Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

iom This Studio and That.*.* Little known lives of little known people. Polly Grant Hall, pianist of KFI-KECA, starts the day at 6:45, providing music for the morning setting-up exercises. She practices during those quiet, cold hours before the station wakes up. Polly has the reputation for offering a new arrangement in clothes as well as music every day. What's a lone announcer to do when he suddenly develops a severe case of hiccoughs while on the air, and no relief in sight? That is the predicament that confronted Max Peacock, youthful KROW announcer the other night. Just before he was due to sign on, the hiccoughs came upon him, and there way no one else around the studio to appeal to for help. But just as Max, in desperation, was about to hiccough "KROW" on the air, a casual visitor wandered in, and Max pressed him into emergency service at the mike. It was fifteen minutes before Max could control his voice. With a fast repertoire of music and fun, the Florsheim Shoe Frolic has come back on the air. Every Friday night, at 9:15 P. S. T. over NBC comes the nonsensical chatter of Doctors Pratt and Sherman, of CBS "Three Doctor" fame, as masters of ceremony. Ferde Grofe wields the baton over a crack 16-piece dance band, while Jane Froman, bewitching blues singer and Jean Paul King, announcer, add their talen to the fast-moving Frolic. Ill 'Here's the three-minute announcement for MacTavish, MacTavish and MacTavish." Ben Bernie, the "Old Maestro," went up to the Columbia studios the other day with a new story for the gang. He swears it's true, but — well, anyhow, it's a good story. It seems Ben was playing golf, and was just ready to tee off, when an excited individual came scampering up. "Pardon me, sir!" exclaimed the E. I., "do you mind if I play through? I've just heard that my wife has been taken seriously ill!" • Kate Smith, "Songbird of the South," has just been signed up to appear at the New York and Brooklyn Paramount Theaters several times during the next year. What's more, Mr. Harry L. Bing Crosby (the name's familiar) is going to appear at the same theaters soon. Joe Lombardo, the only member of the Lombardo tribe not musically inclined, is now in New York studying decorating. In addition to redecorating Guy's apartment, Joe has started a needlework tapestry, on which prominent entertainers have been asked to contribute a bit of handiwork. Among those whose efforts have gone into the making of the tapestry are Kate Smith, the Boswell Sisters, and Ruth Etting. Mildred Bailey, a former Spokane girl, who has been singing blues with Paul Whiteman's band, has signed up as an exclusive NBC artist. She appears with the Paint Men. and other Whiteman programs. Andy and Chester, the Banjo Boys who are now heard over KMTR at 1:45 p. m., have just celebrated their fifth consecutive year on the air. And five years in radio work, appearing practically every day, really entitles them to the honor of being true pioneers. In the old days they worked with Uncle John at KHJ, and four years of their career have been at KMTR. Three interesting boys to meet are Freddie Furtsch, Bob Keith, and Bob Harthun, the "Three Boys" of KFI, who used to sing with Earl Burtnett prior to his departure to the East. Jack Carter, the "Boy from London," presented a new voice on his program not long ago, that shows promise of being heard from again. The good looking owner of the voice is George Scheller, from the University of California, who, since his graduation has led a picturesque career in movie work, as featured soloist at the San Francisco Orpheum, as concert soloist, and has been heard on Columbia from time to time. Keep an eye on George. Reis and Dunn, comedy vocalists heard over Columbia, are responsible for the popular number, "It Looks Like Susie." Somebody is always coining a new word, and this time the person responsible is Phil Lasky, manager of KDYL. The word is "radioligeon," used to describe religious broadcasting. ^ Suppose everybody knew that Gus Arnheim, who just left the Cocoanut Grove, got his start when Sophie Tucker, "the last of the red hot mamas," picked him up and took him along with her vaudeville organization. She put him on "big time," and afterwards helped him organize his now famous band. • Alma LaMarr, of KTAB, has a funny hobby. She gives auditions to canaries, and if their vocal abilities pass the studio test, she gives them a permanent home. So far, she has collected a whole flock of German Rollers — every one a distinguished artist. • Those who live within walking, flying or swimming distance of Los Angeles won't want to miss the personal appearance of Seth Parker and his troupe when they present their regular "Sunday at Seth Parker's" program at the Philharmonic Auditorium. Seth and his "githerin' " will be all dressed up in their Jonesport Sunday-go-to-meetin' clothes, and have arranged quite a lengthy and delightful program. The date is November 22. Ruth Cowan, of the NBC Artists' Service, is handling the affair. [Turn to Next Page] RADIO DOINGS Page Twenty-nine