters

*Candy And Cake (e) with Rhythmaires

Red River Valley The Firehouse Five Plus Two

*Everybody Loves My Baby (f) with The Firehouse Five Plus Two

*A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes (g)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The dialogue is mainly concerned with Bing’s appendectomy on March 13th. Instead of

convalescing, after the operation, he taped the remainder of the season’s shows and left,

for Europe, on 14th April.

(b) All-Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(d) Commercial Recording 15.2.50

(e) Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

(f) All-Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

Limited Edition Club JGB1006 - “Kinda Dixie”

Jasmine CD JASCD 460 “”Stoking The Fire – The Whole Story – Vol.2 “

(g) All-Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

No. 29 5th April 1950

Transcribed in Chicago (a). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Arthur Godfrey and Perry Como.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Music! Music! Music! (Put Another Nickel In) (b) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Perry Como & Arthur Godfrey

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Perry Como & Arthur Godfrey

On The Outgoing Tide Perry Como

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Perry Como & Arthur Godfrey

Making Love, Ukulele Style Arthur Godfrey (Vocal & Ukulele)

*Candy And Cake (c) with Arthur Godfrey & Rhythmaires

*A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes (d) with Perry Como

*Dear Old Girl (e) with Perry Como & Arthur Godfrey

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) From the Chicago Civic Opera House and performed for the Convention of the National

Association of Tobacco Distributors.

(b) Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!”

(d) See Programme No. 36 Note (a)

(e) Commercial Recording 12.8.36

No. 30 12th April 1950

Transcribed in Hollywood (25th March 1950). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, The Firehouse Five Plus Two and Mildred Bailey.

*Where The Blue Of The Night (a) Opening Theme

*Candy And Cake with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*The Big Movie Show In The Sky (b) with Rhythmaires

Georgia On My Mind Mildred Bailey

*I’ve Got The World On A String (c) with Mildred Bailey

That’s A-Plenty The Firehouse Five Plus Two

*Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone (d) with The Firehouse Five Plus Two

*With My Eyes Wide Open, I’m Dreaming

*Marta (Rambling Rose Of The Wildwood) (e) with Perry Botkin (Guitar)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The programme dispenses with the customary opening dialogue between Bing and Ken Carpenter.

(b) Commercial Recording 23.12.49

(d) Limited Edition Club JGB1006 - “Kinda Dixie”

(e) Commercial Recording 22.6.60

She [Mildred Bailey] seemed to improve, and soon was on her way home. In the meantime, said [Alec] Wilder, Bing Crosby had quietly picked up the mortgage on the farm, so she could live there securely, free of anxiety about money.

Back on her feet, she went to California for an April 12, 1950 appearance on Bing’s network radio show. There’s real affection in the tone of their remarks to one another, and when she sings “Georgia On My Mind,” backed by John Scott Trotter’s orchestra, the years seem to fall away. No illness, no bitterness, no heartbreak: “Bails” is home at last.

Crosby joins her for “I’ve Got The World On A String” - and Trotter’s arrangement secures the common bond between them with a richly scored quotation from Bix’s “In A Mist”. The two singers toss phrases and quips back and forth like two old pals, once again playing catch in the Rinker family back yard.

(Richard Sudhalter, Lost Chords - White Musicians and their contribution to Jazz, page 704)

“Crosby’s 11 Day Gotham Marathon, Taping 25 Shows Before Sailing” (Front Page Headline)

“Bing Crosby, who leaves tomorrow (Thursday) on the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ for England, will have wound up a busy 11days in Gotham, during which he taped five of his weekly Chesterfield shows and twenty of his cross the board CBS stanzas for Minute Maid. Period is one of the heaviest recording marathons any top performer has achieved. Guests on four of the 30-minute airers are, Bea Lillie, Fred Allen, Mary Martin, Al Jolson and Ella Fitzgerald. The fifth show recorded without an audience is a musical reprise of the year’s top tunes. To tape additional Minute Maid shows in

England and France, Crosby and his producer/writer are taking along a portable Ampex machine and tape will be flown back until Crosby returns in Mid-June. On the junket, Crosby will play in the British Amateur Golf Championship Tourney at St. Andrews, Scotland on May 22nd.”

(“Variety” 12th April 1950)

No. 31 19th April 1950

Transcribed in San Francisco. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Carole Richards and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Music! Music! Music! (Put Another Nickel In) with Rhythmaires & Mel Henke (Piano)

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Lock, Stock And Barrel (a) with Rhythmaires

Bye, Bye, Baby Carole Richards with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Lindsay Crosby

Rag Mop Lindsay Crosby with Rhythmaires

*Sunshine Cake (b) with Carole Richards & Rhythmaires

*Swanee River (The Old Folks At Home) (c) with Lindsay Crosby & Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) There is an aside by Bing during this item when, seemingly inspired by the swingy violin arrangement, he remarks, “Well!....Spade Cooley!” (Spade Cooley was a Country & Western bandleader, known as ‘The King of Western Swing’ who was jailed for many years for the murder of his wife).

