THE BING CROSBY SHOW FOR GENERAL ELECTRIC

For twenty years, Bing Crosby had run the gamut of radio sponsors, from tobacco, through soap, cheese, radio sets, back to tobacco again and after three years with Chesterfield Cigarettes, the fall of 1952 found him extolling the virtues of refrigerators, on behalf of the General Electric Company. However, the famous, overweight, lady was waiting in the wings, loosening her larynx, for the swan song of the radio series in this particular format. One by one, favourite shows were vanishing from the air, engulfed by the tsunami of television which had rolled over the network schedules. The huge numbers of radio receivers that Bing had helped to sell for Philco had now become slightly passé, surrendering their place as the focal point in the living room to the ‘magic fish tank’.

Between the end of World War II and 1955, the number of major, prime time, variety programmes fell by a staggering 1000% and by 1954, Bing would find himself having completed full circle, back to where he had begun, providing 15 minute gap fillers. Network executives, who may have been contemplating the locked room and a loaded revolver found a degree of comfort with this format and the benefit of lower production costs. The decline is only too apparent in the GE programmes. Gone was the roll call of ‘big name’ guests. James Stewart wandered in twice and Frank Sinatra was heard on two shows. Jack Benny guested once and surprisingly, Bob Hope managed only a single appearance for the annual broadcast from Fort Ord. The remainder could be classed as ‘friends and family’, represented by frequent visits from Rosemary Clooney and Gary and Lindsay Crosby.

Apart from Miss Clooney, a miscellany of female vocalists was pressed into service, to lend a hand with the chores. Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee (yet to become ‘legends’), Kay Starr, Jane Morgan, Helen O’Connell and a dozen others took a turn at the microphone. Long time associate, violinist Joe Venuti capitalised on his inimitable catchphrase (‘Is dis der place?’) and made himself available to provide regular light comedy for the first season and together with Lindsay Crosby, was in attendance for all seven of the so-called ‘French’ programmes.

To the public, the ‘transcribed’ programme was now a normality, but there may still have been some questions regarding an ‘assembled’ show. Tape recording had, by this time, reached some degree of expertise and skilful editing could produce a conversation between two parties who were miles or even, days apart, without any noticeable ‘joins’. Chunks of dialogue could be shuffled, applause added or deleted and even the most devoted listener would have been hard pressed to recognise that the song that they were hearing was the same rendition that had been broadcast, two weeks previously. There is little doubt that an extensive ‘library’ was built of songs by Bing, which in many cases were sold on to Decca for re-mastering as commercial issues.

In spite of shortcomings in the guest star department, the first season of General Electric kept, pretty much, to the formula which had sustained the Philco and Chesterfield programmes but from the September of 1953, quite sweeping changes were made. If only we could have been privy to the discussions, which set out the ground rules for these shows. Did the man who fought for ‘Where the Blue of the Night’ in 1933, weakly succumb to the unknown piece of music that was to introduce his show? The songs and the patter hung on but the commercials were abandoned in favour of several minutes of fatuous ‘discussion’ between Bing and Ken Carpenter, on such heavyweight subjects as ‘Government’, ‘Communism’ and ‘Collectivism’. The cry will be, that this was the era of McCarthyism but the pompous cant of these creepy ‘seminars’, surely had no place in a light radio show. Other ‘discussions’ included a résumé of the most recent General Electric Annual General Meeting and GE’s 75th Anniversary Share Presentation to employees’ new babies, subjects that would have had most of the radio audience, reaching for a good book.

A few eyebrows were raised when Bing kicked off the opening show of his new series with Bob Merrill’s, ‘Feet Up (Pat Him on the Po-Po)’. Since the latter part of the 19th Century, the history of the popular music has reserved a niche for so-called ‘novelty’ numbers. From ‘Bunk-A-Doodle I Do’, through ‘Mairzy Doats’, to Sparky’s Magic Piano, belting out ‘Chopin’s Revolutionary Aytood’ and there was no need to be alarmed because, as the index reveals, the seventy-five programmes demonstrated, more than a hundred other songs designed to please the more discerning.

1952 - 1953 Season with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra. Produced by Bill Morrow and Murdo MacKenzie

The audience share for the season was 6.5 which enabled the programme to scrape in to twentieth position in the Nielsen ratings. The top show was Amos ‘N’ Andy with 14.2. Bing was said to be paid $16,000 per week (which also had to cover the cost of staff and guests).

No. 1 9th October l952

Transcribed in Hollywood (3rd September 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Jane Wyman.

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

*Feet Up! (Pat Him On The Po-Po) (b) with Rhythmaires

*Till The End Of The World (c) with Red Nichols (Cornet)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Jane Wyman

He’s Just Crazy For Me Jane Wyman

*Zing A Little Zong (d) with Jane Wyman & Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Joe Venuti

Body And Soul Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Auf Wiederseh’n, Sweetheart (e) with Loulie Jean Norman

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) To initiate his new series, Bing reverts to singing, “When (sic) the blue of the night,” rather than the abbreviated version, “Someone waits for me”, used throughout the series for Chesterfield.

Commercial recordings 23.11.31, 20.7.40, 17.7.45 and 21.4.54. (As this title appears on every page for the first season with General Electric, no further reference will be made to these commercial issue dates).

(b) Magic AWE3 - “Dark Moon”

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “20 Golden Greats, Volume 2”

Double Play GRF016 (CD) - “Everything I Have Is Yours”

(The above-mentioned issues have been allocated to the first hearing of this item although this is identical to the version heard on Programme No. 3)

(d) Commercial Recording 8.5.52

(e) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

“Bing Crosby is back for another semester in radio and this time, flying the General Electric colours. Chesterfield gave him the go-by at the wind up of last season, along with Bob Hope, considering the weekly tab too high. The Hollywood and Vine reports have it that, as with Jack Benny before him, the production, accoutrements and bankroll on Bing’s showcase have been trimmed in keeping with the ‘radio re-appraisal’, if so, GE has grabbed itself a good deal. For there is no perceptible change - so far as the listener is concerned - either in Crosby or his entourage. If the opening stanza lacked some of the sharpness and the brittleness of the Crosby romps in the past, the track record is sufficient warranty that in another couple of weeks the Thursday night 9.30 to 10.00 slot on CBS will be rockin’ to the customary Crosby mastery. Not that one needed too much reassurance on his first time out, last week. His brief encounter with Joe Venuti (leading up to fiddlin’ virtuosity), his by-play with announcer, Ken Carpenter; his soloing on ‘Auf Wiedersehn’ and his dueting with Jane Wyman on, ‘Zing A Little Zong’ (on reprise from their Par film click ‘Just For You’) were all grooved to the Crosby touch and manner, even though some of the dialogue spark was lacking. Significantly, The Groaner tipped on his GE preem that he’ll be TV bound, (presumably under the same sponsorship auspices) when he winds up a film chore in Europe. The only despondent note in the show were the heavy handed and trip-hammered GE plugs with both Crosby and Carpenter equally guilty”

