Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-03-24 xxx Chicago Night

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-03-24 xxx Chicago Night
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Major Edward Bose

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Introduction

In this episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," Major Edward Bose takes the helm of "Major Bowes' Amateur Hour," a beloved program celebrating the rich tapestry of amateur talent during the Golden Age of Radio. Airing on June 4, 2025, the show transports listeners back to a time when families gathered around the radio to enjoy diverse performances ranging from music and comedy to unique acts.

Host’s Opening Remarks [00:02 - 02:10]

Jimmy Sanborn sets the stage by introducing the evening’s format, highlighting Major Bose’s innovative approach to the traditional amateur hour:

"Major Bose is therefore responsible for the present vogue for amateur hours on the air. It is his proud distinction to be the most copied radio personality to date." [00:02]

Major Bose responds with heartfelt enthusiasm, emphasizing the unprecedented and interactive nature of the show:

"Our proceedings, as you'll observe, are informal, without precedent. And you, within sound of my voice, are just as much a part of this show as these youngsters who come to the microphone." [02:10]

Voting Process and Instructions [00:02 - 02:10]

Listeners are encouraged to participate actively by voting for their favorite contestants. Major Bose outlines the voting mechanisms:

• New York and Metropolitan Area: Call Murray Hill 89933 early and often.
• Chicago: Call Franklin 4900.

"These Chicago votes will be flashed to us within five minutes. And frequent bulletins will be read by Major for those elsewhere mailing." [00:02]

Further instructions detail how to obtain and submit ballots, ensuring widespread participation.

Contestant Performances

The Morris Sisters [03:59 - 09:00]

The show kicks off with the charming Morris Sisters, a quartet showcasing a harmonious blend of piano, saxophones, and drumming. Major Bose introduces them with exuberance:

"First of the microphone is the four piece. Bang." [03:59]

Their performance is well-received, eliciting strong applause from the studio audience and listeners alike.

Percy Wood – The Yodeler [04:26 - 09:00]

Following The Morris Sisters, Percy Wood steps up to the microphone. A Boer War veteran, Percy captivates the audience with his yodeling talents:

"We mustn't applaud too long. That's Percy the yodela." [04:26]

His unique performance adds a delightful variety to the evening’s lineup.

Franklin Jensen – Baritone from the Virgin Islands [09:00 - 07:31]

Franklin Jensen, a baritone singer from the Virgin Islands, delivers a heartfelt rendition of "Waterboy." Major Bose engages in a brief dialogue to understand Franklin's background and aspirations:

Major Bose: "What do you want to sing?"
Franklin Jensen: "Water Boys."
Major Bose: "Thought so." [09:00]

Franklin’s performance is both passionate and technically proficient, drawing comparisons to legendary artists like Paul Robeson.

Saxophone Trio with Clyde Doer [10:54 - 11:38]

Clyde Doer, a renowned saxophone virtuoso and dedicated teacher, introduces a trio comprising three young saxophone enthusiasts aged between 10 and 15. Major Bose praises their skill and the instrument’s versatility:

"Saxophone... is an instrument with a human quality and is greatly loved and very effective." [10:54]

Their synchronized performance adds a sophisticated musical element to the show.

Mary Miller – Soprano from Hamburg [13:04 - 18:31]

Mary Miller, accompanied by her young son, delivers an emotional performance of "I Carry You in My Pocket." Balancing her role as a mother and her passion for singing, Mary shares her aspirations:

"I would like to sing opera. If anybody would give me a chance, you know." [13:56]

Her heartfelt ballad resonates deeply with the audience, highlighting the personal sacrifices behind artistic pursuits.

Adele Kaplan – Young Talent [15:06 - 18:31]

Adele Kaplan, at just 13 years old, impresses with her vocal prowess. Major Bose commends her nuanced performance and expressive delivery:

"Do you remain till the sun grows cold I take..." [15:26]

Adele’s maturity in performance showcases the promising future of young talent on the show.

Al Shula – One-Man Band [23:06 - 27:09]

Al Shula brings humor and creativity with his one-man band act, utilizing homemade instruments to accompany his singing:

Al Shula: "Well, I sell them naked." [23:20]

Major Bose discusses the pitfalls of fraudulent radio schools, adding a cautionary tale before Al’s entertaining performance of "My Mother's Eye" captivates listeners with its charm and ingenuity.

Voting Results and Polls [16:25 - 21:31]

As performances unfold, Major Bose shares real-time voting results, fostering a sense of competition and excitement:

"The Morris sisters got 1243 calls. Percy Wood... got two." [16:25]

The segment highlights the immediate impact of audience engagement and the popularity of certain acts.

Guest Interaction and Testimonials [21:31 - 23:06]

Jimmy Sanborn interrupts to share encouraging feedback and testimonials from listeners, including a letter from Rosa Poncel and a commendation from Governor Herbert H. Lehman of New York:

Rosa Poncel: "My dear Major, with so many achievements already to your credit... bravo and heartiest congratulations." [22:27]

Governor Lehman: "I am glad to congratulate you on the inauguration of your new radio broadcast..." [22:27]

These endorsements underscore the show's significance and Major Bose’s impactful role in the community.

