Podcasts about Jack Benny

Comedy on a TuesdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, The Adventures of Archie Andrews starring Bob Hastings,  originally broadcast  June 23, 1945, 81 years ago, A Nazi POW in Riverdale.    Archie and Jughead capture an escaped Nazi prisoner! This, of course, leads to a night in jail for stealing a car!Followed by The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, originally broadcast June 23, 1953, 73 years ago, Ricky is always late. Ricky's tardiness is leading to lots of problems in the household… and putting a spotlight on Ozzie's mounting list of tasks.  Then, The Maxwell House Coffee Time starring George Burns and Gracie Allen,  originally broadcast  June 23, 1949, 77 years ago, Preparing for England with Robert Young.    The last show of the season, the last show sponsored by Maxwell House Coffee. Guest Robert Young will be starring on the program while they're away. George and Gracie are preparing to appear at the London Palladium. Followed by The Chevrolet Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast  June 23, 1933, 93 years ago,  Mary's Birthday.   It's Mary's birthday and many celebrities attend her party (all of them imitated by Johnny Woods). One of those mentioned and imitated is Fred Allen, making this the earliest documented start of the famous "feud."  The last show of the season.  Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast June 23, 1948, 78 years ago, A Lucky Dime.  Claudia twists her ankle and finds a new doctor.   Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamWe're sorry, but since this show was recorded, Professor Bees is no longer available. 

NO SOAP RADIO – Jack Benny, the Finale that Never Was  Our 13th NO SOAP RADIO production is based on another original script written by Craig Shemin. When Jack Benny retired from radio in 1955, no farewell episode was ever produced. Craig has remedied that with our version in which Jack says goodbye to his radio audience. All the usual cast of characters make appearances, including Mary Livingston, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Rochester, Don Wilson, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc, The Sportsmen Quartet, Mr. Kitzel, and Sheldon Leonard. Also a number of guest stars appear including George Burns and Gracie Allen, and Fred Allen. The show was produced, directed and edited by Paul Kovit. CAST: JOHN BELL as JACK BENNY  ANNETTE BOCHENEK as MARY LIVINGSTONE STEPHANIE D'ABRRUZZO as GRACIE ALLEN, SHELDON LEONARD and THE LUCKY STRIKE SINGER ZACH EASTMAN as DENNIS DAY VICTORIA GORDON as the CBS PAGE AND MABEL, THE SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR LARRY GROEBE as FRED ALLEN and MR. KITZEL ANDY HARTSON-BOWYER as PHIL HARRIS JOHN HENDERSON as DON WILSON ERIC JACOBSON as GEORGE BURNS PAUL KOVIT as FRANK NELSON and MEL BLANC LAURA MIRSKY as GERTRUDE THE SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR PAUL PATTERSON as ROCHESTER CRAIG SHEMIN as GENE TWOMBLY THE SPORTSMEN QUARTET were played by PAUL KOVIT, PETE LUTZ, ANDY HARTSON-BOWYER, and MARK SAUNDERS

in Jack's home, Rochester sings as he does the spring cleaning. We discover an unfortunate love affair between Polly and his feather duster. Mary arrives to share a letter from…

Comedy on a SaturdayFirst, a look at the events of the day.Then, The Chase and Sanborn Hour with Don Ameche, originally broadcast  June 20, 1937, 89 years ago. Charlie McCarthy gets a lesson from a French tutor.  May Robson ("A grand old lady of the theatre") appears in scenes from, "The Old Lady Shows Her Medals." On Father's day, W. C. Fields remembers his father, a doctor who treated a man for yellow jaundice for years before learning he was a Chinaman.   Followed by The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast June 20, 1948, 78 years ago.  The program originates from Cleveland. Marilyn Maxwell sings, "Hooray For Love." The program's guest is Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller. Bob Hope joins Jack and Bob Feller for a comedy routine.Then, X Minus One, originally broadcast June 20, 1957, 69 years ago, Inside Story.  A reporter dares to enter the secret enclave of those infected with Null-E Fever.  Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast June 20, 1935, 91 years ago, Squire to be Arrested. Squire Skimp is very upset that he's been put out of business. Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day

October 6, 1946 - Jack Benny guest stars on ventriloquist Edgar Bergan's radio program. It's a fun episode with Jack trying to get some publicity from the dummy.

Maxwell House Good News - Guest - Jack BennyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/harold-s-old-time-radio--4206392/support.

Jack Benny and Bob Hope team up for an unforgettable, chaotic double date! When Dennis Day falls sick, Jack twists Bob Hope's arm into filling in for a picnic with two local telephone operators, Mabel and Gertrude. From comparing the comedic duos' kissing styles to dealing with frogs, network rivalries, and near-drowning mishaps by the pond, the date is pure classic comedy gold.

The OTRNow Radio Program  Father's Day 01The Jell-O Program Starring Jack Benny. June 18, 1939. Red net. Jell-O. The cast does down to the railroad station to leave for Waukegan. Carmichael the bear is going along too! The last program on which Kenny Baker appears. Andy Devine, Don Wilson, Jack Benny, Kenny Baker, Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris and His Orchestra, Eddie Anderson, Harry Baldwin, Ed Beloin (writer, performer), Bill Morrow (writer), Cliff Nazarro, Frank Nelson, Blanche Stewart.The Quiz Kids. June 20, 1948. NBC net. Alka-Seltzer, One-A-Day. The first question is, "Why would Pennsylvania and protactinium remind you of the third Sunday in June?" The Quiz Kids vs. The Quiz Kids' fathers. Joe Kelly (host), Bob Murphy (announcer), Joel Kupperman, Joe Kelly Jr. (temporary host), Patrick Owen Conlon, Naomi Cooks, Mark Mullin, Joel Kupperman Sr., Joe Mullin, Patrick Conlon, Julius Cook.Hollywood Star Playhouse. April 23, 1951. CBS net. "Father's Day". Bromo Seltzer. The start of the program's second year on the air. Jeff Alexander and His Orchestra (composer, conductor), Maurice Zim (writer), Jack Johnstone (director), Norman Brokenshire (commercial spokesman), Johnny Schneller (engineer), Gus Bayes (sound effects), Ross Murray (sound effects), Carleton Young, Theodore Von Eltz, Jeanette Nolan, Robert Griffin, Bea Benaderet, Anne Whitfield, David Brian (recorded preview of next week's program), Barbara Stanwyck, Herbert Rawlinson (host)This Is Your FBI. June 08, 1951. ABC net. "The Return of Father Crime".The Black Museum. 1952. Syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Chain". Participating sponsors. A woman has been hearing ghosts, dragging a chain. The date is approximate. Syndicated rebroadcast date: October 30, 1974. Harry Alan Towers (producer), Orson Welles (narrator), Ira Marion (writer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor). Baby Snooks Clip 1944-06-14 Worlds Most Patient FatherSOURCES:Radiogoldindex.com;  Wikipedia

Flashback to the day before at rehearsal. Jack is critical of Bob Crosby's band members. Jack begins to worry when Don points out that his contract hasn't been renewed yet.…

Summer of 1942 Jack Benny and Jascha Heifetz appear on Command Performance along with Ethel Waters, Richard Haydn and Edward Arnold.

This week, we're spending some time with Jack Benny and the gang in a March 1947 episode of The Jack Benny Program, as Jack gets ready for a vaudeville tour that will take him to Chicago and New York. Jack's sophisticated neighbor Ronald Colman is his guest on this show, and is forced to ride in his famously worn-out car. John shares a little background on the show's writing team and the feud between Jack Benny and Fred Allen. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Comedy on a TuesdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, The Eddie Cantor Show,  originally broadcast  June 9, 1943, 83 years ago, Eddie's Anniversary.  It's Cantor's twenty-ninth wedding anniversary. Helping him celebrate are guests: Jack Benny, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Groucho Marx. Followed by Amos ‘n' Andy, originally broadcast June 9, 1944, 82 years ago, Shirt Trail. The start of the program is delayed for D-Day bulletins (Communique #8) and invasion news (four and a half minutes). The case of Andy and the Comfy Collar Shirt Company.Then, The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary,  originally broadcast  June 9, 1946, 80 years ago, 4th of July Picnic. Gildersleeve recalls a Fourth of July picnic held by The Jolly Boys, at which they sang, "In The Good Old Summertime."Followed by The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, originally broadcast June 9, 1950, 76 years ago, The Party. The Nelsons anticipate being invited to a come-as-you-are party.  So they're trying to stay dressed up.  Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast June 9, 1948, 78 years ago, Fishing and Fairness.  Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! 

Jack is to do another TV show, but first he and Rochester are at home, trying to fill out Rochester's income tax form. Jack lends a hand with the line…

Comedy on a Saturday First, a look at the events of the day.Then, The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast  June 6, 1954, 72 years ago, Jack Goes To Dallas.  The last show of the season. Jack is off to Dallas and the gang goes down to the airport to see him off.Followed by The Harold Peary Show, originally broadcast June 6, 1951, 75 years ago, Peabody's Sister Takes Over the Radio Station.  Stanley Peabody is leaving the radio station. His sister takes over, even though Harold thinks he should get the job. Then, The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary, originally broadcast June 6, 1943, 83 years ago, The Wedding Shower.   A surprise shower for Leila. Leroy gets fired from Peavey's drug store...for punching a customer!Followed by Abbott and Costello, originally broadcast June 6, 1946, 80 years ago, Bud and Lou Need Some Dough. Lou loses his place in the script during the opening routine. Lou "needs some dough" to pay the rent. The boys are locked in their room until they can find $60, possibly by "kneading some dough."Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast June 6, 1935, 91 years ago, Squire to Start Rival Theater.   Squire Skimp has threatened to open his own movie theatre since Lum and Abner won't take him in as a partner.Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day