(“Variety” 15th October 1952)

No. 2 16th October l952

Transcribed in Hollywood (3rd September 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Helen O’Connell, and The Bell Sisters.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Open Up Your Heart (a) with Rhythmaires

*Just For You (b)

Comedy Dialogue (c) Bing Crosby & The Bell Sisters

There’s A Ship Coming In (c) The Bell Sisters

*Zing A Little Zong (d) with The Bell Sisters & Rhythmaires

*Till The End Of The World (e) with Red Nichols (Cornet)

You Like? Helen O’Connell with Rhythmaires

*Walkin’ My Baby Back Home (f) with Helen O’Connell

*You Belong To Me (f) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording l7.6.52

(b) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 14.2.52

(d) Jasmine JASCD 634 - “The Bell Sisters – The ‘Bermuda’ Girls”

Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 8.5.52

(e) Commercial Recording 24.4.52

(f) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 3 23rd October l952

Transcribed in Hollywood (6th September 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and James Stewart.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Feet Up! (Pat Him On The Po-Po) (a) with Rhythmaires

*Wish You Were Here

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & James Stewart

Sketch - “The Electric Blanket” Bing Crosby & James Stewart

*Somebody Loves Me (b) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

*Auf Wiederseh’n, Sweetheart with Loulie Jean Norman

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

See Programme No. 1 - Note (b)

(b) This is the version of the song that was mastered for commercial release.

Commercial Recordings l3.6.39 and 26.6.53 (Mastering date).

Screen star Jimmy Stewart will be the guest star of Bing Crosby in a half-hour program of songs and comedy over CBS at 9:30. The duo, each with an Academy Award to his credit, will offer a melodramatic skit about the purchase of an electric blanket, followed by a special Crosby-Stewart interpretation of harmony in song.

(Battle Creek Enquirer, 23rd October 1952)

NOTE:

When the first three programmes of the new General Electric series were broadcast, Bing was already in Europe, having sailed on the French liner, “Liberté”, in early September. The main purpose of the trip, apart from two charity events in Britain, was for location shooting, in and around Paris, for the film “Little Boy Lost”. He returned on the 25th October and was met by his wife, Dixie Lee Crosby, who was in the final stages of the cancer for which she had undergone surgery, in the previous July. The following day she suffered a relapse and two days after, lapsed into a coma from which she never recovered. Dixie died on the 1st November, three days before her forty-first birthday.

Consequently, Bing did not appear in the next two programmes; the first of which is preceded by the stark announcement, “The Bing Crosby programme will not be heard, this evening.” In spite of Bing’s absence, these programmes were an integral portion of the complete General Electric series and in the interests of completeness, details of their content, are shewn.

No. 4 30th October l952

Transcribed in Hollywood. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Judy Garland.

Over The Rainbow Opening Theme

Alexander’s Ragtime Band Judy Garland with Rhythmaires

Cuanto Le Gusta Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires

Wish You Were Here Judy Garland

I Got Rhythm John Scott Trotter Orchestra

Stars Began To Fall Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires

A Pretty Girl Milking A Cow Judy Garland

And The Angels Sing Ziggy Elman (Trumpet)

Carolina In The Morning Judy Garland

Manhattan Rag John Scott Trotter’s Dixieland Group

(Red Nichols - Cornet)

You Belong To Me Judy Garland with Rhythmaires

Over The Rainbow Closing Theme

“With Bing Crosby bowing out of his scheduled CBS radio show, last Thursday night (30th) because of the critical illness of his wife, the web’s Coast office put Judy Garland in as a last minute sub. Miss Garland failed completely to live up to expectations, to the point where it was difficult to imagine a singer with her known ability, hitting so many ‘clinkers’ in a single half-hour. There are a number of mitigating factors of course, such as the short rehearsal time she had, her impending motherhood etc. Even so, she was a far cry from the Judy who wowed them at the Broadway Palace, last winter.

Miss Garland worked with Crosby’s regular crew, including the John Scott Trotter Orchestra, the Modernaires (sic), announcer Ken Carpenter etc. The show itself was nothing to rave about since, with a little time for preparation, the web merely had Miss Garland lead a half-hour’s ‘songalog’. That would have been OK if she had been up to par but sans her anticipated sock, it was almost embarrassing to listen to. Her numbers were well selected, ranging from ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’ through ‘Carolina In The Morning’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’ but only seldom did she sound like the Garland of old”

(“Variety” 5th November 1952)

No. 5 6th November l952

Transcribed in Hollywood. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With James Stewart (as Master of Ceremonies), Rosemary Clooney, Joe Venuti and Gordon Macrae.

Title Unknown Opening Theme

This Can’t Be Love Rosemary Clooney

Half As Much Rosemary Clooney

A Cockeyed Optimist Gordon Macrae

Somewhere Along The Way Gordon Macrae

Autumn Leaves Joe Venuti (Violin)

Walkin’ My Baby Back Home Gordon Macrae & Rosemary Clooney

Begin The Beguine Gordon Macrae

Who Kissed Me Last Night? Rosemary Clooney

Title Unknown Closing Theme

No. 6 13th November 1952 (a)

Transcribed in Hollywood (9th November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Dinah Shore.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Just You, Just Me (b) with Rhythmaires

*Open Up Your Heart (c) with Rhythmaires

*You’ll Never Get Away with Dinah Shore

Early Autumn Dinah Shore

*Sleepy Time Gal (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Laura Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Doodle Doo Doo (e) with Dinah Shore

Memphis Blues Dinah Shore

*You Belong To Me with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) An edited version of the programme was issued on Sunbeam HB-309 - “The Dinah Shore - Bing Crosby Shows”

(b) Commercial Recording 2.12.78 (Release date)

(d) This appears to be the version of the song mastered for commercial release. (See Index 4)

Commercial Recording 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(e) Limited Edition Club JGB1006 - “Kinda Dixie” (Shewn as “Doodle Le Do”)

In resuming his recorded schedule on CBS radio tonight at 9:30 Bing Crosby arranged a light musical show with Dinah Shore as guest. She also will be in next week’s program. The recordings were made last week-end.

