Radio and television mirror (Nov 1939-Apr 1940)

grinding out their "Blowing Bubbles" and "Hawaiian War Chant" disks. And when the Hit Parade needed a hypo this summer, their smart manager, Harry Norwood (he's assistant secretary) was contacted. They've been on that show ever since. One thing about the Merry McMichaels. They'll rehearse at the drop of a baton. When two or more are seen together, that's enough of a quorum to start an impromptu practise session. "Rehearsing isn't exactly the word," put in young Joe, "we just keep singing or humming. Before we know it we've got another arrangement. It happened that way with "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean." On the Allen show, the Macs are backed up by a neat little musical organization. You couldn't ask for better accompanists than Chauncey Morehouse on the vibraharp, Carl Kress on the guitar (he's married to Helen), pianist Dick Costello, and Dick von Hallig on bass. The McMichaels' mother was a professional pianist but none of the brood, including brother Jack, who used to sing with the others until Joe grew up and replaced him, expected to make a career of music. They knew the kids on the block liked their unorthodox style. And they always did an encore at the church socials. So Judd went to work installing chairs in theaters for his uncle, and Ted sold haberdashery. Jack forgot music altogether and got a nice job with the Western Auto Supply Co. He still works there. But when Joe got old enough, the boys realized they had found the perfect third voice. Eddie Dunstedter of WCCO, Minneapolis, heard them, and offered work. But cautiously the boys called themselves "The Mystery Trio" and wore black masks throughout the radio series — although television was a long way off. At the conclusion of the broadcast series, Judd took one look at the fan mail and doffed his mask. "Boys," he said quite officially, "we are no longer The Mystery Trio. We are now The Merry Macs." In 1931 Joe Haymes passed through the flour belt, listened to their act and hired them. The Merry Macs stayed with Haymes about a year, touring the south and east, and went on their own when they reached Chicago. Here they thought up the idea of adding a girl vocalist. This was a successful move although it took them about six years to get the right one. Green-eyed, brown-haired, 21 -yearold Helen Carroll is the fourth. Helen started singing in Indiana University where too many vocal engagements with small orchestras, combined with scholastic work, caused her to have a nervous breakdown. The breakdown resulted in a break. She came to New York to rest at Uncle Ed East's place. But Ed East heard that The Merry Macs were looking for Vocalist Number Four. He rushed his niece over to NBC. AT that time the country as a whole ** decided that if it was going to hear any more amateur programs — let Major Bowes run them all. Taking a hint, the Fred Allen producers chucked their tyros and looked around for something professional. The Merry Macs filled the gap. Off the air the three boys and girl go their separate ways. Joe lives with his proud parents in Jackson Heights. Ted lives with his wife a few blocks away. Helen and Carl have their own quarters and Judd and his wife reside in Elmhurst, L. I. Friday nights is about the only set time on their schedule for a definite rehearsal. Then they gather at the Jackson Heights branch, whoop it up as soon as they've finished ma's apple pie. There's a fifth member at these fireside jam sessions — Judd's twoyear-old daughter, Nedda. The Merry Macs deny they're grooming her now to be vocalist Number Five when Helen retires. OFF THE RECORD Some Like 1+ Sweet (No picture in recent years has been blessed with a score like "The Wizard of Oz." The band boys have had a field day recording all these contagious Yip Harburg-Harold Arlen tunes. All the numbers by various bands and singers are available on Decca, Brunswick, Victor, Vocalion, and Bluebird records.) Song of the Metronome; Drifting Down River of Dreams (Decca 2659) Everett Hoagland. A new sweet band that should manage to please everyone. Man With the Mandolin; I'll Remember (Vocalion 4980) Barry Wood. Neat warbling on one of those tunes in the Umbrella Man, Penny Serenade motif. Friends Medley; Oriental Medley (Victor 26340) Sammy Kaye. The dusty manuscripts get dusted on a disk as a half dozen tunes are ably revived. Go Fly a Kite; A Man and His Dream (Brunswick 8439) Kay Kyser. A pair wmmrn Ym 'foftffi DECEMBER, 1939 67