Commercial Recording 15.2.50

(b) Commercial Recording 10.5.49

No. 32 26th April 1950

Transcribed in New York. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Beatrice Lillie.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Wilhelmina with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Baby, Won’t You Say You Love Me with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (a) Bing Crosby & Beatrice Lillie

*Sunshine Cake (b) with Beatrice Lillie & Rhythmaires

*Candy And Cake with Beatrice Lillie & Rhythmaires

*If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked A Cake (c) with Beatrice Lillie

*My Foolish Heart (d)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Much of this dialogue is concerned with Bing’s ‘forthcoming trip to Europe’ - in fact, he was already there when the programme was broadcast.

(b) All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Commercial Recording 10.5.49

(d) Startone ST225 - “Bing And Mary”

No. 33 3rd May 1950 (a)

Transcribed in New York (b). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires Ella Fitzgerald and Al Jolson.

*Where The Blue Of The Night (c) Opening Theme

*The Horse Told Me (d) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle (e) with Rhythmaires

I Hadn’t Anyone Till You Ella Fitzgerald with Rhythmaires

*Stay With The Happy People (f) with Ella Fitzgerald & Rhythmaires

Give My Regards To Broadway (l) Al Jolson

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Al Jolson

*Ma Blushin’ Rosie (g) with Al Jolson

*Avalon (h) with Al Jolson

*Lullaby Of Broadway (i) with Al Jolson

*My Old Kentucky Home (j) with Al Jolson

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The complete programme was issued on Totem 1016 - “Bing ‘N’ Al - Volume 5” (Sleeve shews actual transcription date as 10.4.50)

(b) From CBS Playhouse No. 2

(c) There is a false start to the opening theme when one of the trumpets hits a wrong note. When the theme is re-commenced, Bing comments over the opening bars, “We’ll have to get that trumpet player off the blended stuff and onto the straight, I think!”

Broadway BR-138 - “Crosbyana Volume 8 - Just For Fun - Take Two”

(d) Windmill WMD260 - “Favourite Melodies”

Musidisc 30CV1356 - “Bing Crosby - His Greatest Hits”

Biac Records BRAD10520/521 - “Bing Crosby At His Rarest Of All Rare Performances”

Commercial Recording 21.6.49

(e) In the spoken commercial, leading to the jingle, Ken Carpenter ‘fluffs’ a line and Bing, jokingly reprimands him with, “Ah, Hah! - Forty lashes!” Carpenter gets his own back, however, when Bing makes a similar ‘fluff, in the second commercial spot.

(f) All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Parrot PARCD002 (CD) - “Ella Fitzgerald And Bing Crosby - My Happiness”

Legends LECD119 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 2”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

(g) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(h) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Parrot PARCD004 (CD) - “Al Jolson And Bing Crosby - Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recording 14.3.57

(i) Broadcast Tributes BTRIB0003 - “Bing ‘N’ Al”

Prism PLATCD 708 (CD) – “Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

(j) Windmill WMD260 - “Favourite Melodies”

Parrot PARCD004 (CD) - “Al Jolson And Bing Crosby - Let Me Sing And I’m Happy”(Date

shewn as 30.5.50)

Legends LECD118 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 1”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

Commercial Recording 9.12.40

(k) A strange and sombre note, in retrospect, that Al Jolson’s last line, in this, his final broadcast with Bing should be, “The trip would kill me”

(l) Sepia 1053 (CD) – “Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson – The Complete Radio Duets”

No. 34 10th May 1950

Transcribed in New York. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Mary Martin.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Stay With The Happy People (a) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Mary Martin

A Wonderful Guy Mary Martin

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Mary Martin

*Dearie (b) with Mary Martin

*It Isn’t Fair (c)

*Wait Till The Sun Shines Nellie (d) with Mary Martin

*Whispering Hope (e) with Mary Martin & Rhythmaires

(featuring Loulie Jean Norman)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Startone ST225 - “Bing And Mary”

(b) Startone ST225 - “Bing And Mary”

All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show” (Date shewn as Nov 10 1950)

Parrot PARCD005 (CD) - “Hollywood Guys And Dolls - Bing Crosby & His Hollywood Guests – Volume 1”

All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show” (Date shewn as Nov 10 1950)

(d) Startone ST225 - “Bing And Mary”

Parrot PARCD005 (CD) - “Hollywood Guys And Dolls - Bing Crosby & His Hollywood Guests - Volume 1”

Commercial Recording 13.3.42

(e) Startone ST225 - “Bing And Mary”

All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show” (Date shewn as Nov 10 1950)

Parrot PARCD006 (CD) - “Hollywood Guys And Dolls - Bing Crosby & His Hollywood Guests - Volume 2”

No. 35 17th May 1950

Transcribed in New York. Announced by Ken Carpenter (a). With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Fred Allen.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The Yodel Blues (b) with Rhythmaires

*Baby, Won’t You Say You Love Me (c) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Fred Allen

*The Lament Of Homer Tracy (d) with Fred Allen & Rhythmaires

*It Isn’t Fair (e) with Bernie Leighton (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The opening introductions and the first commercial are, in fact, handled by Fred Allen but Ken Carpenter returns, in his usual role, after the second song, for the remainder of the programme.

