The K-Rob Collection

Mystery dramas were always a listener favorite during radio's classic era. You will hear four such theater productions in this podcast. Mollé Mystery Theater was a 30-minute anthology radio program that ran from 1943 to 1948. It was sponsored initially by Sterling Drugs, manufacturers of Mollé Brushless Shaving Cream. ABC Mystery Theater was a similar series on the air from 1951 to 1954 and made a brief transition to ABC-TV. We have Mystery Playhouse from 1945, and the CBC Radio Mystery Theater which was written, adapted, produced and broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation from 1966 to 1968. 

It's time for Destination Freedom, a weekly radio program produced by NBC Radio's Chicago affiliate from 1948 to 1950. The show presented biographical histories of prominent African-Americans. The show was the brainchild of black journalist and author Richard Durham. This episode is called Dark Explorers, and is about the Moors of New Spain. 

An examination of New Thought Christianity, the Catholic Child Abuse scandals, religious violence, and the separation of church and state.  

This podcast is about Huddie William Ledbetter. Better known by his stage name Lead Belly, was one of the most celebrated folk and blues singers of his time. His most popular songs "Goodnight, Irene", "Midnight Special", "Cotton Fields", became American classics. Lead Belly was celebrated for his songwriting skills, strong vocals, and virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar. He's a Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Lead Belly was born in 1888, and faced many hardships as a young African-American growing up in the Jim Crow South, serving several prison sentences for murder, attempted homicide, and assault.  But Lead Belly spent his time behind bars, performing concerts for his fellow inmates and perfecting his craft. Once he got out for good, Lead Belly was given a radio show, and signed a contract with RCA Victor, one of the biggest record companies at the time. You will hear 3 episodes of the Leadbelly Show on New York Radio Station WNYC in 1940, one with special guest, legendary folk singer Woodie Guthrie. You'll also hear Lead Belly perform on the show, This Is Jazz in 1947, just 2 years before his death. 

Ken interviews a man who travels coast-to-coast preaching the Gospel of Kindness. Also a look at the dangers of fireworks, and the threat of bed bugs. 

A look at marginalized people in our society. Ken interviews Don Bryant of the Immigrant Support Network, immigrant and author Dulcelina Moore, and LGBT activist Phyllis Harris. 

In this podcast, we pay tribute to the Mutual Broadcasting System. It was the fourth nationwide radio network to be established in the United States, after CBS, NBC, and the NBC Blue Network which later became ABC. Mutual was established in 1934 as a cooperative between WOR New York, WGN Chicago, WLW Cincinnati, and WXYZ in Detroit. The network was retired in 1999 after numerous ownership changes. During radio's golden age Mutual was was best known as the home of The Lone Ranger, Superman, and The Shadow, as well as Major League Baseball, the NFL, and college football. Because it didn't have a big budget like it's rivals, Mutual usually avoided airing expensive variety shows, and concentrated on crime, drama, game, music, news and talk programs. For example, you're going to hear, Nick Carter Master Detective from 1945. From 1946 the popular situation comedy Vic & Sade, plus Sherlock Homes starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. From 1947, the game show What Am I Offered, and the Barbara Welles Show with guest James Stewart. Finally, The Saint starring Vincent Price from 1949.

During the great depression of the 1930's, CBS Radio cooperated with the federal government to create the series Americans All, Immigrants All, to combat the rising tide of racism, and anti-antisemitism sweeping the nation at the time. Americans All highlighted the many hardships minorities suffered, and the numerous contributions they had made to society. It provided a counter balance to the views of popular radio preacher Father Charles Coughlin, a white nationalist, who promoted anti-minority conspiracy theories, and is considered to be the Rush Limbaugh of broadcasting's golden age. Coughlin also supported some of the fascist policies of Nazi Germany. So in 1938, the Americans All, Immigrants all series took to the airwaves for 26 weeks, promoting equality and inclusion. You will hear three episodes, the first highlighting African-Americans, the second featuring Hispanics, and the third focusing on Asian-Americans. 

Ken interviews renowned forensic pathologist and author Dr Cyril Wecht, about sloppy crime scene investigations, including the JFK Assassination the O.J. Simpson case, the Sam Sheppard murder, and others.  Plus, more police officers are dying from suicides than from attacks and incidents involving suspects.  Clifford Kime has organized a special unit to assist cops confronted by stress. 

