45RPM- Music of the 40s and 50s

Episode 317, My Favorite Christmas Music
In Episode 317, My Favorite Christmas Music, Sam Waldron presents 17 recordings from six previous holiday episodes of 45RPM, Music[...]
Episode 316, My Favorite Big Band Music
Episode 316, My Favorite Big Band Music, features 19 of Sam Waldron’s favorite recordings by bands and orchestras, presenting a[...]
Episode 315, Songs About Sunday and Monday
Episode 315, Songs About Sunday and Monday, uses these two days of the week to feature 17 recordings by performers[...]
In Episode 314, 1951 My Way
In Episode 314, 1951 My Way, Sam Waldron presents a unique selection of music and stories, painting an interesting picture[...]
Episode 313, Signature Songs
Episode 313, Signature Songs, presents the songs most associated with 17 performers including The Everly Brothers, Ricky Nelson, the bands[...]
Episode 312, Come Fly With Me 2
Episode 312, Come Fly With Me 2, continues the music that Sam Waldron’s phone picked out for him during a[...]
Episode 311, Come Fly With Me Part 1
Episode 311, Come Fly With Me Part 1, features 17 recordings picked at random from a playlist on Sam Waldron’s[...]
Episode 310, Music of Harold Arlen
Episode 310, Music of Harold Arlen, features songs from one of the 20th century’s lesser-known songwriters. Titles include Over the[...]
Episode 309, My Favorite Albums
Episode 309, My Favorite Albums, samples a dozen LPs that were Sam Waldron’s favorites when he was young. Performers include[...]
Episode 308, Bill Haley and His Comets
Episode 308, Bill Haley and His Comets, explores the music of the group most responsible for ushering in the era[...]
Episode 307, 1960 My Way
Episode 307, 1960 My Way, presents Sam Waldron’s unique perspective on music styles and trends in that year. The episode[...]
Episode 306, 1950s Dance Crazes
Episode 306, 1950s Dance Crazes, tracks popular music about the waltz, the mambo, the rhumba, rock and roll, the cha-cha-cha[...]
Episode 304, The Four Lads
Episode 304, The Four Lads, features hit records and album tracks by this popular singing group. Performances include Moments to[...]
Episode 305, Ned Washington
Episode 305, Ned Washington, explores music written by a man who created 140 songs in motion pictures and won two[...]
Episode 303, The Great American Songbook
Episode 303, The Great American Songbook, features males performing 17 songs from Broadway and Hollywood productions, including Kismet, The King[...]
Episode 302, The Roots of Rock & Roll
Episode302, The Roots of Rock & Roll, presents 18 recordings, from the 1920s to 1958, that were important in shaping[...]
Episode 301, Favorite 1950s Love Songs
Episode 301, Favorite 1950s Love Songs, presents 18 love songs that are among Sam Waldron’s most treasured. Artists include Perry[...]
Episode 300, Percy Faith
Episode 300, Percy Faith, showcases the surprising range of music produced by one of the 20th century’s most important orchestra[...]
Episode 299, Songs of Joy
Episode 299, Songs of Joy, presents 20 feel-good recordings likely to put smiles on the faces of even the grumpiest[...]
Episode 298, Four Songs
Episode 298, Four Songs, presents five recordings each of four old songs: For Me and My Gal, Back in Your[...]
Episode 297, My Favorite Doo-Wop Music
Episode 297, My Favorite Doo-Wop Music, presents 19 of Sam Waldron favorites, including sweet harmonies like The Fleetwoods’ The Great[...]
Episode 296, Fats Domino
Episode 296, Fats Domino, features 17 recordings by a musician once described by Elvis Presley as “the real king of[...]
Episode 295, Hidden Gems
Episode 295, Hidden Gems, presents lesser-known items from The Great American Songbook, including You Were Meant For Me, Lydia the[...]
Episode 295, Hidden Gems
Episode 295, Hidden Gems, presents lesser-known items from The Great American Songbook, including You Were Meant For Me, Lydia the[...]
Episode 294, Cindy Walker
Episode 294, Cindy Walker, features 17 songs from the pen of one of the most prolific behind-the-scenes songwriters of the[...]
Episode 293, Steve & Eydie
Episode 293, Steve & Eydie, presents the music of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme and their 55-year partnership. Songs include[...]
Episode 292, Christmas 2023
Episode 292, Christmas 2023, celebrates secular holiday music performed by 21 artists, including The Andrews Sisters, The Mills Brothers, Andy[...]
Episode 291, Top Hits of 1960
Episode 291, Top Hits of 1960, features 17 best-selling songs from that year plus a few memories of pop culture[...]
Episode 290, Strictly 1940s
Episode 290, Strictly 1940s, features 18 recordings that would have been familiar to most adults in the 1940s. Performers include[...]
Episode 289, Midnight
Episode 289, Midnight, presents 15 recordings about what goes on “when the clock strikes 12.” Subject matter includes rainbows, hanky-panky,[...]
Episode 288, Sam Cooke
Episode 288, Sam Cooke, presents the life, the music, and the legacy of one of the most highly regarded singer-songwriters[...]
Episode 287, Richard Rodgers
Episode 287, Richard Rodgers, features music written by one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Songs include[...]
Episode 286, “Halloween! II”
Episode 286, “Halloween! II” reveals Sam Waldron’s version of “the real truth” about the origin of Halloween and presents 17[...]
Episode 285, Rare 1940s Records
Episode 285, Rare 1940s Records, presents long-forgotten recordings by Bing Crosby, Yvonne King, Frank Sinatra, The Andrews Sisters, Eddy Arnold[...]
Episode 284, Buddy Holly
Episode 284, Buddy Holly, focuses on the brief and intense career of one of the architects of 1950s rock and[...]
Episode 283, The Kitchen Sink
Episode 283, The Kitchen Sink, is an eclectic assortment of recordings that didn’t fit into specific themes but are worthy[...]
Episode 282, After Dark Part 2
Episode 282, After Dark Part 2, presents 20 recordings about romantic goings-on after the sun goes down. Performers include Dorothy[...]
Episode 281, After Dark Part 1
Episode 281, After Dark Part 1, explores songs about things that happen after dark. Eighteen recordings include performances by The[...]
Episode 280, Celebrating Tony Bennett
Episode 280, Celebrating Tony Bennett, presents 18 recordings from his long career, including the demo disc that first landed him[...]
Episode 278, Broadway 1940s
Episode 278, Broadway 1940s, presents songs from prominent musicals of the decade including On the Town, Oklahoma, Kiss Me Kate,[...]
Episode 277, 1950s Jazz
Episode 277, 1950s Jazz, celebrates a decade of outstanding jazz singers including Mark Murphy, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald,[...]
Episode 276, Ella Fitzgerald
Episode 276, Ella Fitzgerald, features 17 songs from her ground-breaking Great American Songbook albums of the 1950s, with music written[...]
Episode 275, “Academy Award Losers,”
Episode 275, "Academy Award Losers," presents songs nominated for Best Song that didn't win. Performers include Steve Lawrence, Patsy Cline,[...]
Episode 274, Moonlight
Episode 274, Moonlight, features Tony Bennett, Carmen McRae, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Wall, Mario Lanza and a dozen other[...]
273, Blue and The Blues
273, Blue and The Blues features songs about blue men, blue women, blue clothing, a blue holiday and a blue[...]
Episode 272, Sing Boy Sing
Episode 272, Sing Boy Sing, focuses on Tommy Sands’ 1958 motion picture and what it did for his career. Songs[...]
Episode 271, World War Two Love Songs
Episode 271, World War Two Love Songs, presents timeless classics performed by Mildred Bailey, Perry Como, Benny Goodman, Helen Forrest,[...]
Episode 270, Back to Rock & Roll
Episode 270, Back to Rock & Roll, plays 22 famous 1950s rock-and-roll recordings by Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, The Coasters,[...]
Episode 269, Jazz 1935-1949
Episode 269, Jazz 1935-1949, presents 15 famous jazz standards. Performers include Julie London, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Ella[...]
Episode 269, Jazz 1935-1949
Episode 269, Jazz 1935-1949, presents 15 famous jazz standards. Performers include Julie London, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Ella[...]
Episode 268, Gene Autry
Episode 268, Gene Autry, focuses on one of the most popular recording artists and movie stars of the ‘30s, ‘40s[...]
Episode 267, 1950s Broadway
Episode 267, 1950s Broadway, highlights popular music from 10 Broadway musicals, including The Music Man, Damn Yankees, The Sound of[...]
Episode 266, Swing
Episode 266, Swing, hits some instrumental and vocal highlights of popular swing music from the late 1930s into the early[...]
Episode 265, Smoking and Exercise
Episode 265, Smoking and Exercise, presents nine recordings about the former and 10 about the latter. Performers include Peggy Lee,[...]
Episode 264, Alice Faye
Episode 264, Alice Faye, traces the career and music of one of Hollywood’s most popular actresses in the late 1930s[...]
Episode #263, Breaking Up
Episode #263, Breaking Up, presents 17 songs about the bitter end of romantic relationships. Performers include Roy Clark, Kitty Wells,[...]
Episode 262, Rockabilly
Episode 262, Rockabilly, explores this early iteration of rock-and-roll music with performances by 10 male singers and eight relatively unknown[...]
Episode 261, Technicolors
Episode 261, Technicolors, features 20 recordings with colors in the song titles. Performers include Wanda Jackson, Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby,[...]
Episode 260, Buddy Clark
Episode 260, Buddy Clark, presents the music of a popular 1940s crooner who was known as “the voice of romance,”[...]
Episode 259, Rare 1940s Records
Episode 259, Rare 1940s Records, presents seldom-played recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, Herb Jeffries, The Buchanan Brothers, Kitty Wells, Al Dexter,[...]
Episode 258, Lazy & Jealous
Episode 258, Lazy & Jealous, focuses on songs depicting two of the Seven Deadly Sins: sloth and envy. Songs include[...]
Episode 257, Who Are They?
Episode 257, Who Are They? features obscure performers whose names most people probably would not recognize. Examples include Roy Cordell,[...]
Episode 256, Brenda Lee
Episode 256, Brenda Lee, presents 19 recordings by the singer who broke into the Billboard Hot 100 at the age[...]
Episode 255, About Coffee
Episode 255, About Coffee, is filled with music and commentary about the world’s most popular hot beverage. Performers include Frank[...]
Episode 254, Rolling Stone (2)
Episode 254, Rolling Stone (2) presents 19 recordings ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as among the 500 Greatest Songs of[...]
Episode 253, Rolling Stone (1)
Episode 253, Rolling Stone (1) presents 19 recordings ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as among the 500 Greatest Songs of[...]
Episode 252, Harry Belafonte
Episode 252, Harry Belafonte, explores the life and music of the extraordinarily long career of a Jamaican-American who once earned[...]
Episode 251, Four Songs
Episode 251, Four Songs, presents multiple recordings of “Blues in the Night,” “Dancing in the Dark,” “Dancing on the Ceiling”[...]
Episode 250, 1958 My Way
Episode 250, 1958 My Way, presents Sam Waldron’s unique take on popular music from this particular year. Performers include Elvis[...]
Episode 249, Jazz For Lovers
Episode 249, Jazz For Lovers, presents jazz performed by a baker's dozen vocal artists including Frank Sinatra, Helen Ward, Nat[...]
Episode 248, Jerry Lee Lewis, presents 19 recordings by “The Killer”
Episode 248, Jerry Lee Lewis, presents 19 recordings by “The Killer” … one of the great pioneers of rock-and-roll music.[...]
Episode 247, I Love the 40s Vol. 1
Episode 247, I Love the 40s Vol. 1, presents 17 recordings Sam Waldron never gets tired of. Performers include Buddy[...]
Episode 244, Lena Horne
Episode 244, Lena Horne, explores the life and music of this dancer, singer, actor and civil rights activist through much[...]
Episode 245, Rock & Roll ALC Vol. 2
Episode 245, Rock & Roll ALC Vol. 2, presents 22 1950s rock hits, including a huge international recording from Australia.[...]
Episode 246, Deep in Doo Wop
Episode 246, Deep in Doo Wop, presents some famous examples of this rhythm-and-blues offshoot genre along with some little-known doo-wop[...]
Episode 243, “All I Want for Christmas is My Sweetie”
Episode 243, “All I Want for Christmas is My Sweetie,” is full of holiday-themed love songs performed by Marty Robbins,[...]
Episode 242, Rare Mid-50s Records
Episode 242, Rare Mid-50s Records, presents 19 recordings that even Sam Waldron had never heard until recently. Performers include Nat[...]
Episode 241, World War Two Love Songs
Episode 241, World War Two Love Songs, takes listeners back to a stressful time when love was particularly precious. Performers[...]
Episode 240, Little Richard
Episode 240, Little Richard, explores the life and music of one of the true pioneers of rock and roll. Recordings[...]
Episode 239, 1948 My Way
Episode 239, 1948 My Way, is Sam Waldron’s personal vision of how that year’s music should be presented, as nobody[...]
Episode 238, Sing-along
Episode 238, Sing-along, celebrates shared music for kids and grownups of all ages. Performers include Mitch Miller and The Gang,[...]
Episode 237, Great Jazz
Episode 237, Great Jazz, presents 18 recordings by 13 outstanding jazz performers including Anita O'Day, Tony Bennett, Ethel Merman, Mark[...]
Episode 237, “Halloween! II”
Episode 237, “Halloween! II” reveals Sam Waldron’s version of “the real truth” about the origin of Halloween and presents 17[...]
Episode 235, “New Life for Late 40s Music,”
Episode 235, “New Life for Late 40s Music,” presents explores five popular songs from 1947 through 1949, comparing the originals[...]
Episode 236, “Larry Clinton,”
Episode 236, “Larry Clinton,” focuses on a popular dance band leader from the late 1930s and early 40s, and his[...]
Episode 234, “American Bandstand,”
Episode 234, “American Bandstand,” features 19 records featured on the famous after-school television program’s first national season. Performers include Paul[...]
Episode 233, “Obscure Mid-1940s Records,”
Episode 233, “Obscure Mid-1940s Records,” presents 16 recordings that were in the bottom 20 percent of popularity in the years[...]
Episode 231, “Million-dollar voices,”
Episode 231, “Million-dollar voices,” identifies 11 singers whose voices were so rich and distinct that they were easily worth $1[...]
Episode 229, “January Babies,”
Episode 229, “January Babies,” features the music of performers who were born in the month of January. Featured are Elvis[...]
Episode 228, “Patti Page,”
Episode 228, “Patti Page,” follows the career and music of a performer who rose from dirt-poor rural roots to achieve[...]
Episode 232, “Kitty Wells,”
Episode 232, “Kitty Wells,” presents the music of a pioneer vocalist who earned the nickname “The Queen of Country Music.”[...]
Episode 230, “1952 Hit Parade,”
Episode 230, “1952 Hit Parade,” revisits 16 of the best-selling popular songs from 1952, in some cases presenting cover versions[...]
Episode 227, “1930s Love Songs,”
Episode 227, “1930s Love Songs,” features 16 classic love songs from the ‘30s, most of them introduced on Broadway or[...]
Episode 226, “New Life For Mid-50s Music,”
Episode 226, “New Life For Mid-50s Music,” contrasts the originals and later cover versions of nine million-selling records, including Que[...]
Episode 225, “50s Album jazz,”
Episode 225, “50s Album jazz,” samples 15 of the most influential jazz albums of the ‘50s. Performers include Chet Baker,[...]
Episode 224, “Jimmy Durante,”
Episode 224, “Jimmy Durante,” focuses on one of the 20th century’s most beloved performers, including more than a dozen of[...]
Episode 223, “1958 Hit Parade,”
Episode 223, “1958 Hit Parade,” presents 20 of the best-selling single records of 1958, including performances The Kalin Twins, The[...]
Episode 222, “Around the World,”
Episode 222, “Around the World,” presents music about Mexico, Jamaica, Argentina, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Sweden. Performers include Frank Sinatra,[...]
Episode 221, “Eight Stories,”
Episode 221, “Eight Stories,” focuses on eight standout performers and one interesting songwriter. Performers include The Platters, Mel Torme, Connie[...]
Episode 220, “B.B. King,”
Episode 220, “B.B. King,” focuses on the life and music of this accomplished blues musician. Recordings include “Every Day I[...]
Episode 219, “Songs About Money,”
Episode 219, “Songs About Money,” presents musical perspectives on having money, spending money, needing money, losing money, and asking for[...]
Episode 218, “Songs About Dreams,”
Episode 218, “Songs About Dreams,” includes 20 recordings of songs about dreams and dreaming. Performers include Frank Sinatra, Tommy Sands,[...]
Episode 217, “Easy Listening,”
Episode 217, “Easy Listening,” presents 18 recordings that were among the staples of “easy listening” radio stations in the 1950s.[...]
Episode 216, “Dinah Shore,”
Episode 216, “Dinah Shore,” focuses on the first woman to have her own TV variety show, and who arguably sold[...]
Episode 215, “Latin Music”
Episode 215, “Latin Music” focuses on this popular genre with performances by Xavier Cugat, Julie London, Mel Torme, Bossa Nova,[...]
Episode 214, “RCA Studio B,”
Episode 214, “RCA Studio B,” focuses on the history of an especially productive recording studio in Nashville and two groups[...]
Episode 213, “1940s Jazz Standards,”
Episode 213, “1940s Jazz Standards,” presents 17 popular songs that became jazz standards, with performances by the Glenn Miller Orchestra,[...]
Episode 212, “Two Country Boys,”
Episode 212, “Two Country Boys,” presents the hit records of Marty Robbins and Guy Mitchell. Songs include Just Married, Singing[...]
Episode 211, “More Favorite 50s Music,”
Episode 211, “More Favorite 50s Music,” presents 20 of Sam Waldron’s favorite recordings from the decade when he became a[...]
Episode 210, “Big Bands,”
Episode 210, “Big Bands,” traces the evolution of band and orchestra music from the late 1930s through rock-and-roll groups in[...]
Episode 209, “May Babies,”
 Episode 209, “May Babies,” presents recordings by more than 20 entertainers who had birthdays in May. Performers include Lawrence Welk,[...]
Episode 208, “Sammy Davis Jr.,”
Episode 208, “Sammy Davis Jr.,” presents 14 recordings by one of the most popular entertainers of the 1950s and ‘60s[...]
Episode 207, “Duets,”
Episode 207, “Duets,” presents nearly 36 singers who recorded together. Performers include Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, The Everly[...]
 Episode 206, “Forgotten 50s Females,”
Episode 206, “Forgotten 50s Females,” presents 18 recordings by singers who had lots of talent but failed to rise to[...]
Episode 205, “Music for Lovers,”
Episode 205, “Music for Lovers,” presents 17 timeless love songs by Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, George Wein, Betty Hutton, Betty[...]
Episode 204, “Pearl Bailey,”
Episode 204, “Pearl Bailey,” focuses on one of the most fun and versatile performers of the mid 20th century. Included[...]
Episode 203, “New Life for 1950s Music,”
Episode 203, “New Life for 1950s Music,” presents nine popular recordings along with later reinterpretations by other performers. Songs include[...]
Episode 202, “Mid-century Jazz,”
Episode 202, “Mid-century Jazz,” includes 15 recordings that include hot jazz from the ‘40s, cool jazz from the ‘50s, and[...]
Episode 201, “Love @ First Listen,”
Episode 201, “Love @ First Listen,” Features recordings Sam Waldron fell in love with the first time he heard then.[...]
Episode 200, “Rosemary Clooney,”
Episode 200, “Rosemary Clooney,” focuses on her music, her career and her loves over the decades. Included are some of[...]
Episode 199, “Songs About Letters,”
Episode 199, “Songs About Letters,” presents 17 songs about letters of all types and varieties. Performers include the Louvin Brothers,[...]
Episode 198, “Sayonara (1 of 2),”
Episode 198, “Sayonara (1 of 2),” pays tribute to musicians who passed away in 2020 and 2021. Some are well-known,[...]
Episode 197, “All I Want for Christmas is Jazz,”
Episode 197, “All I Want for Christmas is Jazz,” includes 19 pieces of music. Some are pretty traditional, some are[...]
Episode 196, “Hits of Hank Williams”
Episode 196, “Hits of Hank Williams,” presents many of Wiolliams’ big hits, including three examples in which Nashville later doctored[...]
Episode 195 “New Life for 1940s Music”
Episode 195 "New Life for 1940s Music" Episode 195 New Life for 1940s Music Playlist 1 I've Got a Crush[...]
Episode 194, “1940s #1 Hits,”
Episode 194, “1940s #1 Hits,” presents 17 million-selling popular songs from 1940 through 1949 by performers ranging from Mel Torme[...]
Episode 193, “Chaos in 1957,”
Episode 193, “Chaos in 1957,” focuses on the startling contrasts between various top-selling popular recordings. Comparisons include Buddy Knox vs.[...]
Episode 192, “Dean Martin,”
 Episode 192, “Dean Martin,” focuses on the career of one of the mid-20th century’s most enduring performers. Songs include “Blue[...]
Episode 191, “Favorite 40s Music,”
 Episode 191, “Favorite 40s Music,” presents 17 of Sam Waldron’s personal favorite recordings from the decade of the Big Bands[...]
Episode 190, “1950s Girl Groups,”
Episode 190, “1950s Girl Groups,” presents the music and stories of 15 female singing groups, ranging from the familiar like[...]
Episode 189, “Halloween!”
Episode 189, “Halloween!” presents 18 pieces of music about ghosts, boogiemen, murder and other frightening themes. Recording artists include The[...]
Episode 188, “Peggy Lee,”
Episode 188, “Peggy Lee,” presents the music and the career of one of the 20th century’s most popular female singers.[...]
Episode 187, “Rock & Roll Ala Carte,”
Episode 187, “Rock & Roll Ala Carte,” presents 22 rock-and-roll recordings from the 1950s. Performers include The Champs, Dion and[...]
Episode 186, “Take Me Back to 1947,”
Episode 186, “Take Me Back to 1947,” presents 16 popular songs and makes the case that 1947 was an interesting[...]
Episode 185, “New Life for Early 50s Music,”
Episode 185, “New Life for Early 50s Music,” presents modern versions of eight popular recordings from the early 1950s. Performers[...]
Episode 184, “Rod Stewart,”
Episode 184, “Rod Stewart,” presents 15 cover recordings of classic love songs, including duets with Bette Midler and Dolly Parton.[...]
Episode 183, “Nice & Bad 1940s Music,”
Episode 183, “Nice & Bad 1940s Music,” contrasts mainstream pop music by performers like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Dinah[...]
Episode 182, “Weird & Wonderful,”
Episode 182, “Weird & Wonderful,” presents 20 novelty songs from the 1950 where we meet strange creatures from Earth and[...]
Episode 181, “Easy Listening Ala Carte,”
Episode 181, “Easy Listening Ala Carte,” presents 20 recordings, with minimal interruptions, of nice and easy music mostly from the[...]
Episode 180, “Ricky Nelson,”
Episode 180, “Ricky Nelson,” focuses on one of the most popular singers of the late 1950s. Songs include “It’s Late,”[...]
Episode 179, “1940s Animal Songs,”
Episode 179, “1940s Animal Songs,” includes nine songs about birds plus others about mules, dogs, cats, rabbits and more. Performers[...]
Episode 178, “Rain Wind Summer,”
Episode 178, “Rain Wind Summer,” features 18 weather-related songs from the 1950s. Performers include Jim Reeves, Jane Morgan, Pat Boone,[...]
Episode 177, “Favorite 50s,”
Episode 177, “Favorite 50s,” features 21 of Sam Waldron’s favorite music from the 1950s. Performers include Pat Boone, The Four[...]
Episode 176, “Margaret Whiting,”
Episode 176, “Margaret Whiting,” features one of the most popular singers from the 1940s and follows her career into the[...]
Episode 175, “Great Gentlemen of Jazz,”
Episode 175, “Great Gentlemen of Jazz,” presents 14 outstanding jazz vocalists including Louis Armstrong, Mose Allison, Mark Murphy, Billy Eckstine,[...]
Episode 174, “Favorite Country,”
Episode 174, “Favorite Country,” allows Sam Waldron to share 18 of his country favorites from the ‘40s and ‘50s. Performers[...]
Episode 173, “September Babies,”
Episode 173, “September Babies,” features 18 performers who were born in September, including Buddy Holly, Julie London, Jimmy Clanton, Jimmie[...]
Episode 172, “Perry Como,”
Episode 172, “Perry Como,” focuses on one of the most popular TV hosts of the 1940s and includes the first[...]
Episode 171, “Easy Listening 1957-1959,”
Episode 171, “Easy Listening 1957-1959,” features 17 popular recordings from the late 1950s performed by Dean Martin, Jane Morgan, Perry[...]
Episode 170, “Duets,”
Episode 170, “Duets,” features 15 pairs of performers including Nino Tempo and April Stevens, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Ella[...]
Episode 169, “50s Females,”
Episode 169, “50s Females,” focuses on 14 female singers who fell short of being megastars but deserve remembering. Performers include[...]
Episode 167, “Eight Stories,”
Episode 167, “Eight Stories,” focuses on the music and careers of Cliff Richard, The Kingston Trio, Judy Garland, The Fleetwoods,[...]
Episode 168, “Les Paul Mary Ford,”
Episode 168, “Les Paul Mary Ford,” focuses on the music of one of the most popular musical acts of the[...]
Episode 166, “1950s History,”
Episode 166, “1950s History,” looks at some historical events of the ‘50s and couples them with the most popular recordings[...]
Episode 165, “1940s Senior Prom,”
Episode 165, “1940s Senior Prom,” features 18 recordings of music that would have been played at a high school dance[...]
Episode 164, “Pat Boone,”
Episode 164, “Pat Boone,” features 19 of his recordings, including several from his 1955 album Howdy! and his best-selling 1958[...]
Episode 163, “78RPM Archive,”
Episode 163, “78RPM Archive,” features digitized transcriptions of 17 records on 78RPM discs that were donated to the Boston Public[...]
Episode 162, “My Favorite 1940s Music Part 1,”
Episode 162, “My Favorite 1940s Music Part 1,” presents 18 recordings that Sam Waldron likes so much he would stop[...]
Episode 161, “Country Music 1959-1960,”
Episode 161, “Country Music 1959-1960,” features 18 notable recordings including big hits by Jim Reeves and Hank Locklin, along with[...]
Episode 160, “The Mills Brothers,”
Episode 160, “The Mills Brothers,” focuses on this versatile Black singing group whose popularity lasted for half a century. Recordings[...]
Episode 159, “Songs About Animals,”
Episode 159, “Songs About Animals,” presents 1950s songs about dogs, cats, birds, muskrats, horses, cattle, monkeys, alligators, pigs and bears.[...]
Episode 158, “Number-name Groups,”
Episode 158, “Number-name Groups,” features The Five Red Caps, the Four Tunes, The Four Lads, The Kingston Trio and 13[...]
Episode 157, “Three in One,”
Episode 157, “Three in One,” explores three separate themes in one hour. First, the phenomenon of “ghost singers” in movies.[...]
Episode 156, “The Real Patsy Cline,”
Episode 156, “The Real Patsy Cline,” compares and contrasts the sound of her polished studio style with her performances at[...]
Episode 155, “New Life for 1940s Music”
Episode 155, “New Life for 1940s Music,” features nine #1 hit songs from the 1940s and compares each one to[...]
Episode 154, “Jerome Kern,”
Episode 154, “Jerome Kern,” focuses on one of the premier songwriters of the 20th century. Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, The[...]
Episode 153, “Easy Listening,”
Episode 153, “Easy Listening,” presents 17 recordings from the late ‘50s and early ‘60s that were typically chosen to appeal[...]
Episode 152, “Lawrence Welk,”
Episode 152, “Lawrence Welk,” features the music of one of the most beloved orchestra leaders of the 20th century. Recordings[...]
Episode 151, “Great Ladies of Jazz,”
Episode 151, “Great Ladies of Jazz,” features 18 accomplished jazz singers including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Peggy Lee,[...]
Episode 148, “Tony Bennett,”
Episode 148, “Tony Bennett,” features the legendary singer’s hit singles and tracks from his first few studio albums, all released[...]
Episode 149, “Total Christmas,”
Episode 149, “Total Christmas,” celebrates the holiday with 17 recordings that include country, classical, jazz, pop and rock. Sam Waldron[...]
Episode 150, “High School Prom,”
Episode 150, “High School Prom,” features music that would have been played at high school dances in the 1950s. Many[...]
Episode 147, “1940s Music & History,”
 Episode 147, “1940s Music & History,” looks at some of the most significant historical events of the ‘40s and couples[...]
Episode 146, “Country Hits of the Late 50s,”
Episode 146, “Country Hits of the Late 50s,” presents 19 popular recordings from the country charts in 1957 and 1958,[...]
Episode 145, “Seven Stories,”
Episode 145, “Seven Stories,” focuses on the lives and music of six important performers (plus one group) from the 1940s[...]
Episode 144, “Hank Williams Lost Recordings,”
Episode 144, “Hank Williams Lost Recordings,” presents 16 segments from long-lost transcriptions of Hank Williams’ early morning radio show in[...]
Episode 143, “Songs About Houses,”
Episode 143, “Songs About Houses,” includes nine songs with the word “home” in their title, eight with “house” plus two[...]
Episode 142, “1940s Weather,”
Episode 142, “1940s Weather,” includes 17 songs and stories about storms, sunshine, rain, wind, and snow. Performers include Perry Como,[...]
Episode 141, “1950s Superstars,”
Episode 141, “1950s Superstars,” presents the music of 19 successful ‘50s performers including Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis, Matt Monro, Ricky[...]
Episode 140, “Classic Frank Sinatra,”
Episode 140, “Classic Frank Sinatra,” explores music from every non-holiday studio album he recorded in the 1940s and 1950s. Songs[...]
Episode 139, “Paul’s Playlist,”
Episode 139, “Paul’s Playlist,” presents the diverse early music influences of a man who grew up in a mid-size city[...]
Episode 138, “Flip That Record Over,”
Episode 138, “Flip That Record Over,” presents 20 recordings that were released on the “B” sides of singles. Performers include[...]
Episode 137, “The Jive,”
Episode 137, “The Jive,” explores the many shades of this popular genre that borders rock-and-roll, swing, doo-wop, and rhythm-and-blues. Twenty[...]
Episode 136, “Liberace,”
Episode 136, “Liberace,” presents the life and music of one of the era’s most flamboyant and wealthy entertainers and his[...]
Episode 135, “Grammys,”
Episode 135, “Grammys,” focuses on recordings that won Grammy Awards. Performers include Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly,[...]
Episode 134, “1940s Superstars,”
Episode 134, “1940s Superstars,” presents songs by standout 1940s performers. Included: Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, The Ink Spots,[...]
Episode 132- Elvis Gospel
Episode 132, “Elvis Gospel" 45 RPM, Music of the 40s and 50s Episode 132 Elvis Gospel Playlist 1 I'm Gonna[...]
Episode 133, “Songs with Stories,”
Episode 133, “Songs with Stories,” explores interesting stories behind a dozen popular songs including “Take the A Train,” “Don’t Be[...]
Episode 131, “Perfect Pairs,”
Episode 131, “Perfect Pairs,” presents eight pairs of recordings that go together … or not. Topics include welcome and unwelcome[...]
Episode 130, “1940s Wedding,”
Episode 130, “1940s Wedding,” imagines picking out music for an old-fashioned wedding, with recordings for a reception, walking down the[...]
Episode 129, “Just Good Music,”
Episode 129, “Just Good Music,” presents 20 songs (and a minimum of talk) to represent ‘40s and ‘50s, including love[...]
Episode 128, “Judy Garland,”
Episode 128, “Judy Garland,” presents the life and music of one of the 20th century’s musical and movie superstars. Highlights[...]
Episode 127, “Classic Country Early 50s,”
Episode 127, “Classic Country Early 50s,” presents 20 country music recordings from 1952 through 1955. Performers include Carl Smith, Kitty[...]
Episode 126, “Black Entertainers,”
Episode 126, “Black Entertainers,” features 16 recordings by black artists including Louis Armstrong, Ray Brown, Sam Cooke, The Platters, Fats[...]
Episode 125, “Johnny Burke,”
Episode 125, “Johnny Burke,” highlights the lyrics of this prolific mid-century songwriter. Performers include Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, Ella Fitzgerald,[...]
Show 124, “Johnny Mathis,”
Show 124, “Johnny Mathis,” includes 15 of his songs including big hits like “Wonderful, Wonderful,” “Chances Are,” “It’s Not for[...]
 Show 123, “Hidden Performers,”
 Show 123, “Hidden Performers,” introduces eight very accomplished musicians who mostly never made it into the big time of U.S.[...]
Show 122, “1940s Concert,”
Show 122, “1940s Concert,” features diverse performers from Great Britain re-creating 33 million-selling songs from the 1940s. Performances include “Toot[...]
Show 121, “Songs of Strength,”
Show 121, “Songs of Strength,” presents 19 songs with lyrics that describe strength, whether it’s muscle power, character, or unshakable[...]
Show 120, “The Singer’s Singer,”
Show 120, “The Singer’s Singer,” features the life and music of Great Britain’s Matt Monro. Performances include “Walk Away,” “Real[...]
Show 119, “July Babies,”
Show 119, “July Babies,” features 19 diverse performers who were born in July. These include Jerry Vale, Cindy Walker, Dion[...]
Show 118, “1950s Comfort Music,”
Show 118, “1950s Comfort Music,” presents 19 recordings to show how people escaped the worries of that decade through love[...]
Show 117, “Comfort Music for Troubling Times,”
Show 117, “Comfort Music for Troubling Times,” revisits music that helped people get through the dark days of World War[...]
Show 116, “Thanks for the Music,”
Show 116, “Thanks for the Music,” presents 20 recordings that host Sam Waldron had never heard before starting 45RPM, Music[...]
Show 115, “Sister Rosetta Tharpe,”
Show 115, “Sister Rosetta Tharpe,” explores the flamboyant life and the influential music of the first national gospel music star[...]
Show 114, “Boogie-Woogie,”
Show 114, “Boogie-Woogie,” follows the “invasion” of this musical genre into Carnegie Hall, gospel music, popular music, Christmas music, and[...]
Show 113, “Songs Named For Ladies,”
Show 113, “Songs Named For Ladies,” presents 20 recordings with women’s names in their titles. Included are two songs featuring[...]
Show 112, “1940s Ladies,”
Show 112, “1940s Ladies,” presents 15 recordings by 12 prominent female vocalists, plus two female singing groups, all from the[...]
Show 111, “Rare 1950s Records,”
Show 111, “Rare 1950s Records,” presents 20 recordings that most people never heard, including a female vocalist who sounded like[...]
Show 110, “Mr. New Year’s Eve,”
Show 110, “Mr. New Year’s Eve,” presents 18 recordings by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, one of the most[...]
Show 109, “Midnight Blues Party,”
Show 109, “Midnight Blues Party,” presents 18 recordings, mostly from relatively obscure black performers, that explore many ways to get[...]
Show 108, “New Life for Old Music,”
Show 108, “New Life for Old Music,” contrasts 1940s hits with contemporary recordings. Comparisons include The Glenn Miller Orchestra with[...]
Show 107, “Johnny Mercer,”
Show 107, “Johnny Mercer,” explores the music and life of one of the great songwriters of the era, including a[...]
Show 106, “Secrets of 78s,”
Show 106, “Secrets of 78s,” plays 15 78RPM records found in the closet of Sam Waldron’s friend Bob. Performers include[...]
Show 105, “Cliff Richard,”
Show 105, “Cliff Richard,” presents the life and very early music of legendary British rock star Cliff Richard, who sold[...]
Show 104, “Songs with Stories,”
Show 104, “Songs with Stories,” explores interesting stories behind 10 mid-century recordings. Included are THREE contenders for the first important[...]
Show 103, “B” Side Singles
Show 103, “B” Side Singles, explores 19 songs that record companies put on the back of their records, expecting them[...]
Show 102, “Doo Wop”
Show 102, “Doo Wop” explores this distinctive 1950s genre. The hour includes huge hits such as “Poison Ivy,” “Love Potion[...]
Show 101, “1950s Christmas,”
Show 101, “1950s Christmas,” presents more than 20 Christmas songs from the ‘50s, some well-known and some obscure. Performers include[...]
Show 100, “Helen Forrest,”
Show 100, “Helen Forrest,” explores the music and career of arguably the most successful female big-band singer of the 1940s.[...]
Show 99, “Big Bands,”
Show 99, “Big Bands,” features 18 recordings by 12 bands and orchestras, an hour perfect for dancing. Songs include “Song[...]
Show 98, “1950s Wedding,”
Show 98, “1950s Wedding,” presents a suggested playlist for a wedding with a 1950s theme. We hear 19 songs performed[...]
Show 97, “Lost Memories,”
Show 97, “Lost Memories,” presents 18 songs from the 1950s, most of them largely forgotten by now. Performers include Martin[...]
Show 96, “December Babies,”
Show 96, “December Babies,” presents music performed by 15 artists who had birthdays in December. Performers include Matt Monro, Arthur[...]
Show 95, “The Kingston Trio,”
Show 95, “The Kingston Trio,” presents 17 songs by arguably the most successful singing group of the late 1950s. Songs[...]
Show 94, “Latin Music,”
Show 94, “Latin Music,” presents 18 examples of Latin music by performers including Trini Lopez, Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto,[...]
Show 93, “It’s Jane!”
Show 93, “It’s Jane!” is a musical biography of a girl who grew up in a small, isolated mountain town[...]
Show 92, “The Oddball ‘40s
Show 92, “The Oddball ‘40s,” recalls obscure news items and popular songs from every year, 1940 through 1949. Performers include[...]
Show 91, “The Moon,”
Show 91, “The Moon,” features 18 songs about the Moon, with performances by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Marcels, Louis[...]
Show 90, “Nat King Cole,”
Show 90, “Nat King Cole,” is a musical tribute to one of the most familiar and distinctive voices of mid-century[...]
Show 89, “The Clarinet,”
Show 89, “The Clarinet,” features 17 pieces of music that highlight the clarinet, including jazz, classical and easy-listening. Performers include[...]
Show 88, “Runaway Jukebox,”
Show 88, “Runaway Jukebox,” features 20 songs that would have been heard on jukeboxes in the mid and late 1950s.[...]
Show 87, “Music of 1948,”
Show 87, “Music of 1948,” includes every Billboard #1 hit from 1948 plus several other popular songs from that year.[...]
Show 86, “The Age of Jazz,”
Show 86, “The Age of Jazz,” presents 16 vocal and instrumental jazz recordings, most from the 1940s. Performers include well-known[...]
Show 85, “The Ink Spots,”
Show 85, “The Ink Spots,” traces the story and music of one of the most influential singing groups of the[...]
Show 84, “Train Songs,”
Show 84, “Train Songs,” explores railroad lore through musical performances by Peggy Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash,[...]
Show 83, “Margie’s Mom,”
Show 83, “Margie’s Mom,” traces the wide-ranging musical tastes of a woman who grew up in Panama in the 1940s[...]
Show 82, “Behind the Microphone,”
Show 82, “Behind the Microphone,” reveals the reasons for choosing the first song in a radio show. Performers include Barry[...]
Show 81, “Canadian Sweethearts,”
Show 81, “Canadian Sweethearts,” features recordings by two popular radio and TV stars of the 40s and 50s: Gisele MacKenzie[...]
Show 80, “Music of 1956,”
Show 80, “Music of 1956,” features 20 of the most popular songs and some little-known bits of news from 1956.[...]
Show 79, “Romance!,”
Show 79, “Romance!,” features 16 love songs sung by Mel Torme, 12 of them from a single studio album. Included[...]
Show 78, “Sounds of the ‘40s,”
Show 78, “Sounds of the ‘40s,” features 18 recordings that folks in the 1940s were listening to on the radio[...]
Show 77, “April Babies,”
Show 77, “April Babies,” features recordings by 16 musicians who had one thing in common: Birthdays in the month of[...]
 Show 76, “Top Hits 1954,”
 Show 76, “Top Hits 1954,” features 17 popular songs and some little-known bits of news from 1954. Performers include Rosemary[...]
Show 75, “Songs about cars,”
Show 75, “Songs about cars,” uses 18 recordings to explore the complex relationship between humans and automobiles. Topics include breakdowns,[...]
Show 74, “Guitar Channing,”
Show 74, “Guitar Channing,” explores the music and careers of country singer Bonnie Guitar and Broadway star Carol Channing. The[...]
Show 73, “Saddest Songs,”
Show 73, “Saddest Songs,” uses music to explore variations of grief, loss, heartbreak, and loneliness, and ends with a song[...]
Show 72, “Top Hits of 1950,”
Show 72, “Top Hits of 1950,” presents 10 Billboard best-selling songs and a half-dozen other notable recordings from 1950. Performers[...]
Show 71, “Gospel Music,”
Show 71, “Gospel Music,” explores mid-20th-century gospel music with 13 inspirational recordings by renowned performers including Mahalia Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald,[...]
Show 70, “The birth of Rock and Roll,”
Show 70, “The birth of Rock and Roll,” takes listeners on a 15-year musical journey through the eyes (and ears)[...]
Show 69, “Connie Francis Bobby Darin,”
Show 69, “Connie Francis Bobby Darin,” focuses on two energetic entertainers and includes a few songs you’ve probably never heard.[...]
Show 68, “Top Hits of 1958,”
Show 68, “Top Hits of 1958,” tracks all the #1 Billboard hits from the year, plus some news about cars,[...]
 Show 67, “Songs about Food,”
 Show 67, “Songs about Food,” offers a comprehensive culinary tour of popular music, with songs about fruits, vegetables, meat stew,[...]
Show 66, “1940s Blues,”
Show 66, “1940s Blues,” traces the evolution of blues music through the decade, featuring top hits by 17 performers, including[...]
Show 65, “1950s Heart Throbs,”
Show 65, “1950s Heart Throbs,” features the music of nine handsome male singers who made women swoon. Performers include Jim[...]
Show 64, “Top Hits of 1942,”
Show 64, “Top Hits of 1942,” tracks the most popular music of that year, with 14 recordings by Bing Crosby,[...]
Show 63, “On the road with Sam,”
Show 63, “On the road with Sam,” is an imaginary road trip with Sam Waldron and a playlist of music[...]
Show 62, “Bing Crosby,”
Show 62, “Bing Crosby,” follows the life and musical career of the 20th century’s first true Megastar. We hear 18[...]
Show 61, “Songs with Stories,”
Show 61, “Songs with Stories,” explores interesting stories behind important mid-century songs. Included are “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “St. Louis[...]
Episode 60, “Top Hits of 1952,”
Show 60, “Top Hits of 1952,” tracks the most popular recordings of 1952, playing 17 songs, including ballads, an unusual[...]
Episode 59, “Songs About Body Parts,”
Show 59, “Songs About Body Parts,” uses 19 popular songs to lead a comprehensive tour of the human body. Included[...]
Episode 58, “Movie Night with Irving Berlin,”
Show 58, “Movie Night with Irving Berlin,” plays 16 soundtrack recordings from eight movies for which Irving Berlin wrote the[...]
Episode 57, “Georgia Gibbs Tommy Sands
Show 57, “Georgia Gibbs Tommy Sands,” focuses on two energetic entertainers from the mid-century. Nine songs by Sands include “Ring[...]
Episode 56, “Top Hits of 1946,”
Show 56, “Top Hits of 1946,” presents every #1 best-selling song from that year, with performances by Kay Kyser, Johnny[...]
Show 55, “Songs about Beer,”
Show 55, “Songs about Beer,” is focused on (you guessed it!) songs about beer. Performers include Hank Thompson, The Dubliners,[...]
Episode 54, “George and Ira Gershwin,”
Show 54, “George and Ira Gershwin,” features 17 recordings of music written by two brothers who played a huge role[...]
Episode 53, “The Jazz Age,”
Show 53, “The Jazz Age,” features a variety of jazz performances, both vocal and instrumental, from the 1930s through the[...]
Episode 52, “1950s Easy Listening,”
Show 52, “1950s Easy Listening,” features 17 very popular recordings from the 1950s that were regarded as “suitable for adults”[...]
Episode 51, “Ella Fitzgerald,”
Show 51, “Ella Fitzgerald,” features 16 recordings by a towering figure in jazz and popular music. Songs include “I Wish[...]
Episode 50, “1940s Heart throbs,”
Show 50, “1940s Heart throbs,” features recordings from a baker’s dozen handsome crooners from the 1940s who had the power[...]
Episode 48, “Epilogue to the 1950s,”
Show 48, “Epilogue to the 1950s,” presents 17 hit songs from 1960, 1961, and 1962 to show how the themes[...]
Episode 47, “Top Hits of 1940,”
Show 47, “Top Hits of 1940,” presents 15 popular songs from the first year of the 1940s, including three that[...]
Episode 46, “1950s Slow Dancing”
Show 46, “1950s Slow Dancing” presents 18 songs from the ‘50s just perfect for dancing and romancing with the lights[...]
Episode 45 “Answer Songs”
Show 45, “Answer Songs,” pairs nine original songs with “answer songs” that address the original lyrics. Songs include “Mr. Lee,”[...]
Episode 44, “Top Hits of 1959”
Show 44, “Top Hits of 1959,” tracks the most popular recordings of the final year of the 1950s, presenting 17[...]
Episode 42, “The Best of 45RPM”
Show 42, “The Best of 45RPM” presents 16 of Sam Waldron’s personal favorite recordings from Episodes 21 through 40, plus[...]
Episode 43, “Country Music circa 1950,”
Show 43, “Country Music circa 1950,” presents 17 popular country-western recordings from 1948 through 1953. Host Sam Waldron includes some[...]
Episode 41 “The Andrews Sisters,”
Show 41, “The Andrews Sisters,” presents 16 recordings by the most popular female singing group of the mid-20th century. Included[...]
Episode 40, “Top Hits of 1955,”
Show 40, “Top Hits of 1955,” tracks all the No. 1 Billboard hits plus a few other interesting songs from[...]
Episode 39, “Prologue to the 1940s,”
Show 39, “Prologue to the 1940s,” presents 16 popular songs from 1937, 1938, and 1939 that reveal musical threads and[...]
Episode 38, “Top Hits of 1944”
Show 38, “Top Hits of 1944,” tracks every #1 Billboard Magazine best-selling popular record of 1944 – plus four big[...]
Episode 37, “Platters and Fleetwoods”
Show 37, “Platters Fleetwoods,” focuses on recordings by The Platters and The Fleetwoods, two influential vocal groups in the 1950s.[...]
Episode 36, “Top Hits of 1951”
Show 36, “Top Hits of 1951,” includes every No. 1 Billboard best-selling record from that year plus a bit of[...]
Episode 35 New Life Old Music
Show 35, “New Life for Old Music,” presents eight popular songs from the 1940s and ‘50s, contrasting each with a[...]
Episode 34, “1950s Dance Party”
Show 34, "1950s Dance Party," features 20 high-energy recordings from the mid and late ‘50s which are ideal for a[...]
Episode 33, “Forgotten Fifties”
Show 33, “Forgotten Fifties,” features popular songs and performers from the “forgotten” pre-rock-and-roll years 1950 through 1954. Performers include Frank[...]
Episode 32, “Top Hits 1947”
Show 32, “Top Hits 1947,” includes every #1 Billboard best-selling record of 1947 plus several other recordings of note from[...]
Episode 31, “You’ll Never Guess,”
Show 31, “You’ll Never Guess,” is a grab-bag of music and entertainment without restraint, including some music that host Sam[...]
Episode 30- 1940s Dance Party
Show 30, “1940s Dance Party,” presents 20 songs for fast and slow dancing plus tips for hosting your own ‘40s[...]
Episode 29- Louis Armstrong
Show 29, “Louis Armstrong,” celebrates the music of one of the 20th century’s greatest jazz performers with 15 of his recordings.[...]
Episode 28- Top Hits of 1943
Show 28, “Top Hits of 1943,” tracks every #1 best-selling hit record of 1943 plus a few other important songs[...]
Episode 27- Music of Irving Berlin
Show 27, “Music of Irving Berlin” features 16 songs written by one of the greatest American songwriters. Performers include Frank[...]
Episode 26- Doo Wop Singing Groups
Show 26, “Doo Wop Groups,” explores the variety of performers of this 1950s musical genre. Some examples are well-known hits,[...]
Episode 25- The Big Bands
Show 25, “The Big Bands,” plays 16 Big Band songs and samples another nine songs to show the range and[...]
Episode 24- Top Hits of 1957
Show 24, “Top Hits of 1957,” tracks all 17 #1 Billboard hits that year and ends with a 1957-related song[...]
Episode 23- The Perfect Country Song
Show 23, “The Perfect Country Song,” presents 14 big hits from the country charts in 1944 through 1947 in order[...]
Episode 22- Best of 45RPM
Show 22, “Best of “45 RPM”, revisits 16 of Sam Waldron’s favorite recordings from the first 20 shows in the[...]
Episode 21- Music from Canada
Show 21, “Music from Canada” features songs by more than a dozen Canadian performers. Included are Percy Faith, Hank Snow,[...]
Episode 20- Top Hits of 1953
Show 20, “Top Hits of 1953,” includes every Billboard #1 hit plus a handful of other notable songs from that[...]
Episode 19- Doris Day and Pat Boone
Show 19, “Doris Day and Pat Boone,” focuses on two popular 1950s singers and movie stars. The show includes excerpts[...]
Episode 18- World War Two Love Songs
Show 18, “World War Two Love Songs” contains 15 recordings of songs about love, loneliness, separation and homesickness. Performers include[...]
Episode 17- Songs about cities
Show 17, “Songs about cities,” features songs with city names in their titles. It’s a 33,000-mile journey to 15 cities[...]
Episode 16- Hits of 1949
Show 16, “Top Hits of 1949” tracks, in order, every Billboard #1 hit from that year, then adds half a[...]
Episode 15- Gorme and Torme
Show 01, “Pilot,” is an introduction to the program that provides an overview of music in the 1940s and 1950s,[...]
Episode 14- 1950s Rock & Roll
Show 14, “1950s Rock&Roll,” contains 16 recordings by iconic rock stars of the ‘50s. Performers include Little Richard, Johnny Cash,[...]
Episode 13- Pure Fun
Show 13, “Pure Fun,” is an hour of nonsense songs about a variety of topics including genealogy, local politics, residential[...]
Episode 12- Top Hits of 1945
Show 12, “Top Hits of 1945,” tracks every No. 1 Billboard hit of that year and adds a few more[...]
Episode 11- Hoagy Carmichael
Show 11, “Music of Hoagy Carmichael,” includes 14 songs he wrote, from everlasting hits like “Stardust” to obscure-but-fun items like[...]
Episode 10- Hello to Goodbye
Show 10, “Hello, I Love You, Goodbye,” categorizes 16 love songs as “Hello” or “I love you” or “Goodbye,” with[...]
Episode 8-Top Hits of 1941
Show 08, “Top Hits of 1941,” drills down to a single year, playing every No. 1 Billboard hit in order,[...]
Episode 9- The Music of Elvis Presley
Show 09, “Elvis Presley,” features 17 songs sung by The King, including the very first song he sang in public[...]
Episode 5- Fabulous Females
Show 05, “Fabulous females,” features 15 talented female vocalists singing wonderful love songs, some happy and others very sad. Performers[...]
Episode 7-Great Guys
Show 07, “Great Guys,” includes 15 songs by 15 male vocalists, each of whom made music history in his own[...]
Episode 04, “The not-so-boring 1940s”
Show 04, “The not-so-boring 1940s,” has a wide variety of music including a vaudeville routine, jazz, vocal groups, a patriotic[...]
Episode 03, “Songs about dancing”
Show 03, “Songs about dancing,” includes 16 songs about dancing, at least one of which you’ve probably never heard before.[...]
Episode 02, “Vocal groups”
Show 02, “Vocal groups,” highlights interesting songs by vocal groups, some well-known and at least one that’s fairly obscure.  Performers[...]
Pilot Episode-Overview of 1940s and 1950s popular music
Show 01, “Pilot,” is an introduction to the program that provides an overview of music in the 1940s and 1950s,[...]