This episode was originally released on 2/1/2022. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 124 we pick up our 1954 mini series in February. We'll focus on radio programming and national news from that month. —————————— Highlights: • Radio Billings Are Down. Now What? • Dragnet—Still Going Strong • Lee Deforest and The Hallmark Hall of Fame • Americana • Jack Benny Turns 39? 40? 60? • Guest Star and The McCarthy News • The College Quiz Bowl • Mr and Mrs North • Polio • Stars Over Hollywood • Ending with Bergen and McCarthy • Looking Ahead to March with Edward R. Murrow —————————— The WallBreakers: thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: • On the Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from • Broadcasting Magazine • LIFE Magazine —————————— On the interview front: • Jack Benny, Frank Nelson, and Don Wilson spoke to Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at SpeakingOfRadio.com. • Jack Benny also spoke for Great Radio Comedians in 1972. • Harry Bartell, Himan Brown, Lilian Buyeff, Bill Froug, Virginia Gregg, Lou Krugman, and Peggy Webber were with SPERDVAC. For more information, go to SPERDVAC.com • Hans Conried and Edgar Bergen spoke with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. Hear this full interview at Goldenage-wtic.org. • Dennis Day spoke with John Dunning for his 71KNUS program from Denver. • Lee Deforest spoke at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. —————————— Selected music featured in today's episode was: • Sh-Boom — By The Crewcuts • Serious Serenade — By Duke Ellington

Comedy on a WednesdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Special added attraction:  The sounds of the final day of CBS News Radio from May 22, 2026. Preserved for history. Then, The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast  June 3, 1951, 75 years ago.  The last show of the season. Jack reads one of Mary's lines and cracks up the cast. Mahlon Merrick is introduced as the writer of all the singing commercials and music director of the program. The Sportsmen do not appear, so the rest of the cast sings the very clever commercial. Artie Auerbach is introduced as "Mr. Kitzel." Joseph Kearns is introduced as the vault keeper and one of the men from the Internal Revenue Department. Will Wright is the other tax man. Sheldon Leonard is introduced as the race track tout.Followed by the Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast June 3, 1953, 73 years ago, Birdie may Move.   Gildersleeve decides that Birdie would be happier working for Marjorie, but life isn't the same without her. Then, Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast June 3, 1947, 79 years ago,  Citizenship Test.   Fibber has no birth certificate, so he's going to study for his citizenship papers.Followed by Old Gold Comedy Theater starring Harold Lloyd, originally broadcast June 3, 1945, 81 years ago, Having a Wonderful Crime.  A lawyer and two honeymooning friends are on the lam from a murder rap. Pat O'Brien, June Duprez, and Tom Conway star in this adaptation of a 1945 picture.  Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast June 3, 1948, 78 years ago, Dinner in the Kitchen. Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.  Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! Find the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html

A Mixed Bag on a Tuesday First, a look at the events of the day.Then, Suspense, originally broadcast  June 2, 1952, 74 years ago, A Good and Faithful Servant starring Jack Benny.  Jack's second appearance on Suspense.  An accountant in a department store, who is nearing retirement, carries out an ingenious plan to steal $50,000 - yet all does not go as smoothly as he had hoped.Followed by  Screen Directors Playhouse, originally broadcast June 2, 1950, 76 years ago, She Wouldn't Say Yes starring Rosalind Russell reprising her role in the 1945 motion picture.  A lady psychiatrist falls for a man she meets on a train, with funny if somewhat predictable results.  Then, Lux Radio Theater, originally broadcast June 2, 1947, 79 years ago, The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson reprising his 1927 screen role.  An adaptation of the first talking feature from 1927 about the son of a Cantor who must choose between a career on the stage and his father's wishes. Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast June 2, 1948, 78 years ago, Peace and Quiet.   David at home. Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day

we open with Jack Benny lecturing Rochester about the need to conserve gasoline and maintain vehicles well for the war effort. Jack is introduced for the last Jell-O episode, and…

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is the rare epic-length comedy - over three hours long with a cast that includes Spencer Tracy, the Three Stooges, and nearly everyone in between. The movie follows a crazy cast on the hunt for hidden loot, and we'll hear six of the film's stars in radio thrillers: Phil Silvers in "The Swift Rise of Eddie Albright" (originally aired on CBS on April 3, 1947); Mickey Rooney in "The Lie" (originally aired on CBS on April 28, 1949); Milton Berle in "Rave Notice" (originally aired on CBS on October 12, 1950); Jack Benny in "Plan X" (originally aired on CBS on February 2, 1953);  Ethel Merman in "Never Follow a Banjo Act" (originally aired on CBS on February 1, 1954); and Jim Backus in "See How He Runs" (AFRS rebroadcast from April 19, 1959).

Jack Benny || Jack's Birthday From Toronto, Canada | Jack's Monument - broadcast from Chicago (Bob Crosby fills in for Phil Harris) || February 14, 1943; February 21, 1943: : : : :You can donate to show your support for my podcast and the time I put into creating and posting every week. Donations are through my duane.media PayPal account:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MSL7S8FKCSL94My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- VARIETY X ARMED FORCES -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.Subscribing is free and you'll receive new post notifications.Thank you for your support.https://otr.duane.media | Instagram @duane.otr#comedyclassics #oldtimeradio #otr #radioclassics #jackbenny #fibbermcgeemolly #bobhope #lucilleball #martinandlewis #grouchomarx #abbottandcostello #miltonberle #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #duaneotr::

Comedy on a Wednesday First, a look at the events of the day.Then, Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast May 27, 1941, 85 years ago, Fibber Makes A Record.   After pushing him off a ladder, Fibber visits a recording studio to make an apology record for neighbor Gildersleeve, who lives at #83 Wistful Vista. Followed by My Favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning, originally broadcast May 27, 1949, 77 years ago, Liz In The Hospital.  George wakes up feeling sick, but it's Liz who winds up in the hospital for a tonsillectomy. Then, The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast May 27, 1951, 75 years ago, Jack Visits the Doctor.   Jack goes to the doctor and meets "Speedy" Riggs getting his eyes examined.  Followed by The Old Gold Comedy Theater hosted by Harold Lloyd, originally broadcast May 27, 1945, 81 years ago, June Moon starring Jack Carson and Frank McHugh.   A novice songwriter meets up with an old pro. An adaptation of the 1931 motion picture.  Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast May 27, 1948, 78 years ago,  Mr Reynolds.  Mr Reynolds wants David to build…something...  Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.  Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day

Comedy on a TuesdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, The Fred Allen Show, originally broadcast  May 26, 1946, 80 years ago, King for a Day.  Fred and guest Jack Benny are heard on Fred's new quiz show, "King For A Day."  Followed by The Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast May 26, 1948, 78 years ago. Jimmy and guest Victor Moore take another of their musical political trips around the country. Then, The Abbott and Costello Show, originally broadcast May 26, 1948, 78 years ago, Costello joins the Foreign Legion.  Another traffic ticket follows a routine about Costello's Aunt May. Costello has been invited to join, "The Legion." The boys pay a visit to, "Honest Hassan, Used Camel Dealer." Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast  May 26, 1954, 72 years ago, Visit from Aunt Hattie.  . Leroy's lack of discipline prompts a crackdown by Gildersleeve and a visit from Aunt Hattie!Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast May 26, 1948, 78 years ago, Late for the Train.   Trying to get a taxi in New York City. Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.  Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! Find the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html

This episode was originally released on 1/1/2022. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 123 we open 2022 with a six-part mini-series on radio business and programming in 1954. We'll begin with January, in a radio half-season that was for many, the end of the line. —————————— Highlights: • Ringing in the New Year with Fibber McGee and Molly • Gunsmoke's Stage Holdup • People Are Funny is Radio's Top-Rated Show • January 1954 with Ozzie, Harriet, David, and Ricky • Jack Benny's Face is Familiar on Suspense • Smog and Other Current Events • Beulah • The Death of Edward Howard Armstrong • Looking Ahead to February 1954 —————————— The WallBreakers: thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: •The General: David Sarnoff & The Rise of the Communications Industry - by Kenneth Bilby • On the Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from • Broadcasting Magazine • LIFE Magazine • Time Magazine —————————— On the interview front: • John Guedel, Phil Leslie, and Don Wilson spoke to Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at SpeakingOfRadio.com. • Norman MacDonnell and George Walsh spoke to John Hickman, the longtime host of WAMU's Recollections. Today, this program is heard each Sunday evening as The Big Broadcast. For more information, please go to WAMU.org • Art Linkletter spoke to John Gassman. • Ozzie Nelson was with James Day. • Jack Benny spoke for Great Radio Comedians. • Jack Benny and Don Wilson spoke with Jack Carney. —————————— Selected music featured in today's episode was: • Auld Lang Syne — By The Manhattan Strings • January Stars — By George Winston • The Klezmer's Wedding — By André Moisan • Love in Bloom — By Bing Crosby • Seance on a Wet Afternoon — By John Barry • Danse Macabre — By Camille Saint-Saëns

him from Camp Callan California Jack receives a nice and hammy introduction. Don sets out to prove that his military audience thinks he's great. Mary makes a poetic ending and…

Westerns and a finale on FridayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, Gunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast  May 22, 1954, 72 years ago, Monopoly.  A "businessman" from St. Louis named Ivy is planning to take over the freight business in Dodge, with a gunfighter to help him do it!Followed by Frontier Town starring  Reed Hadley, originally broadcast May 22, 1953, 73 years ago, The Chase.  Cimarron Whitey is dying in a jail cell...drawing a treasure map. The map's only for Blanche McCarthy, but Whitey's cellmate breaks out of jail, with the map. Then, Have Gun Will Travel starring John Dehner, originally broadcast  May 22, 1960, 66 years ago, Lucky Penny.   The Lucky Penny mine has suddenly started to produce gold again...and Paladin smells a rat. Followed by The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast May 22, 1955, 71 years ago, The Sound Effects Man.  Jack is having trouble with Twombley, the sound effects man. Eugene Twombley was really the name of one of the sound effects men on the program, but Mel Blanc plays the part. In fact, Twombley would marry Bea Benaderet in 1958 and would remain married until her passing in 1968.  He would die four days after her funeral.  The last show of the season, the series and the last regularly scheduled weekly Jack Benny radio show, except for repeats.Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast May 22, 1935, 91 years ago, Squire Returns from Chicago.  The statue will arrive tomorrow, just in time for the unveiling. Squire Skimp returns from Chicago with the money from the sale of the hogs.  Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! 