In April 1947, modern day baseball changed forever. That's when Jackie Robinson played his first major league game as a Brooklyn Dodger. After that day, there were a string of African-American firsts in baseball.  Four months later, Dan Bankhead of the Dodgers became the first black pitcher to play in a major league game. In 1948, Roy Campanella became the first black catcher. Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians became the first Black player to hit a home run in a World Series. In 1949, there were three African-Americans playing in the World Series when just 3 years earlier Blacks were still excluded from Major League Baseball. All three were playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and pitcher Don Newcombe. Robinson and Campanella would become Hall of Famers, and Newcombe would win both the Cy Young and National League Most Valuable Player awards during the same season. You'll hear all three playing in Game 4 of the 1949 World Series against the Yankees.  Newcombe took the mound with only 2 days rest, from striking out 11 Yankees in Game One, but the Yankees won 1-to-nothing and would go on to take the series.  

On this podcast, we honor the great Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential figures in jazz. Also called, "Satchmo", "Satch", and "Pops", the African-American trumpeter and vocalist had a career that spanned five decades, starting in the early 20th century. In the 1920s, he was a driving force behind the Harlem Renaissance. In the 1930s Armstrong began appearing in movies, and became a regular fixture on radio. In 1937, Armstrong became the first African American to host a sponsored, national broadcast, the Fleischman's Yeast Show on the NBC Blue Network.

He received many accolades including the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance for Hello, Dolly! in 1965, as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. We'll listen to Armstrong perform live on the wartime program Jubilee in 1943, on the Bing Crosby Show with Ella Fitzgerald in 1951, followed by the story of his early life on Destination Freedom.

Tracy Plouck of Ohio University says their study shows that suicide is now a major public health threat. Michelle Star attempted suicide but now helps people deal with stressful conditions that could lead to tragedy. 

The International Sweethearts of Rhythm was the first integrated all-women's band in the United States. The Sweethearts were formed at Piney Woods Country Life School in Mississippi in 1938, to help raise funds for the facility which served poor, orphaned, and African American children. By 1941, the band was so successful they hit the road, playing swing and jazz across the nation including New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Europe. In addition to black women, members of the band included Latina, Asian, Caucasian, Indian and Puerto Rican females, making touring the Jim Crow South very difficult. During the 1940s the band featured some of the best female musicians of the era. They made radio and movie appearances, but despite their success, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm disbanded in 1949, as members left to start their families, as big bands started to decline in popularity. You will hear two radio appearances by the Sweethearts on the show Jubilee in 1944, and 1945. 

In this podcast we learn about Lionel Hampton. The African-American jazz great who received the National Medal of the Arts in 1996, and numerous awards throughout his career. Hampton began performing on the xylophone in the 1920s, and became a popular bandleader, percussionist, and pianist. Hampton recorded extensively, constantly touring the nation and the world giving concerts, often appearing on network radio, and in several movies as his wife Gladys handled the business-end of his career. As an activist, Hampton was involved in the construction of many New York City area public housing projects, and served as a member of the city's Human Rights Commission. In the 1950's Hampton raised funds for the new State of Israel. He donated thousands of dollars to the Republican Party, but later switched to the Democrats disappointed that the GOP had become too conservative. You'll hear Hampton perform on radio in 1944, 1945, and 1947, followed by an interview with Felix Grant on WMAL Radio in Washington DC in 1982. 

eSports and electronic gaming is now a billion dollar industry. Jonathan Summers of the Cleveland Cavaliers says the NBA is among the major sports leagues getting in on the action.  Bob Cox of H&R Bloch reveals what pitfalls to avoid when filing your income tax return. Best selling author, broadcaster, and money expert Suze Orman explains how to protect your retirement savings when you are young.  

Before there was Sidney Poitier and Harry Bellafonte, there was Canada Lee...who along with Paul Robeson was among the very few black actors to scratch out a dignified living in Hollywood movies during the 1930s and 40s. Lee was born in New York City on March 3rd, 1907.  He studied music as a child, but at age 19 Lee became a professional boxer. Even though he was rich and successful, Lee quit boxing 1933 after losing sight in his right eye. Lee then formed a dance band, took up acting, and began performing in live theater productions. Canada Lee made his film debut in Keep Punching, a 1939 movie about boxing. In 1944 he appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock movie Lifeboat. In 1947, he appeared as Ben Chaplin in the boxing film noir, Body and Soul starring John Garfield. 

