Radio mirror (Nov 1935-Apr 1936)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? THERE'S plenty to be known about the radio stars, especially some of the very new ones. For instance, there's little Emily Vaas who won a contract with Phil Baker on her thirteenth birthday, and it was her hat that clinched the bargain. Phil's very words were: "You're hired; but if you take that hat off, you're fired." Phil Baker had been looking for a feminine heckler to cooperate with Beetle, Bottle and Agnes Moorehead on his new Gulf program. It had begun to be quite a problem when Emily happened along. Miss Bella D., Buffalo, New York— Walter Winchell is back in his old Sunday night spot after Cornelia Otis Skinner had been pinch-hitting for him. You'll find his address listed in our Radio Mirror Directory which starts on page 48. Eleanor H., Cleveland, O.— Please follow our "Facing the Music" articles in Radio Mirror, and you'll soon be finding some things about Hal Kemp that you've been wanting to know. All you had to do is ask, and voila! — a picture of Conrad Thibault and his bride appeared in the October Radio Mirror. 1 bet you saw it! Lucille, Rochester, New York— Ann Jamison, heard on Hollywood Hotel, is Virginia. We had a story about Virginia in the October Radio Mirror. Don't tell me you missed up on that issue! Miss Lena E., Phila., Pa.— Muriel Wilson is the singing "Mary Lou" of Show Boat. She is still single although she's engaged to Fred Hufsmith, who is also a radio singer. J. W. H., St. Paul, Minn.— Jim and Lazy Dan are played by one person, Irving Kaufman. Gene Arnold is interlocutor for the Sinclair Greater Minstrels. Mrs. W. F., Buffalo, N. Y.— All you have to do is write and ask. I'm sure Jimmy Melton will send you one of his pictures. Address him in care of the National Broadcasting Company. Rockefeller Center, New York. By the way, did you like the story about Jimmy and his diet on page 30, entitled "No More Corporations?" Michael S., Dickson City, Pa.— Vaughn de Leath, contralto, was the first woman to sing over the air. 58 Write to the Oracle, RADIO MIRROR, 1926 Broadway, New York City, and have your questions about personalities and radio programs answered Long famous as a comedian and accordion virtuoso, Phil Baker now sings! With him are his four stooges and Hal Kemp's orchestra. For Phil Baker's program, sponsored by the Gulf Refining Co., see page 53 — 7 o'clock column. Miss L. M. B., Chicago, 111. — Thank you for the information on Joe Sanders. Now, here's your reward: Nelson Eddy was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 29, 1901. He made his debut as boy soprano in the choir of Grace Church there. Later he decided to be a trap drummer in a boys' orchestra. His father and grandfather were whizzes with a drum. His next job was as telephone operator in an iron works factory. Then followed a short-lived career as a newspaperman and finally he concentrated on his voice. Pie made his New York debut in 1931 and has been climbing the ladder via stage, radio and movies, ever since. Tall, handsome and athletic, Eddy finds relaxation in swimming, motoring, tennis, dancing and sailing. He's single and at present can be reached in care of M-G-M, Culver City, California. Miss P. L. N., Baltimore, Md. and Mrs. Minnie W., Baltimore, Md. — The above is for you too, ladies. Miss Rosalyn G., Ballston Spa, New York — Rudy Vallee has business offices at 111 West 57th Street, New York City. I am sure your letter will be given prompt attention. William H., Canton, 111. — Ruth Etting was born in David City, Nebraska. She was studying clothes designing at the Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago when she went to the Marigold Gardens to sketch the costumes. Her ambition to sing won her a place in the chorus. Then one night a male principal failed to appear and Ruth, the only one familiar with the lyrics, was called upon to take his place. She made so good she retired then and there both as a chorus girl and an art student. And of course you know the rest. Joan B., Spokane, Washington — The lady in question was born Katherine Elizabeth Smith but everyone knows her as Kate Smith. How do you like her new program? She's with the A. & P. Gypsies now, you know. B. K. B., St. Louis, Mo.— The Oracle apologizes, B. K.. for the mistake. I was wrongly informed. Jack Arnold is played by Vinton Haworth. Eva H., Chesterville, Ontario — Jerry Cooper is heard over the Columbia networks on Wednesdays at 10:45 P. M. and Saturdays at 9:30 P. M.