Jack is teased about giving the whole cast a lift to the military base and is Maxwell. He collects gas money for the trip from Don. Mary arrives to get…

Some of radio's funniest performers trade skits for Suspense in radio thrillers starring the cast of The Jack Benny Program. This collection of regular players and recurring guest stars kept audiences in stitches on Sunday nights but had listeners on the edge of their seats when "radio's outstanding theater of thrills" came on the air.  We'll hear Joseph Kearns in "Short Order" (originally aired on CBS on August 16, 1945); Ronald Colman in "A Vision of Death" (originally aired on CBS on March 8, 1951); Phil Harris with Alice Faye in "Death on My Hands" (originally aired on CBS on May 10, 1951); Jack Benny in "A Good and Faithful Servant" (originally aired on CBS on June 2, 1952); and Dennis Day in "Like, Man, Somebody Dig Me" (originally aired on CBS on August 16, 1959.) Plus Jack Benny and his gang present their own version of Suspense (originally aired on CBS on January 6, 1952).

Closing music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church. (used with permission.)

MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL!!!Good evening Occult Librarians! In celebration of Mother's Day, we are diving into the radio archives for a special double-feature that explores the many faces of motherhood—from the comedic vanity of a "mother bird" to the chilling obsession of a mother who refuses to let go!!The Jack Benny Program: "Mother's Day Show" (May 8, 1938)Our first program takes us to May 8, 1938, for the Jack Benny Program. In this holiday broadcast, Jack jokingly insists that he is the maternal leader of his radio family, assuming the role of the "mother bird" who cares for the well-being and salaries of his cast. While the episode features the sharp banter and comedic timing Jack was known for—including topical jokes about the Kentucky Derby and his signature Jell-O sponsorship—it is also a difficult historical document.This broadcast offers a stark look at how far we've come from a societal perspective, reminding us of the progress made in our media standards while reflecting on the complex history that brought us here. I present this unedited to acknowledge that history, even as we explore the holiday spirit and the cast's legendary chemistry.Neeext Up...Suspense: "Don't Call Me Mother" (January 4, 1959)Following the lighthearted comedy of Benny, we move into the darkness of psychological horror with the January 4, 1959, episode of Suspense titled "Don't Call Me Mother". Starring Agnes Moorehead, this thriller explores a mother's toxic, murderous devotion to her adult son, Larry.To keep her son from marrying his fiancée, Roberta, Moorehead's character, Lori, utilizes every manipulative tool at her disposal: She fakes a life-threatening heart condition to guilt her son into staying by her side. She lies to her son, claiming his father was "hopelessly insane" in an asylum to discourage him from ever having children of his own. She successfully convinces her son that his fiancée is an evil woman, eventually manipulating him into murdering her by staging a car accident off a 100-foot cliff. The episode ends on a terrifying note, with Lori claiming that she and her son were the only "lovely couple" people ever talked about.Two very different mothers. Two very different eras of radio. We begin with the comedy of the "mother bird," followed by the terror of a mother's obsession.Thank you SO much for your support, your kindness, and supporting me enough to get access to the RX12 software that lets me editing this and repair it in the way that I do. This tool is UBER powerful, and let me really showcase what it was like to hear it LIVE on air. Have a wonderful SPECTACULAR Mothers Day legends!!

Introduced by Jack Benny, Al Jolson sang what may be his theme song, "April Showers," as his opening number on Benny's May 18, 1947, radio show. This clip is edited for brevity, and there is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.

Introduced by Jack Benny, Al Jolson sang "You Made Me Love You" as he did in "The Jolson Story" on Benny's May 18, 1947, radio show. This clip is edited for brevity, and there is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.

Comedy on a SundayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary, originally broadcast May 10, 1950, 76 years ago, The Wedding Day.   Marjorie's wedding day...at last!Followed by Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast May 10, 1951, 75 years ago,  Junk Around The House.  Father is upset about the family buying “junk”, so Jim buys a lot of putty.  Little does he know...Then, The Jello Show starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast May 10, 1942, 84 years ago, Jack Thinks He's Going To Be Fired!  Jack goes to see the president of General Foods, and is told that this is to be his last season on the air for Jello. Followed by My Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson,  originally broadcast May 10, 1948, 78 years ago,  Bon Voyage.   Richard is leaving on a trip to England. Jane and all her friends go down to the Queen Mary to see him off. Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast May 10, 1948, 78 years ago, Parking the Car.  W.C. Fields is alive and well and working in a parking lot.  Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.  Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! 

Don introduces Jack and teases him about being dizzy. Jack tells a story about flying a kite as a child. Mary Livingston arrives to the applause of the soldiers. She…

Jack has been appearing in Detroit all week, and when he is absent from the radio studio, we cut to the theater where he puts on his stage show at…

Comedy on a TuesdayFirst, a look at the events of the day.Then, The Jello Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast May 5, 1940, 86 years ago, Clown Hall Tonight.  The program originates from the Ritz Theatre, New York City. Jack is celebrating his ninth anniversary in radio. He recalls his very "first" radio show. The cast does its version of "The Fred Allen Show" called "The Hour Of Smiles." Jack plays the role of Fred Allen with a clothespin on his nose. Followed by Mr. and Mrs. Blandings starring Cary Grant and Betsy Drake, originally broadcast May 5, 1951, 75 years ago, Rebuild the Barn. Mr. Blandings decides to rebuild the barn...not an easy job! Then, The Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast May 5, 1948, 78 years ago. Jimmy and guest Victor Moore take a trip around the country, taking a survey about traveling problems.Followed by The Aldrich Family starring Ezra Stone and Jackie Kelk, originally broadcast May 5, 1949, 77 years ago, Homer Engaged to Agnes.  Homer finds himself engaged against his will, and Henry tries to help him get out of it. Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast May 5, 1948, 78 years ago, The New Maid.  David and Claudia are waiting for the new maid to arrive by train.  Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.   Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day

Anyone who came of age in the late 1960s is bound to have a soft spot in their comedy heart for Arte Johnson, a versatile comic and master of dialects who boarded the fame express when he joined the cast of Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. Originally pursuing Broadway roles, Arte saw the future in the television industry and decamped for Los Angeles in the mid 1950s. He build a resume of guest spots before landing his Laugh In role in 1968. He played over 60 characters on Laugh In, including some (such as an observant German soldier, a doddering dirty old man, and a Russian named Rosmenko who could sing, dance, or joke about America. After Laugh In, Arte settled into a fine career of sitcoms, variety shows, game shows and audiobook readings. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows! Want more Arte? Here's an assignment most would shrink from -- teach Jack Benny how to tell a joke. But for Arte, it was just another day working the boom microphone. https://youtu.be/HROeLKVAQIQ?si=QyKiplnRAd58TREV A master of dialects, Arte created a Russian character named Rosmenko -- not sure a word of actual Russian was spoken, but this version of Mack the Knife (also featuring Bobby Darin) is a gem. https://youtu.be/43I1zrL3FgE?si=YzikSt_QFTR6sf2v Arte had many standout characters on Laugh In and one of the best was Tyrone Horneigh who would attempt to seduce women (principally Ruth Buzzi's Gladys Ormphby) with typically bad (for Tyrone at least) results. https://youtu.be/E2IF8HejE1w?si=31DeDx2zZAuupL8w

Don Wilson rolls back the clock so we can join Jack Benny and the cast on the set of Jack's new movie. Jack interrupts Rochester as he sings and cleans…

Jack Benny || Guest Virginia Bruce | Guest George Jessel subs for Jack - Jack is late || January 31, 1943; February 7, 1943: : : : :You can donate to show your support for my podcast and the time I put into creating and posting every week. Donations are through my duane.media PayPal account:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MSL7S8FKCSL94My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- VARIETY X ARMED FORCES -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.Subscribing is free and you'll receive new post notifications.Thank you for your support.https://otr.duane.media | Instagram @duane.otr#comedyclassics #oldtimeradio #otr #radioclassics #jackbenny #fibbermcgeemolly #bobhope #lucilleball #martinandlewis #grouchomarx #abbottandcostello #miltonberle #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #duaneotr::

from the new NBC building in San Francisco, Don introduces Jack in the new studio amid sound check interruptions. They talk about the elegance of the staff in uniform. They…

Don Wilson rolls back the clock and we joined Jack and again grabbing a sandwich at the local lunch counter. Jack and Mary joke about menu selections, and service by…

April 10, 1938 - Jack Benny talks about building a house in Beverly Hills.  References include British foreign secretary Anthony Eden, comedian Fred Allen, the song "A Cup of Coffee a Sandwich and You", and the movie A Yank at Oxford with Robert Taylor.