Cavalcade of America was an radio anthology drama series that was sponsored by the DuPont Company. It occasionally presented musicals, and condensed biographies of popular composers. It was initially broadcast on radio from 1935 to 1953. In 1952, the show featured the true story of a black family of sharecroppers, who overcome tremendous odds through hard working and appreciating the value of education. It stars two great African-American actors, Ethel Waters, and Jester Hairston. 

With firearm violence rising in America, private investigator Tim Dimoff explains ways to avoid being wounded or killed by gunfire. Award-winning crime novelist  Richard Montanari tells Ken how to write a bone-chilling book and get it published. In addition to numerous novels, Montanari has written essays, profiles, articles, and both film and literary criticism in more than 200 publications.

The life and times of John Fitzgerald Kennedy have been the subject of many history books. The public got to see him up close and personal after Senator Kennedy announced his campaign for president in 1960. The Democrat appeared on Meet The Press, which aired on NBC radio and television. We have two of his appearances, the first on January 3rd, 1960, and on October 16th, 1960 just a few weeks before the general election, when he beat Republican rival Richard Nixon to win the White House. After taking office, President Kennedy appointed his brother Robert as U.S. Attorney General, who appeared on Meet the Press September 9th, 1961 to provide the administration's progress report. Both men would die from the bullets of assassins before the end of the decade. 

Broadway Is My Beat, was a popular radio crime drama that ran on CBS Radio, portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. This 1949 episode is called the Paul Thomas Case. It's about an African-American man, who served time in prison, but after getting out and trying to make an honest start in life, finds himself in big trouble. It's one of the rare radio plays centered on African-American life in the central city.

Jim Garrity of AAA with a survey on how Americans feel about electric vehicles. Also Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com reveals the best ways to get the most out of your credit cards.  

The Golden Gate Quartet is an African-American vocal group, that was founded in 1934 by four students at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. Willie Johnson, William Langford, Henry Owens, and Orlandus Wilson started singing gospel and folks songs in churches and then at radio stations.  In 1937 the foursome signed their first recording  contract. They performed at Carnegie Hall, and nite clubs in New York City causing their popularity to grow. In 1940 they had a nationally syndicated radio show. In 1941, the Golden Gate Quartet became the first black musical group to sing at Constitution Hall, and performed several times at the White House. The Quartet was inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. You're going to here 5 episodes from their national radio show which aired in 1940 and 1941. 

Babe Ruth remains one of the most famous names in baseball, but did you know the slugger also had a radio show? The Adventures of Babe Ruth first hit the airwaves on NBC Radio in 1934 one year before he retired after 22 major league seasons. We'll hear two episodes. Plus, we have Babe Ruth as a guest on the Bob Hope radio show in 1942.

They were the first presidential debates since 1960. President Gerald Ford, and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter were in a close race for the White House, and squared off in series of three debates just weeks before the 1976 election. It was the first presidential debate in 16 years, and was only the 3rd U.S. Presidential debate held between the final two contenders. You'll hear coverage of the second Ford-Carter debate by the Mutual radio network. It was held on October 6, 1976 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The candidates will touch on some subjects that are relevant even today, and others that have been lost to history. 

William Grant Still was a 20th century classical music superstar. The African-American composer created nearly 200 works, including five symphonies, four ballets, nine operas, over thirty choral works, plus art songs, chamber music, and works for solo instruments. Still was awarded numerous doctorates because of his accomplishments. He received little attention from mainstream radio in the U.S., but in 1949 the Voice of America conducted an interview with William Grant Still because of international interest in his work. 

It's the biggest thing since the internet! Ken interviews Gerald Dache of the Government Blockchain Association. Also, a look back at the origins of television with Philo and Pem Farnsworth. Author, financial expert, and motivational speaker Cheryl Broussard explains how to start your own business. 

Ghetto is a word that dates back to 1516. It's an Italian word that was used describe part of a city where Jewish people were restricted to live. Since the 20th century ghetto is used in the United States to describe impoverished African-Americans are segregated away from the general population. You're going to hear about the history of the American ghetto from the classic radio show, New World A Comin'. There are two episodes from 1944 hosted by African-American stage and screen actor Canada Lee.    