(C. E. Butterfield, The Herald News, 13th November, 1952)

No. 7 20th November 1952

Transcribed in Hollywood (9th November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Dinah Shore.

Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The Glow Worm (a) with Rhythmaires

*The Live Oak Tree (b) with Rhythmaires

*Takes Two To Tango (e) with Dinah Shore

But Not For Me Dinah Shore

*Dinah (c) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Estralita Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Silver Bells (d) with Dinah Shore & Rhythmaires

Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea Dinah Shore

*Wish You Were Here (e)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Magic AWE7 - “Dark Moon”

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “20 Golden Greats, Volume 2”

Dejavu DVRE16 (CD) - “The Bing Crosby Story”

Double Play GRF016 (CD) - “Everything I Have Is Yours”

(The above-mentioned issues have been allocated to the first hearing of this item although this is identical to the version heard on Programme No. 15)

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD - "Bing Crosby Sings The Johnny Mercer Songbook"

Sounds of Yesteryear CD DSOY2151 - "Bing Crosby - Immersed in Mr. Mercer's Verse"

(b) Commercial Recording 21.2.52

commercial release.

Commercial Recordings 16.12.31 & 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(d) Commercial Recording 8.9.50

(e) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 8 27th November 1952

Transcribed in Hollywood (17th November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Connee Boswell.

Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Just You, Just Me (a) with Rhythmaires

*Wish You Were Here

*Some Sunny Day (b) with Red Nichols (Cornet)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Connee Boswell

Begin The Beguine Connee Boswell

*That’s A-Plenty (c) with Connee Boswell & Ensemble

*Keep It A Secret (d) with Rhythmaires

*The Live Oak Tree (e) with Rhythmaires

*You Belong To Me with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 2.12.78 (Release date).

(b) Commercial Recordings 19.2.57 & 25.2.75

Precision Records & Tapes Ltd NCP704 - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years, Volume 1”

(Recording date shewn as 6.9.52).

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

Limited Edition Club JGB1010 - “Tea For Two - Famous Duets - Bing And Connee” (Shewn asLA6898A)

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

The “Ensemble” consists of Red Nichols (Cornet), Ted Vesley (Trombone), Matty Matlock (Clarinet), Joe Rushton (Bass Sax), Buddy Cole (Piano), Perry Botkin (Guitar), and Nick Fatool (Drums).

N.B. This is the only duet of the song, with Connie Boswell, heard during the GE series but there is a possibility that this is not the version of the song that was mastered for commercial release. A comparison between the broadcast version and the commercial issue reveals a minor but significant difference. On the broadcast version as evidenced by the above-mentioned issues the second rendition of the line, runs, “Well, you beat it out brother, there’s no other remedy (Yeah!) - And that’s a-plenty..” This interjection of “Yeah!”, by Connie Boswell, is not apparent on the commercial issue. The compiler prefers to keep an open mind on the subject!

Commercial Recording 17.11.52 (Mastering date).

(d) Commercial Recording 12.11.52

(e) Commercial Recording 21.2.52

No. 9 4th December 1952

Transcribed in Hollywood (23rd November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Rosemary Clooney and Christian Fourcade.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Sleigh Ride (a) with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (b) Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney & Christian Fourcade

You’ll Never Know Rosemary Clooney

*The Merry-Go-Run-Around (c) with Rosemary Clooney

Regardez Mes Bateaux Christian Fourcade

*White Christmas (d) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recordings 17.11.52 (Mastering date) & 13.9.77

(b) The comedy dialogue concerns a supposed “secret crush” that young Christian Fourcade has on Rosemary Clooney. Christian is persuaded to “hide behind the piano” and subsequent dialogue between Bing and Rosemary Clooney is punctuated by piano runs.

(c) Jasmine JASCD335 (CD) - “Rosemary Clooney - Something To Remember Me By”. Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

Commercial Recording 24.6.52

(d) Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recordings 29.5.42, 19.3.47, 10.4.54 & 24.12.55

Christian Fourcade, the French moppet who plays the title role in Bing Crosby’s new film “Little Boy Lost,” will join Rosemary Clooney in the guest star spotlight on CBS Radio’s Bing Crosby Show at 9:30 p.m. Fourcade will sing in French “The Little Animal.”

(Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4th December, 1952)

No. 10 11th December 1952

Transcribed in Hollywood (23rd November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Rosemary Clooney.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Open Up Your Heart (a) with Rhythmaires

*Because You’re Mine

Who Kissed Me Last Night? Rosemary Clooney

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney

*Takes Two To Tango (b) with Rosemary Clooney & Rhythmaires

April In Paris Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Silver Bells (c) with Rosemary Clooney & Rhythmaires

*To See You (Is To Love You) (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 17.6.52

(b) 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”

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

GNP Crescendo GNPD9051(CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years” (Date shewn as 23.11.53) - (Shewn on all issues as “Two To Tango”)

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

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

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

(d) Sounds of Yesteryear CD DSOY2147 "Bing Sings Burke and Van Heusen"

Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 20.6.52

No. 11 18th December 1952

Transcribed in Hollywood (30th November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Ella Fitzgerald.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Sleigh Bell Serenade (a) with Rhythmaires

*Some Sunny Day (b) with Red Nichols (Cornet)

Medley:

Trying Ella Fitzgerald with Rhythmaires

My Favourite Song Ella Fitzgerald

Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea Ella Fitzgerald

Oh! Lady Be Good Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (c) with Ella Fitzgerald & Rhythmaires

*To See You (Is To Love You) (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 12.11.52

(b) Broadway Intermission BR-111 - “Crosbyana”

Artistic ART001 - “Bing’s Party”

Limited Edition Club JGB1006 - “Kinda Dixie”

Sounds Of Yester Year CD DSOY 605 “Bing Crosby – I Got Rhythm”

CD: Bing Sings The Irving Berlin Songbook

Commercial Recordings 19.2.57 & 25.2.75

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recording 22.6.50

(d) Artistic ART001 - “Bing’s Party”

Sounds Of Yester Year CD DSOY 605 “Bing Crosby – I Got Rhythm”

Commercial Recording 20.6.52

No. 12 25th December 1952 (a)

Transcribed in Hollywood (30th November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Gary Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Adeste Fideles (b) with Rhythmaires

*Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (c) with Rhythmaires

*Sleigh Bell Serenade (d) with Rhythmaires

*Jingle Bells (e) with Gary Crosby & Rhythmaires

*The Christmas Song (f)

Medley: (g)

*Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly with Rhythmaires & Choir

*Away In A Manger with Rhythmaires & Choir

*O Little Town Of Bethlehem (h)

*The First Nowell with Rhythmaires & Choir

Christmas Message (i) Bing Crosby

*White Christmas (j) with Rhythmaires

*Silent Night (k) with Rhythmaires & Choir

Silent Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Reference is made to this programme in Gary Crosby’s book, “Going My Own Way”:

“When I came home for the Thanksgiving vacation, the old man took me to the studio to transcribe his Christmas show. On the drive over he seemed kind of sad and down but once he stepped in front of the microphone he perked right up and was back to being his old, warm, charming, breezy self again. There was no mention of Mom’s death. Someone who had passed the last weeks living in a cave would never have known it had happened. Like a lot of performers, Dad felt the audience wasn’t interested in your personal problems. All they wanted was the show and that’s what he gave them. With the help of his script-writers, I dusted off my own wise-cracking persona and we went at each other with the standard, good-natured give and take.”

The book goes on to quote, verbatim, the portion of the script which introduces item (e).

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

Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recordings 1934, 12.11.35 & 8.6.42

(c) This has become one of those songs that Bing cannot resist fooling with and he closes, “...I’m Comet, I’m Cupid...Space Cadet, Jezebel....High Noon!”

Commercial Recording 22.6.50

(d) Commercial Recording 12.11.52

(e) See Note (a) above

Commercial Recording 27.9.43

(f) Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recording 19.3.47

(g) Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Daily Mail CD - Bing Crosby at Christmas

Commercial Recordings 31.5.49 & 24.12.55

(h) Commercial Recording 24.12.55

(i) Something of an innovation - a reasonably lengthy and serious address from Bing on the

significance of Christmas.

(j) Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recordings 29.5.42, 19.3.47, 10.4.54 & 24.12.55

(k) Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recordings 21.2.35, 13.11.35, 8.6.42, 19.3.47, 3.5.54 & 24.12.55

No. 13 1st January 1953

Transcribed in Hollywood (30th November 1952). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Ella Fitzgerald.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Open Up Your Heart (a) with Rhythmaires

*Keep It A Secret (b) with Rhythmaires

Medley:

I Hadn’t Anyone Till You Ella Fitzgerald with Rhythmaires

If You Should Ever Leave Ella Fitzgerald

I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Ella Fitzgerald

*Chicago Style (c) with Ella Fitzgerald

Autumn Leaves Joe Venuti (Violin)

Medley:

*Because You’re Mine

*You Belong To Me (d) with Rhythmaires

*Wish You Were Here (e)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 17.6.52

(b) Commercial recording 12.11.52

Shout! CD DK 31517 “Swingin’ With Bing”

Commercial recording 23.6.52

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

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

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

(Transcription) date shewn as 30th November 1952 on last two issues.

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

Readers Digest RD4-138-7 - “Bing Sings Again”

Echo Jazz EJCD12 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Big Band Days”

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

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

(Transcription) date shewn as 30th November 1952 on last two issues.

No. 14 8th January 1953

Transcribed in Hollywood (3rd January 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Rosemary Clooney.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Sleigh Ride (a) with Rhythmaires

Blues In The Night Rosemary Clooney

*Takes Two To Tango with Rosemary Clooney & Rhythmaires

Tea For Two Joe Venuti (Violin)

Haven’t Got A Worry To My Name Rosemary Clooney

*Keep It A Secret (b) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Collectors’ Choice CD CCM2161 “The Crosby Christmas Sessions”

Commercial Recording 17.11.52 (Mastering date) & 13.9.77

This track was augmented with accompaniment by The London Symphony Orchestra and included in the album "Bing at Christmas" Decca 083768

(b) Commercial Recording 12.11.52

No. 15 15th January 1953

Transcribed at Fort Ord (10th January 1953) (a). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti, Rosemary Clooney and Bob Hope.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The Glow Worm with Rhythmaires

I Do, I Do, I Do Rosemary Clooney

*Chicago Style (b) with Rosemary Clooney

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby, Bob Hope & Rosemary Clooney

*Open Up Your Heart (c) with Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney & Rhythmaires

Tico Tico Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Heart And Soul with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) From the U.S. Army Training Centre. As in previous years, the troops benefit from the proximity of their base to Pebble Beach and the Annual Golf Tournament!

(b) Jasmine JASCD335 (CD) - “Rosemary Clooney - Something To Remember Me By”

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

Commercial Recording 23.6.52

(c) An entirely parodied version, (“Open up the jug and let the moonshine in....”) - a gentle mockery of Kentucky which happens to be Rosemary Clooney’s home State.

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

No. 16 22nd January 1953

Transcribed in Hollywood (14th January 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Rosemary Clooney.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney

*South Rampart Street Parade (a) with Rosemary Clooney & Rhythmaires

Lovely Weather For Ducks Rosemary Clooney

*Heart And Soul (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

The Hot Canary Joe Venuti (Violin)

*I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody) (b) with the Buddy Cole Trio

You’ll Never Know Rosemary Clooney

*Something To Remember You By (c) with Rosemary Clooney

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Jasmine JASCD335 (CD) - “Rosemary Clooney - Something To Remember Me By”

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

Commercial Recording 5.9.52

(b) Some Fine Old Chestnuts (60th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

Although sometimes considered as emanating from a radio broadcast, both versions of the song, heard on the GE series are not the version that was mastered for commercial release (See Index 4).

Commercial Recording 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

Commercial Recording 22.2.75

(d) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 17 29th January 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs (24th January 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Kay Starr.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes (a) with Rhythmaires

*Keep It A Secret (b) with Rhythmaires

Noah (Didn’t It Rain) Kay Starr

*Side By Side (c) with Kay Starr

Jealousy (Jalousie) Joe Venuti (Violin)

*After You’ve Gone (d) with the Buddy Cole Trio

*Because You’re Mine (e) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing Crosby Archive digital release “Shall We Dance?” January, 2011

(b) Commercial Recording 12.11.52

(d) This is not the version of the song that was mastered for commercial release but the ‘other’ version, first heard on Chesterfield Programme No. 108.