Variety on a WednesdayFirst, a look at the events of the day.Then, The Big Show starring Tallulah Bankhead, originally broadcast April 15, 1951, 75 years ago.  Jack Carson gives Tallulah a singing lesson. Olivia de Havilland and Evelyn Vardin do a scene from "Romeo and Juliet." Martha Raye does a baseball skit. Eddie Cantor appears as "Maxie the Taxi," a Brooklyn cab driver he made famous with a series of skits on television. Baseball player Tommy Hendrick gives Tallulah some of the fine points of the game. Phil Foster remembers life in old Brooklyn. Tallulah reads "Casey At The Bat," as De Wolfe Hopper might have done it. Jack Carson and Martha Raye describe what might have happened to Casey when he got home that night!.Followed by The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast April 15, 1951, 75 years ago, the IRS comes back.  After archery in the backyard, the men from the Internal Revenue Service visit Jack for a second time! Guests Ronald Colman and Benita Hume tell the men from the I.R.S. how Jack managed to take them to the Mocambo and spend only $3.90! Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast April 15, 1948, 78 years ago, The Last Night in New York.  An evening at the theatre.  Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.   Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day

What happens when you trust your talent before anyone else does? I had the pleasure of speaking with Spider Saloff, a jazz vocalist and performer whose journey shows what it means to truly create your own path. From secretly rehearsing as a teenager to performing for the Gershwin family and building a career in jazz and cabaret, Spider shares how taking risks, following curiosity, and trusting your instincts can open unexpected doors. We also explore her resilience through personal challenges, including overcoming an abusive relationship and rebuilding her life from nothing. You will hear how music, creativity, and lifelong learning became her anchors, and why choosing your own direction can lead to a life that is both meaningful and unstoppable. Highlights: 00:10 – Discover how a passion for music at a young age can shape an entire life path 02:04 – Learn how early opportunities and saying yes can open unexpected doors 10:00 – Understand why creating your own opportunities can redefine your career 16:20 – Hear how taking bold action led to a life-changing connection with the Gershwin family 30:00 – Discover how one decision can completely change where your life and career unfold 44:44 – Learn what it takes to break free from hardship and rebuild your life with resilience Bottom of Form About the Guest: What does it take to build a lasting career in music and performance? Spider Saloff has done exactly that, earning recognition as a multi-award-winning vocalist and entertainer known for her powerful voice, wide range, and captivating stage presence. Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, she began her journey in theater at a young age, studying acting at Rowan University and the University of London. Her early career in musical theater included more than 25 major roles, but everything shifted when she discovered her passion for jazz. That move led her to work with top musicians, gain critical acclaim, and begin touring both nationally and internationally. Over time, Spider became one of the most respected interpreters of the American Songbook, known for blending deep emotion with humor in her performances. Her connection with the Gershwin family helped launch signature shows like her tribute to George Gershwin, which has been performed around the world. She has also created tributes to icons like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, performed at major venues and festivals globally, and hosted the syndicated radio series Words and Music. Beyond the stage, she is a teacher, writer, and creator who helps others find their unique voice, continuing to inspire audiences and students alike through a career built on passion, creativity, and authenticity. Ways to connect with Spider: Website: https://spidersaloff.com LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/spiderjazz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spidie.saloff Twitter (@spidersaloff): https://x.com/spidersaloff?s=21&t=XIFFgGFn7E5Hd_8J8Rexfg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gKiYyeoZyxZTAI2EpGWbU?si=WudPV-CUQPmMThTtV508Og YouTube (@TheMartinicat): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLI-Gd51JdcMT0FVvvD9lA YouTube, “When You See Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTbO1FWrje4 Instagram (@spider.jazz): https://www.instagram.com/spider.jazz/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe Welcome to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. I'm your host. Michael hingson, speaker, author and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head on and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear, together, we focus on mindset resilience and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Hi everyone, and I want to welcome you to another episode of unstoppable mindset, and we have an unstoppable mindseted, oriented sort of person today. Spider Saloff. Spider is a vocalist. She's a comedian. She is in Chicago, as I recall, but she has been to a variety of places. She is a very highly acclaimed vocalist, a singer. She sings and deals with a lot of the songs that I like, like the Great American Songbook, Gershwin, Irving, Berlin and other things like that. And she has a lot of accolades that come from any number of famous people who you've probably heard of. And so in the course of the next hour or so, I'm sure we're going to hear about a bunch of that. But for now, spider, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're really glad Spider Saloff  01:49 you're here. Well, I'm happy to be here. Thank you for inviting me. Michael Hingson  01:53 Well, you are, you are most welcome. So how did you get into doing, acting, singing and all the other things that you do. Spider Saloff  02:04 Well, it started when I was a kid. I always loved music, and you know, it was so in love with the arts. But when I was 14, I came home and told my parents that I could get them tickets to the high school variety show. And they said, What? And I told them, I'm in it. I'm going to be in it. And they said, well, doing what? And I said, singing. And they were they were shocked, and I didn't tell them. I used to rehearse at my girlfriend's home because her family was all over it. They thought I was wonderful, and I knew my family would tell me that I couldn't do it so because it's just too foreign and too scary to them. So I ended up performing at this variety show, and my my parents were absolutely shocked, and one thing led to another. And then I met a theater director who worked at my school, and he came, he was a professional guy from New York that they hired to come in to do a musical, and I was in it. And I ended up getting the opportunity to be in a summer stock company and my parents let me go, which was amazing. I think they were just relieved to get me out of the house for the summer, but whatever it takes, but I certainly learned a lot, and I was very young for that experience, but it was, it was so, so worth it. And then after I finished high school, I went to college for theater. Now, your parents are from Russia. Oh, no, no, no, no, they're descend. My father's descendants are from Russia. That's where the name is from. But they are, I think I am about 11 different nationalities. So it's we're real much we are real much of the world. Well, there you go, yeah. Michael Hingson  04:05 So now we need to just clone that combination, since obviously you sing, well, we need to get that in other people, just just, you know, just a thought, you know, Spider Saloff  04:16 sounds good. Sounds dangerous to me. Michael Hingson  04:18 Actually, I know it's either that or we're gonna Spider Saloff  04:21 have to get more, more of one than more than one of Michael Hingson  04:24 me, more than one spider? No, we can't have that. Well, either that or we get AI to to imitate you. But we don't want to do we don't want to do that either, scary stuff. 04:35 Yeah, yeah, it is. Michael Hingson  04:36 Well, so how did you encounter and come up with the name spider. Spider Saloff  04:44 I did not choose it. I, you know, I never thought that my real name made any sense from the time I was a child, it's, I'm like, that doesn't make sense. And then I got the nickname when I was in college, because I have, I'm. Really a small person, but I have very long arms and legs, and it was a nickname, and it just stuck with me. And then finally I surrendered to it as a professional name, and people don't forget it. They may not like me, but they don't forget the name. And then it just stuck. And it's been that way ever since, how could Michael Hingson  05:20 somebody not like you? Spider Saloff  05:23 Well, I don't know. I'm sure there's somebody out there. I would love to thank everyone. Just endorse me, but Michael Hingson  05:31 we'll see. Well, yeah, I mean, it'll all go so where did you go to college? Spider Saloff  05:37 I went to a college that doesn't exist anymore, actually, now it is Rowan University. It's in New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia, and it became Rowan University when it got the largest private donation in history. But it was a state college called Glassboro State College, and it was a fine arts school at the time. There were several of my friends, including the conductor for the Lion King and Broadway people, all went to school there, and now it has no arts program at all. But part of our program, I did get to study at University of London too. So that was really exceptional. And it was so wonderful, a wonderful school, great opportunity. You know, it's, it was outside of Philadelphia, close to New York, and now it's an engineering school. For the most part. There isn't, there are no fine arts there at all. Well, that's too bad. But, well, yeah, I know, but somebody's got to do the engineering, Michael Hingson  06:39 I guess. I Well, there's truth to that too. Now, have you seen THE LION KING LIVE on Broadway? I have Spider Saloff  06:46 never seen it, and it's never seen it. I gotta see it. I've got to see it. I it just never happened. I kept intending to go and I never saw it. And I know people that played for it as well. 06:59 You've seen the movie. No, you haven't seen the movie Spider Saloff  07:02 either, anything Lion King. My goodness, I know I better. That's one of my goals. By the end of the year, let me see if I can see it. Michael Hingson  07:10 Well, I'll tell you my lion king story. A my brother in law knew someone who knew some of the actors in Lion King, and he and his wife and their little girl, who at the time was like three or four, were coming through New Jersey, where we lived in Westfield, and we all arranged to go see The Lion King. It was a Wednesday afternoon. It was a matinee, and near the beginning when scar, the bad guy meets the hyenas, who he works with, they all come on, they come on stage and they're growling and all sorts of things like that. Well, in the theater, the hyenas come from the back of the theater, down the stairs, and they walk past everyone growling and making all these noises? Well, my wife was in a wheelchair her whole life. She was a t3 paraplegic, and when one of the hyenas came up next to her, because we were able to arrange for an accessible seat, which was right on the aisle, this hyena comes up right next to her and goes, you've never seen a woman who is totally paralyzed suddenly literally jump up and almost walk out of the theater. It was amazing. She he shocked her completely. But it was so much fun. And of course, Alanya, the little girl, was just there with these big, huge eyes over all of this. But what Karen, my wife, told me later was that what was interesting about it was that when she was obviously watching all of this, and she said, You got totally used to the the puppets being the animals they were. They didn't you. They didn't even look like puppets anymore. They were just the animals. Spider Saloff  09:05 And that's exactly what I've heard about it, that it's like, it was fascinating. You're completely swept away with it. Michael Hingson  09:10 Yeah, wow. So, so it's cool, but, yeah, you gotta, you gotta go see The Lion King. It is absolutely worth it. The music is wonderful and all that. Wow. So we got to see it on Broadway, which was cool. Well, so you, so you went to college, and then what did you do? Spider Saloff  09:32 Well, when I got out of college, I, you know, was doing theater, but I ended up in musicals because I sang, and I really my training, my formal training, really is acting. I did not train as a singer. I just started singing naturally when I was a teenager, and then I just did a ton of musicals. I was in musicals like forever and but. I always loved jazz, and that was always in my back pocket. And then at one point, I really decided I wanted to pursue jazz while it was still in musical theater, because it was getting harder and harder to get roles, because they wanted, this is in the late 80s. They wanted you to be a dancer as well, and that was not going to happen for me. So I really thought, you know, I just, I want to check out the whole nightclub scene, you know, in Cabaret, where you could produce your own show. And so I started to really pick the minds of the guys in the pit band. And I talked to all these pit musicians, and they would tell me about, you know, places to go, and how they there were guys I met there that introduced me to other people, that helped me to do my first demo, and then started working in clubs. And then that really changed everything for me. Michael Hingson  11:01 So you got very much involved in doing a lot of Spider Saloff  11:04 jazz, yeah, jazz and cabaret, and it was all small clubs. But then that was what got me major press attention. And then I started touring with a show that I co wrote with a guy named Ricky ritzel, who's from New York, and we did a show called 1938 and that was my first recording as well. And then then just kept going from there, and that's how a lot of things happened, was really just deciding to do my own thing and create my own world of performance. So you're also Michael Hingson  11:45 known for doing something related in one way or another to comedy? Spider Saloff  11:50 Well, yeah, I've always done comedic roles, and I can't say I have ever done stand up, but I may be getting close to it, I'm not sure, but I always involve a lot of comedic monologs in everything I do. Like, if you see me at a jazz club, I will tell stories. And, you know, it's part of, part of who I am, is a lot of the comedy stuff. And, you know, crazy stories and telling stories about people, and, you know, doing imitations of people that I've met over the years and that kind of stuff. So it's, it is part of my whole persona on stage. Michael Hingson  12:33 What's your favorite musical that you've done? Boy, it's probably a toughy. Spider Saloff  12:40 I did so many, I have to say, Guys and Dolls. Okay, guys and dolls. I was Adelaide and Guys and Dolls, one of the best roles I've ever done. It was really a good choice for me, and and I, and I have to say I was in what, four productions of Fiddler on the Roof, and I've been two seidels, one Hava and fru masera, so but I love that show. I think it's magical. Michael Hingson  13:21 Just it is. Have you ever been in numb? I like Guys and Dolls, but my favorite, and it's just been that way for a long time. I don't know why was the music? Man, were you ever in the music? Spider Saloff  13:32 Man, I was, but there's no, there's no role in that for me. But I was one of the pick a little ladies. Oh, it is one of my favorite shows. Though, I think it's a masterpiece. I love love love music, man. I think it's just brilliant. Michael Hingson  13:48 You don't think you could have done you? Lily capecni shim you know, Spider Saloff  13:53 I was too young to do it at the time. Michael Hingson  13:54 Yeah. Well, like always, now there's always Marion, Spider Saloff  14:00 no, I don't have the soprano chops for that. They let me do it in Sutton Foster's keys. Well, I was thrilled that they took it down for her, because I could actually do it in those keys. That would be great. Michael Hingson  14:16 I saw it a couple of times on Broadway. Now I'm blanking out on the person it was in. Well, we saw it in, like, 2002 1001 and I'm trying to remember I'm blanking out on the person who played Marion. She actually ended up getting Lou Gehrig's disease and passed away. Spider Saloff  14:43 I don't know who. I don't know, which Michael Hingson  14:45 totally shocked us. Spider Saloff  14:46 I'm drawing a blank, I don't know. Michael Hingson  14:48 Yeah, I'm blanking out on her name. I may think of it, but, Oh, forgive us. She did a she did a great, a great job. But, yeah, but there's nobody like Robert Preston to play Harold Hill. And. Spider Saloff  15:00 Anyway, oh, that movie is so beautiful. I love that movie. Yeah, music, man is brilliant. It really is brilliant. Well, that Michael Hingson  15:10 goes back to, you know, Mr. Mr. Meredith. Meredith Wilson, Spider Saloff  15:18 yes, and I read, I read his book. Have you ever do you know of his book called he doesn't know the territory? Michael Hingson  15:27 No, I'll have to see if I Spider Saloff  15:28 can find writing and production of music. Man, I love, love. Love that book. And it's about all the trials of getting it produced and how he did. They did one of the opening one of the readings when they were trying to raise the money to do it. And moss Hart. Moss and Kitty Hart were there, and they hated it so much they walked out the middle of it. Opening Night, moss Hart was there, and he he saw, he saw Meredith Wilson in the lobby, and he shook his hand, and he said, he said, Great show. But you know what, you still haven't licked that book. Oh gosh, because he was an outsider. I mean, he wasn't part of the Broadway team. And no, the fact that he actually played with a John Philip Sousa, like, what, yeah, couch or something. It was real deal. Like, real real, like, old timey marching band stuff. Michael Hingson  16:35 Yeah, amazing. Well, then he also did The Unsinkable Molly Spider Saloff  16:39 Brown, yes, yes, another great show, yeah, not produced very often. But no, Michael Hingson  16:45 no, it's not. It's, it's sort of sad. Oh, well. But you, you've been very much involved with with a lot of jazz and so on. Tell us about meeting