It's the Music Depreciation Show...a 1944 jazz program from the Mutual Broadcasting System, that takes a few pokes at the classical music programs of the era. This episode features Illinois Jacquet, the African-American jazz tenor saxophonist recognized as performing the first R&B saxophone solo. With Herb Jeffries, a long time jazz singer-songwriter and actor, who starred in many Black cowboy movies in the 1930s.

Will Hyperloop technology revolutionize the transportation industry? A conversation with Dave Packer of ABC News who says construction of a system is underway. Blood shortages continue and the Red Cross needs your help. Asteroids remain a threat to the Earth, CSU astronomer Jay Reynolds says a big one is headed this way in the 2030's. 

There were a lot of singers and comedians on the air during radio's classic era. Not only that, but you had singers who told jokes, and comedians who tried to sing. For example, there's Frank Sinatra, you'll hear the singing and acting superstar on his CBS radio show in 1945, getting sighs and laughs. Comedian Jimmy Durante started on radio in the early 1920s, and had a movie career, but he would sing and play piano on his NBC radio show, you'll hear an episode from 1948. Phil Harris was a popular musician, songwriter and comedian, who teamed up with his songstress wife Alice Faye to do a radio sitcom, the Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. We have a 1949 episode where Phil tries to break into television. 

This is one of the most recent artifacts in the KRob Collection. It's Sears Radio Theater from the year 1979, near the end of radio's golden age. The episode is called the Afro-Westerner, and stars long-time movie and TV actor Brock Peters as an African man, exploring the American west. Peters first appeared on the screen as Sergeant Brown in the 1954 movie Carmen Jones. His last was in the 2002 TV movie The Locket.

Chronic pain patients say they are suffering because of America's War on Drugs. People hooked on tobacco and vaping can find help at 1-800-QUIT NOW. Also, the ten poorest cities in the United States. 

Jazz and radio broadcasting were born right around the same time, and stuck together well into the Rock-N-Roll age. The early days of radio will filled with lots of jazz. One of the most celebrated shows was This Is Jazz, hosted by music critic Rudi Blesh. He founded Circle Records in 1946 to record new music by aging early jazz stars. You're going to hear two 1947 episodes of This is Jazz, with guest star Blue Lu Barker, one of the biggest blues vocalists in the 1930s and 40s. Making an appearance on the show is jazz fan and pioneering actor Canada Lee. The second episode features the great Sidney Bechet, one of the first important soloists in jazz. Bechet started performing in 1911, but was not fully appreciated until the 1940s. 

This is one of the oldest artifacts in the KRob Collection. From the year 1924, the National Defense Test Day Radio Broadcast, direct from the War Department in Washington DC. It was carried on the AT&T Radio Network, which was America's very first national radio network (It was later sold to NBC). The show linked military leaders from coast to coast. Keep in mind that broadcasting itself had only been around for about 5 years, so this was cutting edge technology. The generals talk about World War One, and their hopes of preventing future conflicts.

Victoria Merinda of HighSpeedInternet.com explains the latest online dating scams.  Couples therapist Carolyn Bushong reveals the 7 Dumbest Relationship Mistakes Smart People Make. Sleep expert Dr. Joyce Walsleben outlines how women and men can get a good night's rest. 

This is an episode from a CBS Radio show show called The Free Company. It was produced by a group of writers, actors, and radio workers who came together voluntarily, to create plays about America's basic liberties. This 1941 episode is called A Start In Life. It's about the challenges and difficulties African-Americans faced in the deep south. 

Horror and fantasy shows appeared on radio nearly from the very start. The first horror drama during radio's golden age was The Witch's Tale, which was aired from 1931 to 1938. It featured Old Nancy, the Witch of Salem, who introduced a different terror tale each week. You'll hear an episode from 1937. Another early horror program was Lights Out, which started in 1934 and eventually made it to television. We have an episode from 1939, as well as popular series Inner Sanctum and the Sealed Book both from 1945. Our horror fest ends with the show Quiet Please from 1947, a program that was unique because most episodes featured no more than two or three actors. 

Choosing Joy author Helene Berger reveals how she was able to help her husband deal with Alzheimer's Disease. Also, Randall Rutta, president of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, and Bill Thompson of Natural Health Magazine. 

