A Little Bit of Everything 1928-09-11 A Little Bit of Everything

Summary

Podcast Summary: "A Little Bit of Everything"
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: June 2, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "A Little Bit of Everything," hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, specifically to September 11, 1928. This episode delves into the intricate process of crafting a sponsored radio program, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and creative dynamics of early radio broadcasting.

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Behind-the-Scenes of Radio Program Production

Gene and Jack, the central figures in this episode, represent the dynamic duo responsible for developing sponsored content for WAAM Radio in Newark. The episode opens with a narration that sets the stage for an insider’s view into the Edison Studios, emphasizing the meticulous effort behind creating engaging radio programs.

Narrator (00:48): "Few listeners perhaps realize the amount of time and effort that is spent in preparing the program so that it will be entertaining and instructive."

Gene and Jack face the task of producing a sample program for the Williams Confectionery Company, a sponsorship opportunity that proves to be more challenging than anticipated.

Jack (01:32): "It's this candy account. I've got to rush through a sample program for them, and my brain is about as dry as the WCTU handy accounter."

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Challenges in Creating a Sponsored Program

The primary challenge lies in integrating the sponsor's product—candy—into an engaging radio program without compromising the entertainment value. Jack expresses frustration over the lack of direction and the difficulty in aligning the candy theme with appealing content.

Jack (02:03): "Oh, everything. I can't get started. I guess I'm getting stale or something."

Gene attempts to alleviate the tension by brainstorming ideas to incorporate the candy theme effectively, suggesting the creation of a segment titled "A Little Bit of Everything."

Gene (03:00): "How's that, Jack, old bean?"

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Developing "A Little Bit of Everything"

The segment "A Little Bit of Everything" is envisioned as a variety showcase, blending different musical genres and themes to subtly promote the Williams Confectionery products. Gene emphasizes the need for diversity in content to keep the audience engaged.

Gene (03:06): "Dance music, love themes, old timers, all kinds of stuff."

Jack is skeptical about the feasibility but acknowledges the necessity of moving forward despite the uncertainties.

Jack (03:21): "Rehearsal? Why, good grief, man, you don't even know what you're going to rehearse."

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Creative Process and Musical Selections

The creative process involves collaboration with various musicians, including Harry and George, to curate a mix of soothing melodies and lively tunes that align with the candy theme. The dialogue reveals the iterative nature of content creation, highlighting trial and error in selecting the right musical pieces.

Gene (06:29): "Ladies and gentlemen, we introduce tonight a new feature, A Little Bit of Everything..."

However, not all selections resonate as intended, leading to humorous exchanges and adjustments.

Jack (29:18): "That's a good unit, Gene, but I don't like the selection."

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Issues and Resolutions

As the team grapples with balancing candy promotions and musical variety, logistical issues arise, such as synchronizing announcements and avoiding disjointed transitions between segments. Gene and Jack navigate these hurdles by refining their approach and reworking problematic elements.

Jack (49:28): "You're not only planning a radio program, but you're designing a box of candy at the same time."

The episode portrays the resilience and adaptability required in early radio production, culminating in Gene persuading Jack to persist with the project despite setbacks.

Gene (55:32): "Well, that's broadcasting. Why was it put off?"

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Finalizing the Program

With renewed determination, Gene and Jack finalize the program, integrating diverse musical selections and seamless announcements. The segment "A Little Bit of Everything" is set to premiere, promising a rich tapestry of content designed to captivate listeners while subtly promoting Williams Confectionery.

Jack (60:22): "Now, what do you think of that, Gene? That's... wait a minute."

The episode concludes with the anticipation of the program's success and a hint at future episodes, maintaining the listener's interest in the ongoing production saga.

Narrator (60:38): "I'll be here again Tuesday night and if you all want to come along..."

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Notable Quotes

• Jack (01:32): "It's this candy account. I've got to rush through a sample program for them, and my brain is about as dry as the WCTU handy accounter."