the Gershwin family and and your your involvement with Gershwin, which, you Spider Saloff  17:01 know, he, of course, magical. It was. It was truly a life changing event for me, my partner and I, Ricky ritzel And I had been doing 1938 and then we decided to write this show that was called Porgy and Bess, a cabaret concert, oh boy. And it was in New York, and a very powerful guy from ASCAP came to see it, and Michael kirker, and he came to see it, and he said, this show is brilliant. He goes, but you guys are going to get shut down by the Gershwin family, so you need to call them and see if they'll give you permission. So I had the phone number for Leopold godowsky, the third who is the nephew of George and Ira. His mother is Frankie Gershwin, who was George and IRA's younger sister, and I was a wreck. My hands were shaking, and I called him on the phone and and he was very polite. He just had this incredibly mannered guy, you know, it was really lovely. He goes, Well, you know, I don't see that we could allow Porgy and Bess be performed in a night club, and it wasn't like we were doing the show. We were just right. We were telling a story about how it was written and then just performing the songs as separate entities, but they were enfolding into the story. So I said, Would you would you want to comment? Would you want to see it? If we put it on a videotape, and he goes, Oh, I don't know. He goes, let me think about it. So then I called him back right away. I had the nerve to call him back again. I said, Well, would you come to see the show. He said, you know, what would you and your partner be willing to come and perform it at my home in Connecticut? There you go. And I'm like, What? What? So this whole thing got put together, and we went up to the Gershwins home in Connecticut. We met Leopold and his fabulous wife, Elaine, and they had, they said, we're having, we're having 40 close friends here for dinner. They were cooking dinner themselves, and it was this magical house in Connecticut. They had 40 industry people there. It was crazy. I mean, there were all these famous people there, and we were, we did like, as he called it, a 30 minute musicale. We did highlights from the show in their living room by the great. End piano, and I believe the piano had belonged to George, because Leopold is classical pianist as well. So we did the show, and then we all had dinner, and this friendship started. So what evolved was they, they did, let us do the show, but then my relationship continued with them, and when the Gershwin Centennial started in 1996 it was Iris 100th birthday, two years before George's. In 98 I became part of the centennial presentation, so I got to tour with my Gershwin concert under their brand, and also record my Gershwin album with their brand on it. And it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. And it was, it was a huge, you know, a huge mark in my career, and it opened a lot of doors for me. So wonderful, wonderful people. Michael Hingson  21:03 One of my favorite pieces of all times. Calling it a piece is probably not totally accurate. It's bigger than that, but one of my favorite things from classical music has always been Rhapsody in Blue. And I don't know why, but the very first time I heard it, I loved it, and I've enjoyed it ever since. I've heard the Boston Pops do it, you know, and and others do it. It's just one of those neat things I've just always loved. Spider Saloff  21:30 I'm getting chills just talking about it, because that was so groundbreaking at the time when Paul Whiteman had the contest right of who was going to be able to cross the borders of jazz and classical. And you know, who else was in that contest was Aaron Copland, oh my gosh, Eric Copeland, and he was always in competition with Gershwin, yeah, and Gershwin won and musically, that that changed the whole concept of jazz, I mean, to be accepted in a classical arena. It was really remarkable. What that what that piece did, like, amazing. Michael Hingson  22:18 I actually heard once the Paul Whiteman arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue was performed by a group I don't even recall where, but it was outside. It was a little different, but it still was just so neat to hear this. Spider Saloff  22:36 The first person to hear it, yep. I mean, Paul, my Paul Whiteman was incredible, though. I mean, what a what a groundbreaking person. He was artistically, right? Michael Hingson  22:48 Yeah, he, he did some amazing things, Spider Saloff  22:51 yeah, yeah, you know what I've got to mention. And I hope this doesn't make make our interview too dated. But last night, I saw the movie Blue Moon. That is about about Larry Hart. Oh, my God, I haven't seen that. I'm gonna have to. It just came out last week. Oh, okay, it's not gonna be very often. It's absolutely gorgeous, and Ethan Hawk plays Larry Hart. It it's it's beautiful and funny and heartbreaking, and it all the whole premise is Larry Hart has to go to opening night of Oklahoma, oh gosh, and how painful it is, and this whole cathartic thing he's going through. So the bulk of the entire it's more like, like a theater piece. The whole thing takes place at the bar at Sardi's when he's talking to the bartender and waiting for for Rogers and Hammerstein to show up. And it's, ah, Wowza, it's brilliant. It's brilliant. And talk about, I don't know how they ever got that produced, because it's definitely a movie that's not going to appeal to everybody, but boy, is it brilliant. Michael Hingson  24:14 Wow. Well, hopefully it will come out in some place where I can can watch it up here, and that'll be cool, yeah, Spider Saloff  24:22 and I think it's probably going to go to streaming pretty soon, I'm sure, yeah. So you'll have a lot of opportunities. But I really was happy to go to the theater and see it. But wow, and people in the audience were laughing at all the jokes they were getting, all the sly, Sly comments of Larry Hart, like, wow, witty, witty, witty, just brilliant, just brilliant. Michael Hingson  24:51 Well, your whole Gershwin relationship, obviously, is pretty significant. You even did some Gershwin concert. In Russia, Spider Saloff  25:02 yes, yes. That was why I went to Russia. They were having a Gershwin Centennial in St Petersburg in 1998 because that is the, that is the origins of the Gershwin family. They are from St Petersburg. And so I was hired with my pianist to go to St Petersburg. And do we? Did we were there for seven days, and I think we did like five concerts, and it was amazing to be there, because this was when Russia was getting good. This was, like the good part, and still was scary. It was scary. We stayed in this really creepy hotel that was like a government hotel, and the rooms were bugged. And then when the hallways there were padded walls, like where they could pull these panels out, and there was all kinds of wiring in there, bugging and strange stuff. The concert hall was absolutely magical. It was an old concert hall, and people went crazy, and when I sang the song vodka, which is an oddity, by Gershwin, by way, herbert stothard, Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein and George Gershwin wrote this crazy song called vodka. And when I did the song, people stood on their chairs and screamed, the Russians just loved, loved, loved the concert, the audiences couldn't have been better, and the people that ran the organization couldn't have been weirder. It was, it was very strange. And when we went to leave, the guy that booked us and me and my pianist, they they took our passports, and we had to go to a little room where they said that we our visas were expired and and we had to pay money to get out of there, and they were mad at the guy that was our manager, because he sassed them. And anyway, we had to wait. We were afraid we're going to miss the plane. And then finally, they came out with, like a little, a little tape from an adding machine, and they, they said, you have to pay $58.23 American. So they charged us this $58 and we paid it and ran to get on the plane and and I'm like, I was never so scared in my life. I didn't know what they were going to do, but it was an experience, and it was thrilling and beautiful. But don't think I'm going back to Russia, not in the near term. Yeah. Oh, and then that's when all these people said, my name is sell off. You are my cousin. I come home with you like there were so many people with my name, because in this country, there aren't that many. Aren't that many sell offs. My family is pretty small, and occasionally I'll meet us a sell off. But they're usually, they're usually rabbis, or it's like there aren't that many of us out there, but it was, it was an amazing experience. Loved it. Michael Hingson  28:28 Now, did you when you were over there, sing any of the songs or anything in Russian, or did that matter? Spider Saloff  28:34 Oh no, oh no, let's didn't do that, huh? I'm not. No, I, you know, I'm good at doing accents, and sometimes I will learn to say, like I would learn a little bit of French to get by, but then they would start asking me questions, and I didn't know what they were saying, and then they thought I was just being a jerk, you know, I'm pretending I don't understand them or something. But it was, No, I don't speak. I can barely handle English, but I didn't know whether you might have Michael Hingson  29:05 tried to learn one of the songs just for fun. Spider Saloff  29:08 There wasn't time. This went together so fast. I think we only had, like, two weeks notice. They had rushed the visas and, you know, we had, we had passports in order, but it was a lot of legal red tape. Michael Hingson  29:25 But that's why it cost $58.33 to get out. I don't know, very crazy one of those things. Oh, yeah. Well, well, at least it was affordable. Spider Saloff  29:41 Well, it will, and it was exciting. I mean, everything was paid for. But, oh, this was another weird thing they paid. They paid us in cash, American dollars, and I needed to hide, I had to hide it in my boot. I put it in. Hide the soul of my boot when I'm okay, wow, yeah, it was, it was creepy all the way down the line. It was very strange. Oh, well, yeah, things happen. 30:11 Things happen. Yeah, I was, Spider Saloff  30:12 I'm very, very, very fortunate that I got, got to do it, yeah? Michael Hingson  30:19 So obviously a wonderful memory. And yeah, oh yeah, one of those things that you'll you'll always treasure. You bet. Well, so when did you move to Chicago? Spider Saloff  30:32 Oh, well, when? When I started to get get my feet wet in New York, in the nightclub scene and the jazz scene, I got some really fabulous reviews, including the New York Times. And there was a guy from Chicago who I met through the great Julie Wilson, and his name was Bill Allen, and he was partners with Bobby Short, and he opened this really crazy club in Chicago, very famous, called the Gold Star sardine bar. And both Liza Minnelli had played there the Basie band. He squeezed the Basie band in there, but it was this tiny little place right in downtown Chicago, and it was really wild. And a lot of people had played there. Tony Bennett had played there, and Liza and I kind of was courting the room. I kept talking to him. He had he had found my press kit. Think he had been sent three different press kits, and we don't know which one he opened, and he called me, and we kept this ongoing conversation about coming out to do performance there, and then finally, he decided to bring me out for New Year's Eve, and my husband and I flew out, and it was just we were we had a couple of friends here in Chicago that we visited, but we didn't know anybody here. I'd never been to Chicago, you know, but it was magical. And then he said, Well, I'm going to have you back. I'm going to have you back. And then I didn't hear from him. And finally, the following September, he asked if I could come and play for a month, and I had almost no warning, because he was very impulsive and really crazy. So he asked me to come out for a month, and I did. They put me up in a hotel, and I played with the musicians. Were magical. People were so great. And so I played for a month, and then he said, you know, what would you think about about moving here? And my husband and I were both excited about it. Then we didn't hear anything from him. And then right after So, the first week of February the following year, he calls me up and said, Could you move here? And I'm like, I guess so. Why he goes, Well, I'll book you here for a year, and we'll arrange to get an apartment. And can you start like next week? Oh, gosh, ah, so I did it. I came out, and then my husband came out. We took a sublet on an apartment right downtown in Chicago, sight unseen. We moved here with our cat, and the rest was history. I ended up having the best nobody has a gig for a year, yeah, and and hired partially by the only person that had a gig forever, who was Bobby Short. So because I had met Bobby Short in New York, and he kind of gave bill the okay, you know, he liked me. And then I, I met Tony Bennett there, and Liza interrupted my show one night and crawled on to the over the balcony, onto the stage. And it was magical. There were lines around the block and and I got, I was courted by the press in Chicago like you wouldn't believe. I mean, it was magical. So when my run was up there, I started working at other clubs, and also I started touring at concert tours of my shows, like the Gershwin show, and started to tour. So it just became another life for me. But I'm, I'm in Chicago forever. As far as I'm concerned. I adore it here. I just love it. Michael Hingson  34:45 So when did you move there? Spider Saloff  34:47 The beginning of 92 Michael Hingson  34:49 Okay, all right, so when Liza, when Liza invaded the stage? Did you guys sing together? Spider Saloff  34:55 No, this is what happened. I had met Liza. Yeah, well, I was still living in New York, and I was friends with Billy Stritch, who was liza's musical director. So he was a friend of mine, and he introduced me to Liza, and because she was he was conducting a bit that big show she did at Radio City Music Hall that was a tribute to Vincent Minnelli. Right? She did this spectacular show at Radio City, and Billy was musical directing, and that's when they really became partners. And he introduced me to Liza, and she was just a doll, one of the nicest, coolest people in show business. So I met her, and she was really kind to me, very friendly, very sweet. And so they were playing at the Chicago theater. Liza was doing her one woman show, and it was closing this particular Saturday that I was at the Gold Star, and I had sent Billy a note to to, you know, come by when they're we're done. So I'm doing the second set. And then crazy Bill Allen at the break. He goes, he goes, Okay, people are going to come in here. Joe Pesci is going to come in and and he's going to come up and meet you. And I'm like, Joe Pesci. Joe Pesci was doing a movie here, and his double, his gangster double, used to come in and see me at the gold star. So anyway, the break comes, I'm on stage, and all of a sudden the door opens, and they come in, and it's, it was Billy and Liza and Joe Pesci. And Joe Pesci comes up on stage with Billy and my band kind of crawls off the stage, because by now, there are, there's about, I don't know, 200 people packed in a 70 person room, and their people are coming out of the woodwork. They're like, sitting on top of the bar, and I can't even get off the stage. And Joe Pesci. Pesci leans down, he's like, hey, hey, honey, my my double. He thinks you're great. He goes, Yeah, we're gonna do some songs now. And I'm like, okay, so I sat there, and Billy came up and played. The bass player was there with them. Joe Pesci got up and sang. He was adorable. And then Liza is sitting right by this. They called it the opera box. There was a big, like private table that was right next to the stage. She crawls over the bar onto the stage, and people are just screaming. It was absolutely nuts. And she did like three songs, and she was losing her voice. She had just done a killer thing at the Chicago theater, and she was really, like, raspy. Did it anyway? And she ended with New York, New York, and people were like, screaming. It was just bonkers. It was bonkers. And so that's what the Gold Star was like. It was just a crazy place, and you didn't know who was going to come in the door, who was going to interrupt your show? You just, you just didn't know. Michael Hingson  38:24 Yeah. And they even had the Count Basie orchestra there, and that was, how'd they fit him? How'd they Spider Saloff  38:30 fit him in? Couldn't fit them. It was like a publicity stunt, yeah, and the band was all stuffed in there, and there were a few people that could get in the room, but people were standing in the hallway to hear Pacey pants. This is way before my time. Yeah, it was like in the early 80s, when they opened and they were way crazier then, then when, when I came, Michael Hingson  38:53 you settled them down. Did Spider Saloff  38:55 you No? No, but they, they, they, well, I was there for a year, and then the following year, I went back a few times on Saturdays, and then Bill told Jeremy Conn and I that we were going to be the regular actor because they were always on the verge of closing. They wouldn't have any liquor, and somebody would be coming in the back door with liquor because they didn't pay their liquor bill. And it was, he was in a lawsuit. And anyway, they told us that he goes, Yeah, yeah. Call me on Tuesday and we're gonna we're getting all the details straight. Now. You guys are going to be regular. Here Tuesday came and there were chains on the door. Oh, gosh. And that was the end of it. It ended, and it was a magical time, but there were a lot of problems, a lot of legal problems going on. Michael Hingson  39:50 I met Liza Minnelli once. That was the second or third time I was interviewed by Larry King, and she was now. She was going to perform on the show as well, but it was after September 11, and so I got, I got to meet her, and that was about it, but I did get to meet her, which was fun. Exciting. It was fun. How exciting. And every time we walked out after the interviews, there were lots of photographers outside. Everyone was taking pictures, and we had to put up with all that, but I guess it provided a lot of visibility, but it was kind of fun to be able to do that. Spider Saloff  40:34 How cool. I never met Larry King. I knew a lot of people were on his show. But well, how exciting that you did it twice? Michael Hingson  40:43 Well, actually we there