Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-05
FEATURES OF PAST
DEVELOPED RADIO
Drama and Minstrel Pho
neers, as Well as "Roxy,"
Have Changed Programs.

Although gone from public hearing,
five old-time chain programs which
have left the microphone within the
last two weeks really were important
keystones in the building of the broad
cast structure.
Each introduced particular type OF
radio entertainment.
Take the Eveready Hour, formerly of
the N. B. C. network, for instance. 1t was
the first of the real old-timers to drop
out, having ended its 7-year series last
December %. Its contribution was the
introduction Of drama to chain pro-
gram.
Minstrels Were Success.
Next to go were the Dutch Master
Minstrels, credited with demonstrating
that there was room in radio for this
kind of comedy. When they first came
on, program builders were skeptical
about the idea going over. Yet, they
stayed on the air 2l2 years, retiring
last December 81. However, this spon-
sor is coming back with different
feature on the G.. B. S. chain.
For years the Ipana Troubadours
played before the microphone. Under
the guidance of Sam Lanin, dance
DanQ QlTSCU6Q us aCblNlJl6S SOlSly 10 Tie
microphone, introducing one of the first
studio orchestras for a sponsored period.
The Studebaker Champions, although
not quite so old as far as programs go,
comprised one of the pioneer chain fea-
lures to come from a Chicago studio.
They left broadcaSting January IS after
two years Of entertaining listeners, with
Sen Kaney as announcer.
Roxy" Was Pioneer.
The Oldest of the quintet to discon-
ttnue broadcaSting was Roxy Is. L.
RothsfeD and His Gang. More than 7
years ago, and long before the present
network idea came into being, they
started out, with the belief that a par
ticular personality like Roxy as master
of ceremonies would carry the program
along. And it did for many years.
On the other hand, Roxy Is consid-
cred to have played a big part in break
ing down the barrier that Sprang up
between the stage and the radio shortly
after broadcasting began to show what
1t could do as an entertaining medium.
Roxy is taking his gang on tour Of
the country for the benefit of charity.
With them of the air a different
Gang" program is planned. Roxy's
final chain appearance was Monday
night
After he gets good start with his
76-week radio contract, Maurice Chev-
alters program is to be increased to an
hour Maurice opens on WEAF and
stations Sunday and for his first four
programs goes on for half hour only
He is billed for 8 80 pm, but starting
March 8 the time will be from to g.
This will give him opportunity to in
clude four songs as we'll as more of his
patter. The Dave Rubinoh Orchestra
furnishes music.
To make way for the hours program,
Major BoweS and his theater family are
10 be moved, probably to Friday night
Screen. stage and radio performers
and a 40-piece orchestra directed by
Freddie Rich are to have weekly radio
roundup on WABC and chain, starting
Thursday night The idea is to bring
fore the microphone outstanding stars
from the three fields Of entertainment,
the first program to include Lee Morse,
blues singer: Art Gillian, pianist; the
jolly Jugglers. comedy duo: Ruth Glenn
and Katherine Kent, harmony singers.
and Thee Karl, tenor.
Vaughn De Leath is billed to return
10 n B. C., New York. within three weeks,
after stay at Station WTAM, Cleve-
land. The same three weeks period
also is expected to see Baby Rose Marie
back before the micruphone. She has
been making a vaudeville tour.