Command Performance 1942–1949
Hollywood’s brightest stars — Hope, Crosby, Sinatra, Garland — performing for the troops overseas, by request. The all-star show America at home never heard.
Listen →Radio Days
Turn the dial back. The listening happens over at the Internet Archive — the big library that keeps these broadcasts. Press a title, and you’re there.
For the troops — the Armed Forces Radio Service
Jubilee 1943–1949
The big-band stage at full swing: Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Sister Rosetta Tharpe — recorded for the troops, and still swinging.
Listen →The Fireside Chats 1933–1944
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s own voice, kept by the National Archives. Begin with the talk of December 9, 1941 — the night after Pearl Harbor.
Listen →Comedy
The Jack Benny Program 1932–1955
Jack and the gang — Mary, Rochester, Don and Dennis — radio’s best-loved skinflint, week after week, year after year.
Listen →Fibber McGee & Molly 1935–1959
Life at 79 Wistful Vista with Jim and Marian Jordan — mind the closet. These are the early years, 1935 to 1938.
Listen →Burns & Allen 1934–1950
George plays it straight; Gracie plays it her way. Say goodnight, Gracie.
Listen →The music hall
Kraft Music Hall 1933–1949
Bing Crosby’s music hall — songs, guests, and easy banter. The door opens on the night Duke Ellington came to visit, in 1945.
Listen →Drama & the West
Suspense 1942–1962
Radio’s outstanding theater of thrills — a new play every week, built to keep you on the edge of your chair.
Listen →Gunsmoke 1952–1961
Marshal Matt Dillon keeps the peace in Dodge City — William Conrad in radio’s finest western.
Listen →Lux Radio Theatre 1934–1955
Hollywood’s biggest stars, re-playing their famous pictures for the microphone.
Listen →