were five interviews with Larry. The first one was right after September 11. It was on the 14th. And then there was another one. There was either one or two more. I think there was one more in November of 2001 and then on the anniversary, in 2002 was the third. But there there were five altogether, and during one of them, and I think it was the one on the anniversary or in 2002 but I have to go back and see if I can research it. But anyway, Hillary, Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer were, were there? Lisa Beamer, Todd Beamer, his wife Todd's the guy who said, let's roll on flight 93 when they took over the plane again and got it in a crash in Shanksville. Wow, and and Queen. Nor was there. So who I'm sorry, Queen nor from? Who is the queen of Jordan? Oh, wow. And she and she and Roselle had a thing for a while. Roselle was my guide dog at the time, so they visited. It was kind of fun. Oh, wow. But, yeah, it was, it was interesting. But as I say, then we, we did meet Liza briefly, and that was kind of fun. She said she's Spider Saloff  42:09 a doll, yeah, doll. Oh, yeah. What a great person, yeah. Michael Hingson  42:13 Well, so I was looking at all the things that you sent me, and I noticed Tony Bennett. I got to meet Tony Bennett once we were on Regis and Kelly live in November of 2001 and I was sitting there, and I heard that Tony Bennett was going to be on the show. And suddenly he comes over and he says, Hey, I'm Tony Bennett. Good to meet you. I've heard about you. So we chatted for a while, and he and Roselle had a thing too, and he and Roselle had a thing too. Spider Saloff  42:45 So that was good. Oh, that Roselle. Oh, but yeah, I met him at the Gold Star, and he because he had played there several times, you know, as a future act. And he was doing, he was in. He was in town to do something. Maybe it was at the Chicago theater as well, but he came in, hanging out in his in his white dinner jacket, absolutely charming. And he sat down and talked to me between sets. It's like talking to your uncle, like he's like, Yeah, what do you think of this weather here in Chicago, and it was like just the friendliest, most laid back, cool guy and and I've seen him perform several times. I adored him. Michael Hingson  43:32 I regret I never got to see him live other than hearing him do, other than hearing him on regents and Kelly, he did a New York state of mind. Spider Saloff  43:41 Oh, cool. Very cool, Michael Hingson  43:43 wow, very soft spoken guy. But when he can sing, he can he could Bell it, Bell it out, Spider Saloff  43:49 and he and he sang the same forever, like, that's my my idols are. I want to sound the same forever, and I have the two, the two, the two most remarkable preserved voices were Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Tormey, both of them, they had chops forever like that. They they were just very, very careful and smart about the way they use their voices. Michael Hingson  44:18 Yeah. Johnny Mathis lasted a long time. I don't know what he sounds like. Spider Saloff  44:24 He just sounded the same forever. Yeah, killer, woo hoo, wow. And I never got to see him live, but I know people that did, and I mean, not that long ago, and they were blown away. Like, just Yeah, killer, yep, Michael Hingson  44:43 amazing, another amazing guy. Well, so have you ever had any any real kind of challenges and sort of negative things that have happened to you in your life? You've obviously been very successful. And all that. But, you know, unstoppability oftentimes happens when you have a challenge. Spider Saloff  45:05 Oh yes, well, you know, small things, challenges. I mean, like the worst, though, was when I was very young, a young actress, I got swept away by a guy that was a director. He was 10 years older than me, and I ended up in a really terrible abusive relationship for years, and didn't know how to get out, and I did. I ended up doing a six part. I have a YouTube channel, and this was two years ago. I did a six part series called learning to love you, and it was the very subject of what happens in abusive relationships and why people stay and why they are convinced that they can't live without the person. They're convinced that they're powerless. They are told they have to depend on this person, and they're very afraid. And I I was so lucky to break away from there and get out. And when I got out. I mean, I this guy completely left me with no money, no home, no job, and I was so ashamed to tell my family. I didn't tell them till months after it had happened, and I went, you know, trying to get trying to get more work as an actress. I worked as a bartender in a comedy club, and I did that's what I had a lot of comedian friends because of that era, and my friends, and eventually my family, really helped me to get out of it. But I had to get I had to be independent through the whole thing, I my first place I ever I was homeless for six months, and I would go around on busses going between wherever and Atlantic City because the casinos were there. So I could get a free ride to Atlantic City and then get a free bus back to New York. I could get a bus back to Philadelphia. I could go around on these busses and just stay at people's houses a couple of nights a week, and not having a place to live, it was horrible. So when I finally moved somewhere, I moved in with an actor friend of mine who had just got out of his abusive relationship, and I slept on the floor of an attic for like, the first six months that I was living on my own, and I was so grateful to have that floor and and I just kept saying every night before I went To bed, it it gets better from here. It's going up, it's going up, and it did. It did. It was it's remarkable. It's remarkable. Michael Hingson  48:09 What? What did you learn from that relationship? Spider Saloff  48:14 Beware of predators. I really never, never lose sight that you're the person in charge. Yeah, you are the person in charge of your life, and you're the only one that's allowed to do that. And you don't, you don't bend to anybody that's asking you to do anything too far. You just, you have to be very skeptical about, you know, who's getting close to you? And I was married long after that, I was married to my husband, and he passed away, oh, 16 years ago, and but there's been, there's been a lot of strange loss and and trauma. But I I am blessed with resilience, and I have to say, the thing that keeps me steady music, music and beauty and art can carry me through anything, and I'm surrounded by that and the best, best, best friends in the world. Oh, man, and my family and my friends are amazing, and I'm very, very fortunate, very fortunate. Michael Hingson  49:32 How long were you married? Before he passed away, Spider Saloff  49:35 we would have been married 17 years. Oh, my wife, Michael Hingson  49:41 my wife. My wife and I were married 40 years. She passed away in November of 2022 lot. Well. Thank you. I appreciate that. And I I always say when I when I tell that to anybody that she's watching from somewhere, and if I misbehave, I'm going to hear about it, so I don't even. Chase the girls. I also point out that they're not chasing me, so it's okay, but, but, but, you know, so many wonderful memories after 40 years, and people say, Well, are you going to move on? And I say, No, I'll never move on. I'll move forward, but I won't move on. I don't want to forget, but I'll move forward. Spider Saloff  50:20 That's an interesting twist of words there. Yeah, no. I mean, I have moved my life has become, actually, way, way better since my husband passed. I was dealing with a lot, and he was, he was dealing with severe mental illness, and it was very it was very hard near the end, my life is beautiful now. And I, I'm just, I feel like everything is new all the time. And I, I don't really have any close relationships, in romantic relationships. I tried a couple since he passed, but I don't, I don't think I'm good at it. I do better on my own. I'm much better on my own. Michael Hingson  51:18 Yeah, yeah. I know what I know what you mean. And as I said, it'll be three years in two weeks for me and I, when we got married, we had both lived alone. And when she was when she passed, it wasn't totally all of a sudden. So I I had some time to prepare. But it it has worked out pretty well. And so now I have a dog and a cat who keep me honest. The cat especially, oh, we have a cat. Her name is stitch, and she likes to be petted while she eats, and she'll yell at me until I come and pet her while she's eating and what. And when I travel somewhere to speak and I come home, I hear about it for quite a while. How could I ever do that? But she's not left alone. You know, I've got somebody who comes in. She has to give me what for? Well, she does. That's her obligation. Just ask her, absolutely, yeah. And how come you took that dog with you and not me? It's a guide dog. Spider Saloff  52:20 So this is not fair, yeah. Michael Hingson  52:24 Well, the other side of it is, I don't want her to ever get the idea that she can go out of the house. She She developed, on her own, a fear of going outside we she went out into our garage once when we first moved in here, and I kept calling her, she wouldn't come in, so I turned the lights off and I closed the door, and 10 seconds later, she's at the door wanting in, and so she doesn't try to go out. So I really feel blessed that she Spider Saloff  52:49 Yeah, that's good, yeah, yeah, yeah. I had a cat that never wanted to go near the door either, because he had been an alley cat. Everything outside that door was the alley going back there. Yeah, he also was a, he was a big fat house cat. Like, just wanted to lay around and luxuriate and eat and, you know he was, he was really a sweetie. I don't have pets anymore because I'm I leave too often? Michael Hingson  53:21 Yeah, you travel a lot. Well, a lot we at least I have people to help take care of stitch when I'm not here. So it does work out. Yeah, so do you so with all the things that you've been doing and singing and so on, do you teach voice to people? Spider Saloff  53:40 I do. I've taught at a school I didn't start teaching till I moved to Chicago, and this guy named David bloom, he's kind of a Chicago icon. He's had a jazz school in Chicago for years, and he asked me to teach at the school about a year after I moved to Chicago, and I said, I don't know how to teach. He said, Yes, you do. You just teach what you know. And I started teaching. And then I did courses there for a long time. I met a lot of people, and I've had wonderful students, and I still work there on occasion when we have a course. But I teach privately now, and I am. I just love it so much. I mean, I learned so much from my students all the time. You know, they're, they're just amazing, and they're all different, all different voices, all different age groups, all different reasons why they want to sing. But it's, it's one of the joys of my life. Students, they're fantastic. And I adore teaching voice. And I really a coach, you know, I teach performance and coaching, and it's not so much technique. I do some technique, but mostly it's working with. What, what the singer has to offer. Michael Hingson  55:03 I like the way you put it though that you learn so much from students. I think the day we stop learning, the day we become useless, we we always need to learn, learning, and life is all about learning, every Spider Saloff  55:15 day, learning, you bet it's exciting. It keeps you ticking. Michael Hingson  55:21 It does. It's so much fun. And it's, you know, like the internet, I regard it as an as a wonderful treasure trove. There's always neat stuff to learn. So I don't worry about the so called dark web and all that. You know, I didn't know that I would Spider Saloff  55:35 learn as much as I did about, you know, the internet and and the things covid really well. I always, always had a website. I had a guy that became my webmaster, that heard me radio and like there were all. I always was connected with it. But to the extent that I learned how to produce videos that all happened during covid, I really thought I was never going to be performing again live. I you didn't know, you know, that talk, you know, it was just so such a weird world. All of a sudden it was but learning to adapt. That was what we all learned from covid, was adapting and being open to new experiences. You know, that was a major, major factor of the whole thing. Michael Hingson  56:23 And living alone, you have to cook your own food. Spider Saloff  56:25 And like I've always, cooked my own food. Oh, my God, do I love to cook. Yeah, every day for myself. I love cooking and throwing parties. I must be Michael Hingson  56:35 a little bit lazy. I enjoy cooking. But when Karen was here. We shared the responsibility, and it's it's a lot to cook for one person, so I don't do as much of it as I used to, but I don't suffer. I will Spider Saloff  56:50 point that out you guys suffer, no, but I probably I cook for myself. Every day I cook. Almost everything I eat, I don't cook for myself is when somebody magically takes me to dinner or I go to somebody's house. I've got a lot of friends, so I get to eat at other people's houses and go out to restaurants, but I do and look forward to cooking for myself. I just can't wait to see what am I gonna have today, like I get excited about it. You know, it's a joy for me. Michael Hingson  57:23 I cook more easy meals, but I also do my own cooking. I mean, I don't go out very often, and that's fine. Yeah, I enjoy being home. I enjoy being home with a puppy and a kitty and listening to the radio and all that sort of stuff. So I hear you fabulous, fabulous. So you did some work on on radio series. Spider Saloff  57:45 Oh, yes, one of the, actually, the very first pianist that I worked with at the Gold Star sardine bar is a guy named Brad Williams. And we've been friends for years, and then at one point, this, this this guy that was a big fan of mine, Bill Sheldon. He was an old way, older fellow. The three of us created a radio series that's called Words and Music, that's about the American Songbook, and we were on the air for two and a half years. We were on we were part of NPR, and we were syndicated internationally, all through our classical station here in Chicago, W FMT, and it was the most challenging but wonderful time to crank those shows out. We never worked so hard as we did for that show, but those are still out there, you know. And we the copies of that show are available on CD. People can purchase them, and you can learn about that on my website too. Michael Hingson  58:49 I have been collecting old radio shows since 19 Well, let's see, probably 1968 and I've collected a bunch, and I'm also part of the radio enthusiast of Puget Sound, so we recreate programs every year. So I wasn't able, I wasn't able to be at the one that they did up in Washington State in September, because I was speaking somewhere. But there's going to be another one around. Well at Christmas, it's actually going to be the fifth, fourth, fifth and sixth. I think it is. Of December, we're going to recreate something like 12 or 13 different shows, and that's a lot of fun. Spider Saloff  59:34 Wowza, what are the shows like? What is it comprised of performance or recordings or what? Michael Hingson  59:42 No, no, we're actually going to perform live up in Washington, and people are invited to come and be in the audience, and they'll also be broadcast on yesterday usa.com and yesterday usa.net whichever you go to yesterday, USA is a, is a network. It's, it's got a red net. Work in a blue network, just like NBC used to have, and they play old radio shows and a lot of interviews with people. So there's still some old radio actors who will be there as part of it, Carolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu and it's a wonderful life will be there, and Beverly Washburn, who was on the Jack Benny show, and and there'll be other people, and it's kind of neat. And Larry Albert, who will be doing some of the voices, and who's was Harry Niles for years, and still is, I guess, on NPR and and so on. But it's really fun. Spider Saloff  1:00:39 That's excellent. What a blast. Yeah, it is, wow. Well, have a happy holidays with that. Michael Hingson  1:00:46 And yeah, well, I want to thank you for being here. How do people reach out to you, if they'd like to, to reach out, or if you Spider Saloff  1:00:54 want them to my website, spider jazz, calm, and you can find everything and too much information about me, and then, and if you want to get in touch with me directly, write to my email address. Spider jazz@gmail.com makes it easy. And maybe you can take private lessons, because I teach on Zoom. Ah, there you go. Me how. Yeah, cool. Michael Hingson  1:01:20 Well, thank you for being here, and I want to thank you all for listening today and watching whichever you do or both. Love to hear your thoughts about our conversation. Feel free to email me. Michael H, i@accessibe.com that's m, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, i, b, e.com, wherever you're monitoring us today, please give us a five star rating, and please give us a review. We love your reviews. We appreciate your input. If you can think of anyone who you think ought to be a guest, and if you listening out there want to be a guest, please reach out to me. We're always looking for more people to come on the podcast. We met spider through someone else who has been on the the podcast as well. And spider, if you know anyone who want who you think ought to be a guest, yep, love to hear from you. I got some ideas, cool. Well, I want to once again. Thank you for being here. This has been absolutely fun. Spider Saloff  1:02:16 Thank you, Michael, what a blast. I'll be talking to you soon. Michael Hingson  1:02:24 Thank you for being here with me on unstoppable mindset. I hope today's conversation left you with a fresh perspective, a new insight, or at least something worth thinking about if you're ready to go deeper into the ideas that shape how we see ourselves and others, I have a free gift for you. Head over to Michael hinkson.com and download my free ebook, blinded by fear. It explores the invisible beliefs that hold us back and shows you how to reframe them so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review and share this show with someone who can use a reminder that growth starts with mindset. When people think differently, we all move forward together. Thanks again for listening. Keep learning, keep questioning and keep choosing to live with an unstoppable mindset you.