• Gene (03:00): "How's that, Jack, old bean?"

• Gene (06:29): "Ladies and gentlemen, we introduce tonight a new feature, A Little Bit of Everything..."

• Jack (49:28): "You're not only planning a radio program, but you're designing a box of candy at the same time."

• Gene (55:32): "Well, that's broadcasting. Why was it put off?"

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Conclusion

"A Little Bit of Everything" offers a comprehensive glimpse into the collaborative and creative efforts behind early radio programming. Through the experiences of Gene and Jack, listeners gain an appreciation for the complexities of integrating sponsorships with engaging content. This episode not only entertains but also educates on the foundational practices of nostalgic radio broadcasting, making it a valuable listen for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for Every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, beers. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair Voiceover]

Wayfair Every style, every home.

[Narrator]

We are broadcasting over waam, and this.

[Gene]

Comes to you direct from the Edison Studios. WAAM, located at 1 Bond Street, Newark, operates on a frequency of 1120 kilocycles.

[Narrator]

All of you are probably familiar with the sponsored radio program which are rapidly becoming the highest type entertainment features on broadcasting stations. The finished product in a great majority of cases is a most satisfactory program from the listener's viewpoint. However, few listeners perhaps realize the amount of time and effort that is spent in preparing the program so that it will be entertaining and instructive. Let us therefore take a peek into the workshop where these broadcasting units are conceived and put together. We will be unexpected guests, so we'll just make ourselves as inconspicuous as possible in order not to force company manners on our hosts. Be very quiet now. Here we are.

[Jack]

Hey, Gene, come here a minute, will ya? Sure, Jack.

[Gene]

What's troubling our budding continuity rider this morning?

[Jack]

It's this candy account. I've got to rush through a sample program for them, and my brain is.

[Gene]

About as dry as the WCTU handy accounter.

[Jack]

What could be sweeter? It may sound sweet to you, but it's been poison to me so far. I haven't enough time to give it anything but a lick and a promise, and I can't even start the lick.

[Gene]

Why, I never heard you talk that way before. Jack, what's wrong?

[Jack]

Oh, everything. I can't get started. I guess I'm getting stale or something.

[Gene]

Well, you certainly won't do much for a candy account if you're stale. However, it's probably better for the audience that it's you and not the candy that's suffering from this.

[Jack]

Shut up this kidding Dean and give me a hand. This is serious.

[Gene]

Oh, I'll help you, all right. But you don't expect me to submerge my sunny disposition just to match your doctor on tape.

[Jack]

I should have known better than to even think you could forget your pitiful attempt at humor. But if you really put your mind on this job, I guess I can stand your wife rack Here, sit down over here so we can get going anyway.

[Gene]

All right, give me a piece of paper. Now, let's see. We're going to sell candy. That ought to be easy. You can use all kinds of appeals there. There's romance, cleanliness.

[Jack]

Don't try to be scientific. We haven't time for any analysis. Just figure out what sort of talent to use so we will at least have made a start.

[Gene]

Gosh, you're touchy today. But if you won't let me do any figuring, at least tell me what you're going to push.

[Jack]

Candy.

[Gene]

Oh, I know, but what's their special. What do they call their big seller?

[Jack]

Well, that's just it. They haven't any. A little bit of everything.

[Gene]

Fine, fine.

[Jack]

There's your cue for the program.

[Narrator]

A little bit of everything.

[Gene]

Dance music, love themes, old timers, all kinds of stuff. Come on, oh, gloom face. Let's grab ourselves a flock of loose talent and have a rehearsal.

[Jack]

Rehearsal? Why, good grief, man, you don't even know what you're going to rehearse.

[Gene]

Well, never mind. You want my help, don't you?

[Jack]

Yes.

[Gene]

Well then shut up and come on. I'm like the organ grinder's monkey. I work better to music.

[Narrator]

Well, this promises to be interesting. Though I must confess that so far I have been rather surprised at the methods used. It hardly seems possible that we are seeing the assembling of a future program high spot. But I suppose Jack and Jean belong to that irrepressible younger generation which performs miracles while appearing to be occupied only with thought through day's pleasures. We might as well see this thing through now that we've started. So let's follow them. There they go through that door marked B. Let's hurry. We don't want to miss anything.

[Jack]

Hey, whoa, wait a minute there, boys. Wait a minute. We're here to work, not play. Why, they always work at their play, Jack.

[Gene]

Uh huh.

[Jack]

And if you'll wait a minute, I'll write out a lot more labs. But that you can put them in their proper places. After your witty remark, it'll save me a lot of time and effort.

[Gene]

For heaven's sake, Jack, take that chip off your shoulder. Oh, Harry, give us a nice lively number and see if we can pep this poor boy up a little.

[Harry]

It's.

[Gene]

That's fine, but it won't do for an opener. No, no. Now Harry, here's what we want. A nice soothing melody that's going to make folks mouths water. And take it easy on the last chorus so that I can make the announcement, and after I finish reading, jump right into a real lively tune. Jack and I will write up something while you're playing so you can start whenever you're ready.

[Harry]

It's Sam.

[George]

There's a lot for sweet Mariana where the tropic winds are blowing. Someday I will be going to that.

[Gene]

Sunny south bed Packages by Expedia.

[Narrator]

You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less Expedia Made to travel.

[George]

Honolulu. In that land of daily sunshine you'll find eternal springtime with Moana and her smile. When Jade and I are floating with shadows softly creeping. I know Moana's weeping In that sunny South Sea isle I will look for sweet Moana where tropic wines are flowing. Someday I will be going to that sunny southeast isle there's love for sweet wine on where the tropic winds are blowing. Someday I will be going through that sunny South Sea isle. Far off in Honolulu in that land of Bailey sunshine you'll find eternal springtime with Moana and her smiles. When shades and I are falling with shadows softly sleeping.

[Gene]

Ladies and gentlemen, we introduce tonight a new feature, A Little Bit of Everything, which will from now on be a regular part of our Friday evening program. The Williams Confectionery Company, manufacturers of distinctive candy, is taking this method of acquainting you with their new assortment. A Little Bit of Everything it. How's that, Jack, old bean?

[Jack]

Sounds all right. But this Williams company haven't got any new assortment called A Little Bit of Everything.

[Gene]

Oh, I know they haven't, but I think it's good. And perhaps this sample program will sell the Williams crowd the idea of marketing one. At any rate, you asked my help in your getting. And after it's all done, you can take my poor effort up to that.

[Jack]

Boss of yours for his opinion.

[Gene]

The trouble with you is your scared stiff to try anything that isn't along the same old lines that have always been acceptable to the board.

[Jack]

Yes, but.

[Gene]

Well, let's not talk about that now. What's the next thing? Say, George, suppose you step in now and give us a taste of sunny skies, soft breeze, murmuring trees, you know, a birch canoe, the girl you love and a little bit of Everything. We'll try to think of some name other than Sweet Williams or the Candy Kid.

[George]

The girl of my dreams is the sweetest girl of all the girls that I know My spirit like a rainbow trail Faint in the otter's law. The blue of her eyes and the gold of her Hair like a sun in the western sky Open her not a beam I'm the girl of my dream She's a sweetheart I'm a seama.

[Harry]

Sa. Sam.

[George]

Ask me for your sweetest part I'm in love with you Let me whisper that you love in your eyes of blue Let me call you sweetheart I in love with you.

[Harry]

Sam.

[Jack]

That's pretty, Gene. And I think that announcement just about fills the bill, too. Candy and romance are pretty close together.

[Gene]

Thanks, Jack, but this thing gets hotter and hotter every night.

[Jack]

You said it. It's no easy job to take some products instead of some music and write things to say between numbers and bring in the station announcement and everything so that when you're finished, you're. You've got a nice program unit.