Marian Anderson was one of the most popular and talented operatic singers in the 20th century. The African-American contralto overcame childhood poverty to sing with major orchestras throughout the United States and Europe between 1925 and 1965. In 1923 Anderson was the first black artist to record for RCA Victor. She became the first African-American singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. In addition, Anderson worked as a delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, and as a Goodwill Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. She participated in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, and was awarded the first Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963. Anderson also received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1977, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, the National Medal of Arts in 1986, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991. You will hear Marion Anderson perform on the Magic Key of RCA radio show on NBC in 1936. Her legendary 1939 performance before an integrated audience of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. that racists tried to block. Then finally a 1959 interview with Jeanne Hamm on WWVA Radio.  

From December 29th, 1957, It's the NFL Championship game between the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions as broadcast by NBC Radio. Both teams battled in 3 previous championship games, in 1952, 1953, and 1954. In this contest, the Browns were favored by 3 points. 12 people in the game made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame including, John Henry Johnson, Bobby Layne, Lou Groza, Jim Brown, and Coach Paul Brown.

Ken interviews John Dudas co-owner of C&J Comic Book Store, Josh Blaylock owner of Devil's Due Comics, and America's Therapist Elizabeth Scrivner. 

It is often called the Forgotten Conflict. The Korean War was started by North Korea in 1950, assisted by Russia and China. They attacked South Korea backed by the United States and other allies. The fighting stopped 1953. Approximately 3 million people died in the Korean War, the majority were civilians. The United States suffered 54,248 deaths. We have a report on the war by the CBS Radio news program Hear It Now, from the week of December 29th, 1950. This was one of the first news programs to use tape-recorded audio to capture the sound of newsmakers and major events. Then from 1953, we have one of the few Korean War radio dramas from a show called Proudly We Hail about the mission to capture a Russian fighter jet. 

On January 4th, 1963, a ceremony was held marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. The Proclamation changed the legal status of more than 3.5 million enslaved African-Americans in the Confederate states, giving them freedom if they could escape rebel control. We'll hear this 100th anniversary celebration, as covered by VOA Radio.

Ken interviews author and journalist Neil Chethik about how men can cope when they lose their fathers.  Also, Serge Prengel, author of the book, Still A Dad - the Divorced Father's Promise. Plus, Al Grimes of the Fatherhood Initiative explains how all men can become better dads. 

Jack Webb was an American actor, television producer, director, and screenwriter, who is most famous for his role as Sgt. Joe Friday in the TV police series Dragnet. But Webb was also a crusader in the fight for civil rights. After serving in World War Two, Webb worked in radio, and in 1946 had his own comedy show on ABC. That same year he was host of a one-man program called, One Out of Seven on ABC's KGO Radio in San Francisco. Jack Webb would dramatized a news story from the previous week, performing in as many as seven voices. As you will hear, Webb used his voices to attack racial prejudice. 

We highlight the life of African-American actor, singer, and activist Paul Robeson, was one of the driving forces in the civil rights movement starting in the early 20th century. Educated at Rutgers College and Columbia University, Robeson was a star football player, was named an All-American twice, and was inducted into the College football Hall of Fame.  He graduated with a law degree while playing in the NFL for the Akron Ohio Pros. After his football career ended, Robeson became a recording sensation releasing over 276 records, singing mostly gospel and folk songs. Acting in New York and London he became a global celebrity. Robeson was also a movie star appearing in 15 films, the first was in 1925. Using his skills as an attorney, Robeson was an international advocate for human rights, fighting racial discrimination world wide. Due to his activism, conservative politicians branded Robeson as a dangerous radical. You will hear Paul Robeson perform on NBC's Rudy Vallee Show in 1933 during the height of his popularity. Plus, Robeson hosting a radio program on New York station WQXR in 1940 supporting the anti-fascist movement in Spain. Lastly, Robeson being interviewed on Pacifica Network radio station KPFA in San Francisco back in 1958. 

Former inmate Richard Swiger, who was sentenced to life behind bars, is now changing lives as a field operations manager for Prison Fellowship. Sue McConnell of the Better Business Bureau talks about scams aimed at college students. Author Douglas Rushkoff explains how marketers are targeting consumers.