The Bob Crosby Show can refer to any of several old-time radio musical variety program in the United States. They were broadcast on CBS, Mutual and NBC, with the first beginning in 1935 and the last ending in 1950.
Format The program focused on music, with Crosby as the star and his Bobcats orchestra providing accompaniment. One of its characteristics was featuring "a different up-and-coming female vocalist" each week. Peggy Lee, Kay Starr and Jo Stafford were among those in that group. Radio historian John Dunning, in his reference book, On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio, wrote, "The Bob Crosby Show, as such, was a product of the 1940s, but it had its roots in the big band era of the previous decade."
Personnel Singer/bandleader Bob Crosby was the star of the program, with Johnny Mercer as the host. Other singers included Eileen Wilson and The Pied Pipers.Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows. McFarland & Company, Inc. . P. 47. Announcers included Les Tremayne, John Lund and Larry Keating. Writers included Carroll Carroll, David Gregory, Ben Freedman and John Murray.
Versions The Bob Crosby Show was broadcast as shown in the table below. Began Ended Network Sponsor October 25, 1935 January 17, 1936 NBC Roger & Gallet perfumes 1940 1940 Mutual sustaining 1940 1940 NBC sustaining July 18, 1943 June 25, 1944 NBC P. Lorillard tobacco products 1944 1945 NBC sustaining January 1, 1946 July 17, 1946 CBS Ford Motor Company Source: Musicmakers of Network Radio: 24 Entertainers, 1926-1962, except as noted.
See also Club Fifteen
References