Comedy on a SaturdayFirst, a look at the events of the day.Then, The Martin and Lewis Show, originally broadcast April 11, 1952, 74 years ago, with guest Virginia Mayo.  Jerry appeals for funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  A take off of “A Streetcar Named Desire”.  Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 11, 1951, 75 years ago, Kids Want to Leave.   Gildersleeve suspects that Marjorie (Mary Lee Robb) and Bronco (Dick Crenna) are living with him just to keep him from being lonely.Then, The Burns and Allen Show, originally broadcast April 11, 1946, 79 years ago.  George's issue of, "Cowboy Love Tales" has arrived. Gracie Allen wants to join a literary club, telling Mrs.Randolph that George is the great-grandson of poet Robert Burns. Followed by The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast April 11, 1954, 72 years ago,  Jack's New Contract.   It's nearing the end of the season and Jack's worrying about getting his contract renewed.  This is an original unedited transcription, and Mary's lines haven't been dubbed in yet.  Finally, Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast April 11, 1955, 71 years ago,  The Shopping Crush.   It's "Bargain Day" down at the Bon Ton department store. Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day

Zach welcomes back historian and writer Craig Shemin (Sam & Friends: The Story of Jim Henson’s First Television Show) for a trip to post-war Germany where neither East or West Berlin can contain the Madness and Mayhem of Billy Wilder’s 1961 Comedy Classic, ‘ONE TWO THREE’ Join the duo as the unpack the history surrounding the films production, take a stab at deconstructing Wilders approaches on everything from humanism to capitalism to communism, ponder over this being James Cagney’s penultimate motion picture, and settle upon the ways the film has influenced the cinema of today.   If You are in New York and want to laugh along with Craig and the Marx Brothers Council, join them April 12th at the Museum of the Moving Image for a screening of ‘Horse Feathers’ followed by a live podcast! Tickets at https://movingimage.org/event/horse-feathers/   Be sure to pick up a copy of Craig’s books on the history of Sam & Friends for a deeper look into its history. Sam and Friends: The History- https://www.bearmanormedia.com/products/sam-and-friends-the-story-of-jim-henson-s-first-television-show-hardback?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=6d26e85f2&pr_rec_pid=7098182500386&pr_ref_pid=10048318570798&pr_seq=uniform Sam and Friends: The Script Book- https://www.bearmanormedia.com/products/the-sam-and-friends-script-book?_pos=3&_sid=c8df6b30d&_ss=r&variant=51040633487662 Visit https://www.samandfriendsbook.com for ways to purchase & how to get even more swag from your book purchase!   And be sure to follow Craig’s talents as a writer by watching his two original Jack Benny scripts as performed by NO SOAP RADIO ( https://nosoapradioplayers.com ) Watch Here- “This is Your Life, Jack Benny” : https://youtu.be/vSQAHnpTg1E?si=9lE-Q19oHwKZY_ex ” Jack Visits the Apollo 11 Launch” :  https://youtu.be/Xytm4gByVUw?si=jZV6KRk1IG4RebdF ——

