Stars on Parade

One of the most appealing aspects of Old Time Radio is the variety of programming. In 1950, America was enjoying the economic prosperity that came with the end of the Second World War, and in some ways was becoming as isolationist as it had been in the days before the War.

Events were unfolding on the International stage that would cement America's role as Leader of the Free World. One of the most important tools in that role would be the might of the United States Army and Air Force.

During this era there was a huge technological innovation for the Military, but there was nothing more important than getting soldiers into uniform and trained for service. The recruiting apparatus of all the services used every tool at their disposal to fill their manpower needs, and radio was one of the most effective.

Stars On Parade was a weekly fifteen minute spot, produced in New York. It would have been sent to local radio stations across the country and played in the same time-slot each week. By doing their part for the National Defense, the local stations got some great entertainment to broadcast.

You never knew what you were going to get with Stars On Parade. The only thing you could really depend upon was that there would be 15 minutes of entertainment, but that entertainment could be a the sweet jazz of the Freddy Martin Orchestra and their singer Merv Griffin (yes, that Merv Griffin), it could be a biographical drama about a judge in Denver who crusades to keep young offenders out of harsh adult prisons, perhaps we would be treated to songs and commentary from Kate Smith for the Thanksgiving (ending with a rendition of Irving Berlin's God Bless America, a light comedy about a girl in the advertising business, or a session with Count Basie and his Orchestra.