(b) The song was written for and introduced in the show, ‘Texas Li’l Darlin’” as, “They Talk A Different Language”

All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Musidisc 30CV1356 - “Bing Crosby - His Greatest Hits” (As “I Got The Blues Hooly Hooly”)

Biac Records BRAD10520/521 - “Bing Crosby At His Rarest Of All Rare Performances” (As “I Got The Blues Hooly Hooly” - Recording venue shewn as Los Angeles)

Commercial Recording 23.12.49

Biac Records BRAD10520/521 - “Bing Crosby At His Rarest Of All Rare Performances”

(d) This item is purported to have been written by Fred Allen.

All Star Products LP2000 - “Bing Crosby’s All Star Chesterfield Show”

Host Records BC1001 - “A Tribute To Bing”

(e) Musidisc 30CV1356 - “Bing Crosby - His Greatest Hits” (As “It’s Just For Today”)

Biac Records BRAD10520/521 - “Bing Crosby At His Rarest Of All Rare Performances” (As “It’s Just For Today” - Recording venue shewn as Los Angeles)

No. 36 24th May 1950 (a)

Transcribed in New York. Announced by Ken Carpenter (a). With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Lindsay Crosby, Dennis Crosby, Phillip Crosby, Gary Crosby, Arthur Godfrey, Perry Como and Bob Hope.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Music! Music! Music! (Put Another Nickel In) with Rhythmaires

*Chesterfield Jingle with Rhythmaires

*Mule Train (b) with Perry Botkin’s String Band

Dear Hearts And Gentle People Gary Crosby with Rhythmaires

*A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes (c) with Perry Como

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Dennis & Phillip Crosby with Rhythmaires

*Candy And Cake (d) with Arthur Godfrey & Rhythmaires

Rag Mop Lindsay Crosby with Rhythmaires

*If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked A Cake (e) with Bob Hope & Rhythmaires

*My Foolish Heart

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The majority of the programme consists of edited excerpts from previous shows. The items involving Bing and Arthur Godfrey/Perry Como have been ‘lifted’ from Programme No. 29. The songs which feature the Crosby boys have been extracted from three, separate, previous programmes. Bing introduces all the items and snippets of linking dialogue, from the ‘guests’ have been clipped from the original shows. The only ‘new’ items are a different version of “Music! Music! Music! and the duet, “If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked A Cake”. The latter, posed a small problem , regarding its origin, as it has obviously been inserted into the jigsaw of excerpts. Considering the participants, the duet is unusually polished and restrained, indicating prior preparation but at the same time, it seems improbable that the whole entourage would have been assembled to provide, what amounts to barely two minutes of air time and it has now been established that it was first heard on the CBS programme, ‘Welcome Back Baseball’ broadcast on 15th April 1950. As a matter of interest, the issue, “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years - Volume 4” shews a recording date of 12th April 1950.

(b) See Programme No. 7 Note (c)

Commercial Recording 26.10.49

(d) See Note (a) above.

(e) See Note (a) above.

HRB Music BCP1001 - “Bing Crosby And Friends”

Japanese MCA9301 - “Bing Crosby Radio Show”

United Artists UAK30115 - “The Golden Age Of American Radio Starring Bing Crosby”

Golden Age GA5023 - “One Hour From The Bing Crosby Radio Shows”

Precision Records & Tapes NCP711 - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years - Volume 4” (Date shewn as 12.4.50)

GNP Crescendo GNPD9052 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years”

Legends LECD119 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Volume 2”

Wisepack LECDD612 (CD) - “The Essential Collection”

The Radio Years RY18 (CD) - “Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties” (Shewn as “I Knew You Were Coming” - Date shewn as 1938!)

Hallmark 303372 (CD) - “Bing Crosby & Friends - The Radio Years”

Jasmine JASCD 357/8 (CD) – “Bob Hope & Friends – Put It There Pal”

“With Chesterfield now having Bing Crosby (on CBS) and Bob Hope (on NBC) under its wing, it’s a cinch that the ‘you Bing me and I’ll Hope you’ series of reciprocal guest shots will become a common thing in the course of the ‘50/’51 programme semester. The Hope-Crosby by-play has been one of the top audience come-ons for years.”

(“Variety” 14th June 1950)

“Groaner Seen Slugging It Out With Groucho For Wed. Night’s Hot Spot” (Headline)

“It will be Bing Crosby on CBS fighting it out with Groucho Marx, next season with the Wednesday night at nine time becoming the pivotal point in the major ‘50/’51 programme slugfest. With Marx taking over the same time on NBC that he had on Columbia, reports this week were that the way has been cleared for Crosby to move up half an hour into the ex-Marx time on Columbia. Just who finalised the decision isn’t quite clear but it’s understood that at the time NBC succeeded in signing Marx to his $3,000,000 contract, CBS board Chairman, William S. Paley, indicated he’d slotCrosby as the Marx competition as a retaliatory gesture. Around NBC where elation still runs pretty high over the Groucho acquisition, they’re wagering Marx will win hands down while the CBS boys are equally confident that the Groaner will whittle down his former back to back mate.”

(“Variety” 21st June 1950)

Go to the 1950-51 season for Chesterfield

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