Comedy on a WednesdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, the Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary, originally broadcast April 8, 1945, 81 years ago, Leroy's Pet Pig.  Gildersleeve is forced to get rid of Leroy's pet pig. Followed by Amos ‘n' Andy,  originally broadcast April 8, 1947, 79 years ago, Finding a Roomer.  The Stevens' rent their spare room to a boarder and get more than they bargained for.  Then, My Favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning, originally broadcast April 8, 1949, 77 years ago, Gum Machine.   Liz is determined to stand up for her rights, which leads to a confrontation with a gum machine.Followed by The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, originally broadcast April 8, 1951, 75 years ago, The IRS Visits Jack Benny.  The Internal Revenue Service visits Jack … because they can't believe he's spent so little money! Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast April 8, 1948, 78 years ago, Browsing the Catalog.  Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! 

Former teen idol Frankie Avalon broke into show business as a child prodigy and was soon receiving 12,000 pieces of fan mail per week and working alongside Hollywood greats Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, Groucho Marx and John Wayne. Frankie joined Gilbert and Frank for a look back at his humble beginnings in South Philly, his years as a teen heartthrob and his decades-long friendship with onscreen love interest Annette Funicello. Plus: The Duke makes Laurence Harvey cry! Buster Keaton meets Houdini! “Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine”! Dueling Draculas! And Cesar Romero and Arnold Stang hit a strip joint! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our parade of Best Picture winners continues with Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend - a harrowing portrayal of alcoholism that also netted a Best Actor Oscar for its star, Ray Milland. We'll hear Mr. Milland, along with his co-stars Jane Wyman and Howard Da Silva, in episodes of Suspense, plus a radio recreation of the film. Mr. Da Silva stars in "You Take Ballistics" (originally aired on CBS on March 13, 1947), Ms. Wyman stars in "Catch Me if You Can" (originally aired on CBS on February 17, 1949), and Mr. Milland stars in "Chicken Feed" (originally aired on CBS on September 8, 1949). Then Milland and Wyman reunite in The Lady Esther Screen Guild Theatre (originally aired on CBS on January 7, 1946), and Ray Milland joins Jack Benny in a spoof of the film (originally aired on NBC on March 10, 1946).

March 1, 1942 - Jack Benny is upset that his movie "Charlie's Aunt" didn't win him an Academy Award, he falls asleep and dreams of what might have happened. References include Oscar winner Gary Cooper and Joan Fontaine, Fred Allen, Frank Buck, and the old French motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" or "Evil to him who evil thinks".

Legendary comedian and Emmy-winning writer David Steinberg joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about his friendships with Jack Benny and George Burns, his 140+ appearances on Johnny Carson's “Tonight Show," his inclusion on Richard Nixon's infamous enemies list and the 2013 biographical Showtime documentary “Quality Balls." Also in this episode: the Smothers Brothers get hate mail, David directs Gilbert in an episode of “Mad About You” and David presents Showtime's "Inside Comedy" series. PLUS: John Candy does Doc Severinsen! David saves Tony Randall's life! And the Mount Rushmore of Jewish comedians! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices