Bell Telelphone Hour - OTR


(3.2 stars; 10 reviews)

The Bell Telephone Hour, also known as The Telephone Hour, was a long-running concert series that began on April 29, 1940, on NBC radio and continued until June 30, 1958. Sponsored by Bell Telephone, it showcased the best in classical and Broadway music, reaching eight to nine million listeners each week. The program later transitioned to television from 1959 to 1968.

Throughout its run, the studio orchestra was conducted by Donald Voorhees. The format was restructured on April 27, 1942, into the "Great Artists Series," featuring renowned concert and opera performers, starting with Jascha Heifetz. Over the years, the series included talents such as Marian Anderson, Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, and many others.

In 1968-69, the series returned to radio as Bell Telephone Hour Encores, featuring highlights and interviews from the original series.


This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

Reviews

Wonderful artist, poor sound quality


(1 star)

The sound is so poor it doesn't do justice to the artistry of the performers.

Great Classics


(5 stars)

Thank you for posting these wonderful editions of The Bell Telephone Hour. This program showcases some of the very best singers, musicians and conductors of the time and is a valuable part of our American Heritage. I read that the radio program lasted for many years before being televised. I am hoping that you or someone else can post more of The Bell Telephone Hour.

The performer's name


(3 stars)

Is Bidu Sayao.