[Gene]

Oh, I know it isn't, but it's been done before and we've got to do it right now. So let's not burden ourselves by crying out how hard it is.

[Jack]

Well, who started this crying business anyway? Besides, I never saw such a mess as you've got right now. Whoever heard of trying to write up a continuity the way you're doing? A lot of palace sitting around doing nothing.

[Gene]

All right, all right. Let's make them work. As long as they're here, music is a good stimulant for some heavy thinking. Come on, Harry. Let's hear what else you've got.

[Harry]

It.

[Jack]

Say, if this is going to be a little bit of everything, we'll have to get more variety than we've got now.

[Gene]

That's right. We ought to have some of the fair sex in here, too. Who's in them this morning, do you know?

[Jack]

Well, we're using Janet in that midday feature. She ought to be around. I'll take a look and see who I can find. Wait.

[Gene]

Before you go, how would a piano.

[Jack]

Dub will do as a little bit of variety?

[Narrator]

Fine.

[Jack]

Then maybe you could work in a banjo solo, too. I'll try to get a few more features and come back. Go ahead.

[Gene]

And while you're gone, I'll see what other combinations we can make out of this bunch we've got here. Oh, Harry, come here, will you? Oh, nothing's the matter. Just want your valuable assistance. Say, have you got any soloists in that out to the yours?

[Jack]

Why, they're all solo.

[Gene]

I thought you'd say that. What I mean is a real fellow. Yes, and that's what I mean, too. And if you don't believe it, I'll prove it to you. Thanks, Fell.

[Jack]

There.

[Gene]

How's that?

[Jack]

Too hot?

[Gene]

Much too Hot. That tune would sure make a mess of this box of candy. But each of your boys did his stuff. Okay, can you give us a solo.

[Jack]

That'S a little sweeter?

[Gene]

Like Home Sweet Home? Something different is what I want.

[Jack]

Well, how about a sax quartet?

[Gene]

Fine, if you've got one, let's hear it. Wait a minute, here's Jack. Got anything, Jack?

[Jack]

Yes, Ms. Jana Bushett and a few more on.

[Gene]

Hey, how about that sax quartet? Sure, go ahead while I see what Zach does. Up.

[Harry]

Ram Sam. Ra Sam.

[Jack]

That's a good unit, Gene, but I don't like the selection.

[Gene]

Well, never mind about the selections. We can change that. Now, what have you got?

[Jack]

Well, wait till you hear them. There's no use telling you about them. You'll want to hear them anyway.

[Gene]

Well, that suits me. While you're getting them started, I'll get back to some of these announcements. Sa.

[Harry]

It.

[Narrator]

Sa.

[Harry]

It.

[Jack]

Here's something a little different, Gene. Tell me how you like it.

[Wayfair Voiceover]

Break on the man is be while.

[Harry]

Yes, it's Jesus.

[Jack]

Well, how do you like that, boy?

[Gene]

Fine for you alone's a favorite of mine too. Let's have that piano double now. Say, Ernie, break out your two pianos, will.

[Harry]

It?

[Gene]

Sa Wow. I wonder how long a piano would stand that sort of view. Did you miss any of the keys, Ernie? The guest.

[Jack]

There's a lot of variety here, but.

[Gene]

I don't think it's going to be hard. Oh, it is going to be hard to jump right from a beautiful solo into a red hot piano double.

[Jack]

Everybody's doing it. Besides, we're selling a little bit of everything in the way of candy.

[Gene]

We'll have to give them a little.

[Jack]

Bit of everything in the way of music.

[Gene]

Well, all right, let's have the rest of your gang. Sure.

[Jack]

Why don't you hear this? All right, Sugarman up.

[Wayfair Voiceover]

Everything is lovely, the world is so serene When I say things are lovely know just what I mean it means that I'll be happy no more I'll have to yes, why I'm happy oh so happy Cuz the one answers yes Singing merrily and the sun was shining peacefully not my baby, don't be maybe now say when they're treated questions me I'll answer yes sir, yesterday no my baby, don't be baby now.

[Harry]

I just had a little letter yesterday Now I.

[Wayfair Voiceover]

Feel it, little feather so I'll say life is yours mighty sweet I know mine is quite a sweet Cuz my baby does be Maybe now they birds were singing merrily and son was gonna speak to Me because my baby don't be maybe now and when that preacher questions me I'll answer yes or yes or E Because my baby does be Baby now I just had a little.

[Harry]

Letter yesterday Now I feel a little.

[Wayfair Voiceover]

Better so I'll say I Keep your slide, please I know what is like me Come on, baby I'll be baby.

[George]

Now.

[Jack]

That number sort of set things up a little safer, Gene Jeffy's Reliance to do a popular number. So don't you think that'll be a good idea? Okay.

[Gene]

How about it, George? Well, that's some number. But don't you think we've got enough jazz, Jack?

[Jack]

Yes, I do, but the next group is by no means jazz.

[Gene]

Well, let's hear it, then. All right, go ahead.

[Jack]

Bob. Sa.

[Harry]

Sam. Ram. Sam.

[Jack]

Now, what do you think of that, Gene? That's. Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[Gene]

That won't do.

[Narrator]

That's terrible.

[Gene]

But what's terrible?

[Jack]

That wisecrack about the caramel on the dessert. Wow, that's awful.

[Gene]

Awful.

[Jack]

One has to play on words.

[Gene]

Carmel, Camel, dessert, desert.

[Jack]

Play on words. That's roughhouse. Cut it out, Gene. I wouldn't let that pass.

[Gene]

Oh, just put it in there to see if you're awake or not.

[Jack]

Well, I'm awake all right, and feeling better every minute or two. But, say, what are we gonna call the singer?

[Gene]

Oh, I don't know. The three, two tenor or something like that.

[Jack]

Oh, quit kidding, Gene. You can't call them that. And we've gotta call them something. How about. How about the Virginia Sugar Pump?

[Gene]

That nice. Or Bonbon or Candy Truin or something like that. Why, there's lots of possibilities, Jack. Let's get him to sing a little more. Perhaps he'll give us some inspiration. Say, Walter, you do a number for us.

[Jack]

It.

[Harry]

Sam.

[Jack]

Tomorrow night.

[George]

Why do I care, my love for walking between the raindrops Let the sun is flash and the lightning flash why do I care my love falls and walk in between the rainbows. You change the clouds away and change the gray into a sky of blue. You let the rainfall come through. Let's the weatherman do the best he can Watch white came along.

[Narrator]

The rain.

[Jack]

Hey, this is getting funny. You're not only planning a radio program, but you're designing a box of candy at the same time. What are you trying to put in there now? A gumdrop?

[Gene]

Yeah. No box of candy.

[Jack]

That's supposed to be a little bit.

[Gene]

Of everything would be complete without a gumdrop.

[Jack]

Well, you'll have a prime time trying to hook up some musical selection with a gun drop. Is that so?

[Gene]

Did you ever hear of Dr. Cook? Didn't he feed gumdots to the Eskimos? And haven't the Eskimos got their own peculiar type of music?

[Jack]

Well, that's easy. All you gotta do is quit laughing.

[Gene]

What's so funny about that?

[Jack]

If this program ever goes over the air and the radio audience gets the kick out of it that I'm getting right now, Your fortune's made, brother.

[Gene]

Well, I'll bet Harry can play some Eskimo music that I can work up into a lead for a gun. Violence an aw.

[Jack]

Go ahead, Harry. Give us some nice music. Nice chilly stuff about icebergs and northern lights and the midnight sun. Seems to me that sort of music would apply to a chocolate peppermint easier than to a gumdrop.

[Gene]

Are you satisfied? I told you you could sit on your gumdrop.

[Jack]

All right. It's a cold number.

[Gene]

It's not so hot. Listen, you're getting my help. Please give me room. I'll give you.

[Jack]

You must have been thinking about an ice cream cone instead of a gun job. Is that right?

[George]

Cold.

[Gene]

I. You kill me. Sh.

[Jack]

The cold music off. I'm getting a chill.

[Gene]

And that's a hot yourself.

[Harry]

This is going to be good.

[Jack]

I know I can see this lady. All that snow all over the top of it.

[Gene]

Is that it? Can me?

[Jack]

I think we better leave that gumdrop out of the program. It's too hard to fit in. But say, wait a minute. How about the station amount?

[Gene]

Yeah, that's got to go in somewhere. Gosh, I hate to break up a perfectly good continuity by saying standby for safety and announcements.

[Jack]

And so do I. Someday they'll cut out that periodic announcement of the call letter. But just can't introduce it gracefully. And I don't see where it's so absolutely necessary.

[Gene]

Neither do I. But if it's got to go in, let's just bust right in with it after a musical selection without any standby.

[Jack]

Okay. Mark down your 14 second wait on the timesheet. I'll have the boys play some more. And then I'll make an announcement just so you get it done. Hey, Harry, let's hear some less popular stuff.

[Harry]

Sam.

[George]

Me you are my dar we dance. I honor and I long you like the sunshine in all its slender. And I surrender each time you smile. Angela, me are my presence now and I am thankful for Angela, me are.

[Gene]

Who's that fellow you were just talking to?

[Jack]

Jack?

[Gene]

Who is it?

[Jack]

Disaster, that's who it is. I just wring his neck after all of this.

[Gene]

What's the matter?

[Jack]

What's the matter? It's all off.

[Gene]

All off? You mean this program?

[Jack]

Yeah, it's been put off for two weeks.

[Gene]

Good.

[Jack]

Nice.

[Gene]

Well, that's broadcasting. Why was it put off?

[Jack]

The Williams people want to work up a new assortment and are holding up everything.

[Gene]

Jack, quick, tell that fellow it isn't off and tell him we want him to listen to this program right away. Take it tomorrow.

[Jack]

Boy, what a break.

[Gene]

I tell you, that little bit of everything is a good idea and with enough time can be worked up in great style. Beat it, Jack. Here's your chance to make a hit.

[Jack]

Hey, I think you were right, Gene. I sure obliged.

[Gene]

Hurry up, beat it and don't stand here. Hey, boys, come over here a minute. Listen, you fellas don't mind working a.

[Jack]

Little late, do you?

[Gene]

Well, that's fine. We've got a chance to put over an idea and we'll have to polish up a real program for tomorrow. Now step on it and run over some of your best numbers. I'll listen to them while Jack's out grabbing opportunity by the scuff of the neck.

[Jack]

All set scene tomorrow afternoon at 2:30. You know, I really do think we can do something with that idea. Say, let's call the wives and tell them we won't be home to supper. The old pet's back again. And boy, you're some little zoom paper. And contrary to all beliefs, the more I get of this candy, the better I feel. Let the boys amuse themselves while we prepare to burn the midnight oil. Come on, Gene.

[Narrator]

Well, that's that. It seems as though Jack and Gene were in for a long sitting. Personally, I'm very anxious to know just what sort of a program the boys will produce. But I suppose you'll have to to wait until next week. I'll be here again Tuesday night and if you all want to come with.

[George]

Me, you're more than welcome.

[Narrator]

We'll meet at the same place and then do a little more eavesdropping on Jack and Jean. I hope you have enjoyed yourselves. It has been a real pleasure to have you along and. Well, until next week then. Be nice.

[John Grimet]

From September 11, 1928. That was a little bit of everything. An audition program recorded by Thomas Edison Studios for WAAM Radio in Newark, New Jersey. Next week we'll stay in Newark a little longer as we experience these fascinating treasures from the earliest days of radio. Join me then. I'm John Grimet and I. And this has been Radio journeys. Have a great week, everyone.

[Harry]

It.

[Gene]

More footnotes next week. And so in friendly fashion, good luck.