Commercial Recordings 18.10.29, 16.1.46 & 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(e) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 18 5th February 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs (24th January 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Kay Starr.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Lady Of Spain (a)

*Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes (b) with Rhythmaires

Comes A-Long A-Love Kay Starr

*The Breeze (That’s Bringin’ My Honey Back To Me) with Kay Starr

Laura Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Sleepy Time Gal (c) with the Buddy Cole Trio

*Why Don’t You Believe Me? (d) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) 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”

Precision Records & Tapes NCP704 - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years - Volume 1”

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

Intertape CD500.027 (CD) - “Bing Crosby”

Double Play GRF016 (CD) - “Everything I Have Is Yours”

Echo Jazz EJCD12 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Big Band Days”

Bing Crosby Archive digital release “Shall We Dance?” January, 2011

CD: Songs I Wish I Had Sung (The First Time Around) (Deluxe edition)

This rendition of the song appears to be identical to the version broadcast on Programme No. 34 of 28th May and although the United Artists issue confirms this date and “The Radio Years” issues offer a recording date of 13.4.53, the compiler has been persuaded to credit the above- mentioned issues to this first hearing, as at least two of the issued excerpts, retain a distinctive pattern of applause, at the close of the song, consistent with this particular broadcast.

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

Japanese MCA9301 - “Bing Crosby Radio Show”

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

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

Readers Digest RD4-138-7 - “Bing Sings Again”

Echo Jazz EJCD12 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Big Band Days”

(d) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 19 12th February 1953 (a)

Transcribed in Palm Springs (31st January 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Jack Benny.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*The Glow Worm with Rhythmaires

Comedy Dialogue (b) Bing Crosby & Jack Benny

Body And Soul Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Heart And Soul with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing theme

Notes:

(a) There is a certain uniqueness regarding this programme, in that Bing is limited to only two vocals. Press releases had indicated that Bing was also to sing "You Don't Know What Lonesome Is" so a late change must have been made. The compiler can find only three other instances of this occurring in a show from one of his own major radio series, all being governed by more exceptional circumstances.

(b) Much of the dialogue is concerned with (another of) Jack Benny’s thirty-ninth birthdays! Benny was born on Valentine’s Day and in fact, at this time, would have been approaching his fifty-ninth birthday. The proceedings are interrupted, at one point, by what appears to be the genuine presentation of a cake, to the “birthday boy”.

No. 20 19th February 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs (31st January 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Joanne Gilbert.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes with Rhythmaires

*Trying with Rhythmaires

Love Joanne Gilbert

*Chicago Style (a) with Joanne Gilbert

Dark Eyes (Otchi Tchorniya) Joe Venuti (Violin)

*You Don’t Know What Lonesome Is (b) with Rhythmaires & Perry Botkin (Guitar)

(Till You Get To Herdin’ Cows)

*Why Don’t You Believe Me? with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 23.6.52

(b) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial recording 17.6.52

No. 21 26th February 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs (7th February 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Peggy Lee.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Lady Of Spain

*Till I Waltz Again With You (d)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Peggy Lee

Just One Of Those Things Peggy Lee

*That’s A-Plenty (a) with Peggy Lee

Sweet Lorraine Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Keep It A Secret (b) with Rhythmaires

*June In January (c) with Phil Shukin (Flute)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 17.11.52 (Mastering date)

(b) Commercial Recording 12.11.52

Commercial Recordings 9.11.34, 3.5.54 & 12.9.77

(d) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 22 5th March 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs (7th February 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Jimmy Boyd.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Bye, Bye Blues (a) with Rhythmaires

*My Devotion

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Jimmy Boyd

Early Bird Jimmy Boyd with Rhythmaires

*Open Up Your Heart (b) with Jimmy Boyd & Rhythmaires

I Got Rhythm Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (c) with Rhythmaires

*Why Don’t You Believe Me? with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 29.6.60

(b) Commercial Recording 17.6.52

Jimmy Boyd, the freckle-faced moppet whose song, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” made record sale history over the past holidays, gets his greatest boost to stardom within the next few weeks by guesting with Bing Crosby. I dropped in on Palm Springs’ Plaza theatre Saturday night to watch the Groaner taping one of his Thursday night KNX shows and Jimmy’s nasal tones came close to breaking up the old Groaner when they did a duet together. Jimmy was an added attraction at the taping session and his part will be spliced into a show some time after Feb. 26.

(Walter Ames, Los Angeles Times, February 10, 1953)

No. 23 12th March 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and James Stewart.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Jeepers Creepers (a) with Rhythmaires

*Till I Waltz Again With You

Tea For Two Joe Venuti (Violin)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & James Stewart

Sketch - “The Washing Machine” Bing Crosby & James Stewart with

Ken Carpenter & Veola Vonn

*Two Shillelagh O’Sullivan (b) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing Crosby Enterprises CD - "Bing Crosby Sings The Johnny Mercer Songbook"

Commercial Recording 11.6.56

(b) This is the same version of the song that was first heard on Chesterfield Programme No. 98 of 12th March 1952. Some forty words of the original introduction remain intact and with this knowledge, it is not difficult to spot the “join”, after editing

Commercial Recording 19.2.52

No. 24 19th March 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs (a). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Dinah Shore.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Mister Tap Toe (f) with Rhythmaires

Salomee (With Her Seven Veils) Dinah Shore with Rhythmaires

Ode To A Wild Shepherd Dog Joe Venuti (Violin)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Dinah Shore

Medley: (b)

*Mexicali Rose (c)

When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano Dinah Shore

*Avalon Town (d)

Avalon Dinah Shore

*Harbour Lights (e) with Dinah Shore & Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) For the first time since transcriptions began from this location, Ken Carpenter mentions the actual venue as “The Plaza Theatre”.

(b) The dialogue introducing this medley, (supported by the orchestra playing a few bars of “Ramona”), explains that the area around Palm Springs, known as Riverside County had provided romantic inspiration for many songwriters.

(d) CD: Some Fine Old Chestnuts (60th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

(e) Commercial recording 5.9.50

(f) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

“Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore will utilize Mattfeld’s ‘Variety Music Cavalcade’ as a springboard for their songalog, originating (taped) from Palm Springs. Crosby and his writer/producer, Bill Morrow, have proved partial to the ‘Variety’ anthology of songs (as compiled by CBS musicologist Dr. Mattfeld) on previous occasions, and this past Thursday night’s show, over CBS made the Southern California country and local color the musical theme of their chatter and chirpings. It permitted Crosby some droll opportunities with some impossible song titles in between his easy styled vocal references to the ‘Ramona’ country, ‘Capistrano’, ‘Avalon’ and the like. He did a ‘newie’, ‘Avalon Town’ in more spritely rhythm than Miss Shore’s reprise of the Buddy DeSylva-Al Jolson ‘oldie’, ‘Avalon’. The former should par the latter in future durability. It has strong potentials, especially if already waxed by Crosby. On the subject of Bing, one of his favorite musical aides, Perry Botkin did a stint with WMGM’s Henry Morgan, one post-midnight which was distinguished by the guitarist’s literal style at the mike as he professed complete ignorance of any new Crosbyana. Botkin kept reiterating, ‘It’s all in The Saturday Evening Post; why I’ve learnt more about Crosby from Pete Martin’s book (Call Me Lucky) than in all my years with Bing’”

(“Variety” 25th March 1953)

No. 25 26th March 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Rosemary Clooney.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Bye, Bye, Blues (a) with Rhythmaires

*Trying (f) with Rhythmaires

Haven’t Got A Worry To My Name Rosemary Clooney

*You’re Just In Love (b) with Rosemary Clooney & Rhythmaires

Blue Tango Joe Venuti (Violin)

*It’s Only A Paper Moon (c) with Rosemary Clooney

*Mandy, Make Up Your Mind (d) with Ensemble

*Heart And Soul (e)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 29.6.60

(b) Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

(d) CD: Songs I Wish I Had Sung (The First Time Around) (Deluxe edition)

The ‘Ensemble’ consists of Red Nichols (Cornet); Ted Vesley (Trombone); Matty Matlock (Clarinet); Buddy Cole (Piano); Perry Botkin (Guitar); Don Whitaker (Bass) and Nick Fatool (Drums).

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

(f) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 26 2nd April 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Rosemary Clooney.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*’Way Down Yonder In New Orleans (a) with Rhythmaires

*Ohio (b) with Rhythmaires

Who Kissed Me Last Night? Rosemary Clooney

*Chicago Style (c) with Rosemary Clooney

Humoresque (Dvorak) Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Easter Parade (d) with Rosemary Clooney & Rhythmaires

*One Little Candle (e) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing Crosby Archive digital release “Shall We Dance?” January, 2011

CD: Songs I Wish I Had Sung (The First Time Around) (Deluxe edition)

Commercial Recordings 28.6.60, 16.1.75 & 17.1.79 (Release date)

(b) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

Commercial Recording 23.6.52

(d) Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”.

Commercial Recording 1.6.42

(e) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Bing introduces this item as the theme song of the “Christopher Movement”. It would seem to be fair to assume that this might be a Catholic charitable organisation

No. 27 9th April 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Rosemary Clooney.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Mister Tap Toe with Rhythmaires

What Would You Do? Rosemary Clooney

*People Will Say We’re In Love (a) with Rosemary Clooney

Intermezzo (Souvenir De Vienne) Joe Venuti (Violin)

Medley:

*Lazy (b)

*Huckleberry Finn with Rhythmaires

*Beside A Babbling Brook with Rhythmaires

*Only Forever (c) with Rosemary Clooney

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

Commercial Recording 23.8.43

(b) Commercial Recording 25.5.42

Jasmine JASCD335 (CD) - “Rosemary Clooney - Something To Remember Me By”

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

Commercial Recordings 3.7.40 & 16.6.54

No. 28 16th April l953

Transcribed in Palm Springs. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and George Kainapau & his Island Serenaders.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Wild Horses (a) with Rhythmaires

Medley:

*Till I Waltz Again With You (b)

*Keep It A Secret (c)

*Why Don’t You Believe Me? (d) with Rhythmaires

*The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ka Kali Nei Au) (e) with George Kainapau (vocal) & his Island Serenaders

*There’s Music In You (f)

How High The Moon Joe Venuti (Violin)

*A Quiet Girl (g)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) The song was written by Johnny Burke (under the pseudonym of K.C. Rogan) and is based on Robert Schumann’s, “Wilder Reiter”.

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

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

(e) Since its composition in 1926, the melody has been variously identified by these two titles, together with “Waiting For Thee” and “Here Ends The Rainbow”. The latter, with lyrics by Johnny Burke, had been recorded by Bing, two years previously. The tune was adapted again with new lyrics in 1958.

Readers Digest RD4-138-5 - “Bing Sings Again”

Echo Jazz EJCD12 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Big Band Days”

Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 9.2.51

(f) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

(g) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

No. 29 23rd April 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Rosemary Clooney.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*’Way Down Yonder In New Orleans (a) with Rhythmaires

*There’s Music In You (b)

Tenderly Rosemary Clooney

*April In Paris (c)

Wildcat Joe Venuti (Violin)

Medley:

*These Foolish Things (d) with Rosemary Clooney

*We Just Couldn’t Say “Goodbye” (e) with Rosemary Clooney

*You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To (e) with Rosemary Clooney

*A Quiet Girl (f)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) CD: Songs I Wish I Had Sung (The First Time Around) (Deluxe edition)

Commercial Recordings 28.6.60, 16.1.75 & 17.1.79 (Release date).

(b) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

(d) Commercial Recording 15.12.44

Jasmine JASCD335 (CD) - “Rosemary Clooney - Something To Remember Me By”

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

(e) Jasmine JASCD335 (CD) - “Rosemary Clooney - Something To Remember Me By”

Collectors’ Choice CCM21622 “Bing & Rosie - The Crosby-Clooney Radio Sessions”

(f) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

No. 30 30th April 1953

Transcribed in Hollywood (14th March 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and The Bell Sisters.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Wild Horses (g) with Rhythmaires

*April In Portugal (a) with Rhythmaires

The Dance Of Love (b) The Bell Sisters

*Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie (c) with The Bell Sisters

*Do You Ever Think Of Me? (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Blue Tango Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Salomee (With Her Seven Veils) (e) Bing Crosby with Chorus

*Hush-A-Bye (f) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 8.5.61

(b) Jasmine JASCD 634 - “The Bell Sisters – The ‘Bermuda’ Girls”

Commercial Recording 13.3.42

(d) This is the first airing of the song that was mastered by Decca for commercial release.

Commercial Recordings 23.7.40 & 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(e) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

It should be noted that this title is not misspelt. The song was published as “Salomee”, being part of the score for the Broadway musical, “Hazel Flagg”.

(f) Commercial Recording 15.12.52

(g) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 31 7th May 1953

Transcribed in Palm Springs. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and George Kainapau and his Island Serenaders.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Wild Horses with Rhythmaires

*And The Angels Sing (a) with Rhythmaires & Ziggy Elman (Trumpet)

*Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider (b) with Red Nichols (Trumpet)

*My Devotion (f) with Bobby Guy (Trumpet)

*Hawaiian Paradise (c) (e) with George Kainapau (Vocal) & his Island Serenaders

Tea For Two Joe Venuti (Violin)

*April In Portugal (d) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing Crosby Archive digital release “With All My Heart” January, 2011

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD - "Bing Crosby Sings The Johnny Mercer Songbook"

Commercial Recording 5.4.39

(b) This item is the version of the song that was mastered by Decca for commercial release and was first broadcast on Chesterfield Programme No. 91 of 23rd January 1952

Commercial Recordings 10.3.39 & 14.2.52.

(d) Commercial Recording 8.5.61

(e) Sepia Records CD SEPIA 1334 - "Holiday in Europe (And Beyond)" (2019)

(f) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

No. 32 14th May 1953

Transcribed in Hollywood (14th March 1953). Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Joe Venuti and Jimmy Boyd.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*’Deed I Do (a) with Rhythmaires

*Salomee (With Her Seven Veils)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Jimmy Boyd

I’m Little But I’m Loud Jimmy Boyd

*Small Fry (b) with Jimmy Boyd

*Wild Horses with Rhythmaires

Black Satin Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Hush-A-Bye (c) with Rhythmaires

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) CD: Songs I Wish I Had Sung (The First Time Around) (Deluxe edition)

Commercial Recordings 11.6.56 & 26.2.79 (Release date)

(b) Parodied version. (A second appearance by this grisly child who, at the tender age of twelve, had a No. 1 hit, had already appeared with Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Bob Hope and also had made hit recordings, dueting with both Frankie Laine and Rosemary Clooney.)

Commercial Recording 1.7.38

NOTE:

The last seven programmes (Nos.33 to 39) of the 1952/53 Season are all introduced as being transcribed in Paris, France and the compiler has adhered to this announcement in the preliminaries to each of these shows. However, there are obvious doubts as to the feasibility of such an undertaking and accounts vary concerning Bing Crosby’s activities during this period. It has been suggested that the main purpose of the trip to Europe was to re-shoot yet another location scene for the film, “Little Boy Lost” (in spite of the fact that the film is claimed to have been ‘wrapped up’ at Paramount, in February). Another source is naive enough to claim that he left after the broadcast of the programme of the 14th May (Bing was still not flying, at this time and would have taken the train to the East coast, before embarking on the “Queen Elizabeth”).

Also submitted, is that to facilitate these “transcriptions”, the entire, regular entourage from the show, accompanied him. There are also permutations from a smaller group which includes, John Scott Trotter, Ken Carpenter, Joe Venuti, Buddy Cole, Bill Morrow and Murdo MacKenzie, ignoring the fact that many of them may have had other commitments apart from the General Electric series. On the other hand, the majority agree that Bing commenced his trip to Europe, in March, accompanied by his youngest son, Lindsay and returned in June. Significantly, one biographer comments on Bing’s non-appearance at a Friar’s Club dinner in February, honouring Bob Hope - “......Crosby’s schedule was very hectic. He was recording the remaining radio shows of the season in bunches, one after another. The reason: He was going to Europe in March.”

The compiler has no concrete evidence as to how these shows were assembled but there is a curious lack of spontaneity in the exchanges between Bing and Ken Carpenter and it would be easy to believe that their separate dialogues had been recorded, either three miles, or three thousand miles apart. All but one of Joe Venuti’s violin solos had been used earlier in the series. It is fairly certain that the songs with the Buddy Cole Trio, (to be commercially issued later as “Some Fine Old Chestnuts”) had already been “in the can” for some time. The four examples used during the “French” programmes are identical to those broadcast on previous shows.

Other songs used before include, “A Quiet Girl”, “Domino”, “Lady Of Spain” and “There’s Music In You” but there is some “new” material - a rendition of “Hello, Young Lovers” not, so far as can be ascertained, heard, before or since. For those interested in such trivia, the “give-away” is in the first chorus when Bing sings “...all my good wishes are with you..” rather than the correct line, “...all my good wishes go with you..” as heard on Chesterfield Radio and the commercial issue. There was also a quite intriguing return to the ‘Old Masters’ of the Thirties, with Cole Porter’s “Begin The Beguine” and “Night And Day”, Gershwin’s “Summertime” (Twice) and Coot and Gillespie’s “You Go To My Head” (Twice). All of these songs can be regarded as ‘standards’ but there was no general revival of any of them, at the time.

No. 33 21st May 1953

Transcribed in Paris, France. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Joe Venuti and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Mademoiselle De Paris (a)

*Hello, Young Lovers (b)

Ma Petite Folie (My Truly, Truly Fair) (c) Lindsay Crosby

*Sleepy Time Gal (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Blue Tango Joe Venuti (Violin)

*A Quiet Girl (e)

*Some Enchanted Evening (f)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) No less than sixteen points of reference are equally divided as to whether the correct title of this song should be, “Mademoiselle De Paris” or “Mademoiselle De Paree”. No explanation is offered but it may well be that some subtle distinction is observed, according to which language is used. Probably, because the English words would not have “worked” if the English pronunciation of the French capital had been used! (The compiler has a song copy which includes the words in both languages - the title on the cover is “Mademoiselle De Paree” but inside, “Ma’moiselle De Paris”). This is the English version of the song and the compiler has settled for the correct spelling with the Gallic pronunciation.

Commercial Recordings 16.5.53 (Separate versions in French and English).

(b) Bing Crosby Archive digital release “With All My Heart” January, 2011

Commercial Recording 9.4.51

Madness”)

(d) Commercial Recording 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(e) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

(f) Commercial Recording 10.3.49

Lindsay Crosby steps up as guest star on tonight’s Bing Crosby Show, the first of seven programs to be aired from Paris (WDAE, 9:30 p.m.). There is a generous helping of favorite songs and good humored fun as father and son get together for music in the light-hearted vein.

(The Tampa Times, 21st May 1953)

No. 34 28th May 1953

Transcribed in Paris, France. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Joe Venuti and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Lady Of Spain (a)

*Domino (b)

Autumn Leaves Joe Venuti (Violin)

Ma Petite Folie (My Truly, Truly Fair) Lindsay Crosby

*Embrasse-Moi Bien (c) with Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Somebody Loves Me (d) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

*There’s Music In You (e)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Refer to Programme No. 18 - Note (a)

(b) Bing Crosby Enterprises CD "Le Bing: Song Hits Of Paris"

Commercial Recording 4.10.51

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD "Le Bing: Song Hits Of Paris"

Commercial Recordings 16.5.53 (Separate versions in French and English)

(d) Commercial Recording 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(e) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

No. 35 4th June 1953

Transcribed in Paris, France. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Joe Venuti and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*All My Love (a)

*Valencia (b)

*Granada (c)

Comedy Dialogue Bing Crosby & Lindsay Crosby

*The Belle Of Barcelona (d) with Lindsay Crosby

*Do You Ever Think Of Me? (e) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

Jealousy (Jalousie) Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Summertime (f)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Bing announces that Paul Durand, (the composer of “Bolero”, from which this song was adapted), is in the studio and speculates as to whether he will approve of the English lyrics (by Mitchell Parish).

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD "Le Bing: Song Hits Of Paris"

Commercial Recording 23.6.50

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

Japanese MCA9301 - “Bing Crosby Radio Show”

Reader’s Digest RD4-138-7 - “Bing Sings Again”

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

GNP Crescendo GNPD-9051 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Radio Years”

(The last named issue carries a transcription? date of 18.10.53 but all of the above-mentioned

issues have been allocated to the first hearing of this item which appears to be identical to the

other three versions heard during the series).

Commercial Recording 5.2.51

(d) It has been decided to settle for the more readily identifiable title, in the context of the GE series. The tune is actually, Tolchard Evans’, “Barcelona”, described on sheet music as “a nutty 6/8 One Step” which was very popular in the mid 1920’s. The original lyric by Raymond Wallace began, “I’m one of the nuts from Barcelona - I plinka-de plonk - I Ca-sa-bi-onk....”. It may well be that this is the American version with lyrics by Gus Kahn. (Which was also entitled, simply, “Barcelona”). However, the tune owes more than a little to “Funiculi Funicula”, written in 1880 by L. Denza and D. Turco.

(e) Commercial Recording 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(f) Sepia CD 1380 "Bing Crosby – General Electric Radio Time"

Commercial Recording 8.7.38

No. 36 11th June 1953

Transcribed in Paris, France. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Joe Venuti and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Mademoiselle De Paris (a)

*Domino (b)

Comedy Dialogue (c) Bing Crosby & Joe Venuti

Tico Tico Joe Venuti (Violin)

Medley:

*And He’d Say, “Ooh-La-La,Wee-Wee”

How You Gonna Keep ‘Em Down On The

Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree?) Lindsay Crosby

*Oui, Oui, Marie (d)

*I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody) (e) with Buddy Cole (Piano)

*Embrasse-Moi Bien (f)

*You Go To My Head (g)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 16.5.53. (Separate versions in French & English)

(b) Commercial Recording 4.10.51

Tico”, complete with finger snapping.

(d) As the applause fades for this item, Bing reveals that he has overlooked singing the verse, “Wait a minute, ..Hey! We blew the verse on this thing, after all that expensive rehearsal. Let’s take it over, we gotta get the verse in, it doesn't have any punch without the verse - You ready?” This appears to be genuine and if so, the orchestra has covered the omission, admirably but nevertheless, leads to a complete reprise of the song, plus the “missing” verse.

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD "Le Bing: Song Hits Of Paris"

(e) Some Fine Old Chestnuts (60th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

Commercial Recording 26.6.53 (Mastering date)

(f) The version of the song with French lyrics is used.

Commercial Recordings 16.5.53 (Separate versions in French and English)

(g) Refer to Programme No. 61 - Note (d)

No. 37 18th June 1953

Transcribed in Paris, France. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Joe Venuti and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Valencia (a)

*La Seine (b)

Humoresque (Dvorak) Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Tenderfoot (c) with Perry Botkin (Guitar)

*Cela M’Est Egal (d) with Lindsay Crosby

*Begin The Beguine (e)

*Mon Coeur Est Un Violon (f)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Refer to Programme No. 35 - Note (b)

(b) A unique version of the song with the lyric in English, by Geoffrey Parsons and a reprise of the last chorus in French (Words by Guy Lafarge)

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD "Le Bing: Song Hits Of Paris"

Commercial Recording 16.5.53.

Commercial Recording 10.2.53

(d) Bing Crosby Enterprises CD "Le Bing: Song Hits Of Paris"

Commercial Recording 12.3.53

(e) Bing Crosby Archive digital release “Shall We Dance?” January, 2011

Commercial Recording 3.5.44

(f) Bing Crosby Enterprises CD "Le Bing: Song Hits Of Paris"

Commercial Recording 16.5.53

No. 38 25th June 1953

Transcribed in Paris, France. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Joe Venuti and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*Mademoiselle De Paris (a)

*Night And Day (b)

Otchi Tchorniya (Dark Eyes) Joe Venuti (Violin)

*The Belle Of Barcelona (c) (f) with Lindsay Crosby

*You Go To My Head (d)

*Some Enchanted Evening (e)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) This is the English version of the song which was mastered for commercial release.

Commercial Recordings 16.5.53 (Separate versions in English & French).

Refer also to Programme No. 33 - Note (a) and Index 4.

(b) Bing Crosby Archive digital release “With All My Heart” January, 2011

Commercial Recording 11.2.44

(d) Refer to Programme No. 61 - Note (d)

(e) Bing Crosby Archive digital release “With All My Heart” January, 2011

Commercial Recording 10.3.49

(f) Sepia Records CD SEPIA 1334 - "Holiday in Europe (And Beyond)" (2019)

No. 39 2nd July 1953

Transcribed in Paris, France. Announced by Ken Carpenter. With Joe Venuti and Lindsay Crosby.

*Where The Blue Of The Night Opening Theme

*All My Love (a)

*A Quiet Girl (b)

April In Paris Joe Venuti (Violin)

*Mon Coeur Est Un Violon (c)

*Cela M’Est Egal (d) with Lindsay Crosby

*La Seine (e)

*Granada (f)

*Summertime (g)

Where The Blue Of The Night Closing Theme

Notes:

(a) Commercial Recording 23.6.50

(b) Commercial Recording 9.2.53

(d) Commercial Recording 12.5.53

(e) Refer also to Programme No. 39 - Note (b)

Commercial Recording 16.5.53

(f) Commercial Recording 5.2.51

(g) Commercial Recording 8.7.38

Go to the 1953-54 season for General Electric

BACK TO TOP

BACK TO CONTENTS