Conclusion

The episode of "Major Bowes' Amateur Hour" encapsulates the spirit of communal participation and the celebration of diverse talents. Major Edward Bose’s engaging hosting, combined with the heartfelt and varied performances of amateur artists, creates an enriching and nostalgic listening experience. The interactive voting system not only empowers listeners but also highlights the emerging stars of the radio stage.

Key Quotes

• Major Edward Bose:

  "Our proceedings... are informal, without precedent." [02:10]

• Mary Miller:

  "I never would miss my child for anything or any money in the world." [14:15]

• Jimmy Sanborn:

  "That's two votes for the major. Put them in a class with a yodel." [21:34]

• Major Edward Bose:

  "The studio is crowded with friendly faces. There are Millions listening." [02:10]

Notable Moments

• Interactive Voting: The real-time voting process engages listeners and adds a dynamic competitive edge to the show.

• Emotional Performances: Acts like Mary Miller’s "I Carry You in My Pocket" provide depth and personal storytelling through music.

• Humorous Acts: Al Shula’s one-man band injects humor and creativity, offering a light-hearted break amidst more serious performances.

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This detailed summary captures the essence of "Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-03-24 xxx Chicago Night," highlighting key performances, interactions, and the vibrant community spirit that defines the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Jimmy Sanborn]

Tonight, Jason Sanborn presents Major Bo's Amateur Hour. There have been amateur hours in the theater and there have been amateurs on the radio. But about a year ago, Major devised a new pattern of radio Amateur Hour. Something that was entirely original and had never been done before. Major Bose is therefore responsible for the present vogue for amateur hours on the air. It is his proud distinction to be the most copied radio personality to date. Major Bowe's own original Amateur Hour presented tonight is made possible by your purchases of Tayson Sanborn's dated coffee. The coffee, you know is fresh. These amateurs exhibit their wares. You select the winners by your vote. There are two ways to vote. If you live in the vicinity of New York, you telephone your votes early and often. The number is Murray Hill, 89933. I repeat, Murray Hill 89933. In addition, tonight is Chicago Night. By special arrangement, Chicago listeners will also vote by calling Franklin 4900. That's Franklin 4, 900. These Chicago votes will be flashed to us within five minutes. And frequent bulletins will be read by major for those elsewhere mailing. Ballots are supplied free at your groceries. Or you may, of course, write in on your own stationery. Decide tonight which contestants you wish to vote for and get your official ballot from your grocer tomorrow. Remember, Chicago in Vicinity calls Franklin4,900. New York and metropolitan area. Call Murray Hill 89933 and call quickly. Major will announce the names of the first two Chicago voters. Also the names of the first two voters from the New York metropolitan area. The leaders in the voting will be given professional engagements in RKO metropolitan theaters. So please help these deserving youngsters by voting early and often. I now present Major Bose.

[Major Edward Bose]

Thank you, Jimmy, and good evening, friends. This is the proudest moment I've ever known in radio. And I've been at the microphone for more than a decade. And by the same token, I feel a greater responsibility than ever before. Our proceedings, as you'll observe, are informal, without precedent. And you, within sound of my voice, are just as much a part of this show as these youngsters who come to the microphone. The studio is enormous. It seats, I don't know how many, a couple of thousand. And these amateurs, lacking experience must stand before this great audience and give a performance. It's a task for a seasoned professional, much less a Simon pure amateur. And so we need your help. We want your votes. Please telephone your choice. Telephone early. Telephone Often you decide the winners. And the winners will receive immediate professional engagement. The studio is crowded with friendly faces. There are Millions listening. I'm going to repeat the telephone numbers again. In New York, It's Murray Hill 89933. In Chicago, it's Franklin 4, 900. In this building, girls are sitting at 200 telephones to take your vote. There should be no line busy now. First of the microphone is the four piece. Bang. The Morris sisters. Four little kid sisters. Piano, two saxophones and a trap drummer. And this drummer has a little girl as big as a minute and as cute as cute can be. Watch her little spindle legs work. And so the wheel begins to spin. All right.

[Jimmy Sanborn]

It.

[Sam]

Sam.

[Major Edward Bose]

All right. Paul Whiteman is leading the applause. Paul Weitman is applauding harder than anybody. Those are the Myers sisters. Their little officer played the 12 speed rag. Now we have Percy Wood, Boer War veteran who yodels. All right, Percy, let's hear the yodel. Well, we mustn't. We like your applause, but we mustn't applaud too long. That's Percy the yodela. He was through the Boer War and we went through one of his yodels. So it's even Steven. All right, now, what have we here? The merry go round has started. It's a crazy quilt, a grab bag. It's a whirligig. Just a wheel of fortune. Around we go, each of us sign for the brass ring. I can promise nothing because I never know what's coming. But it's a lot of fun. The first telephone call from the New York area is Mr. Martin McLean. And the second call from the New York area is Ms. Rose Wills. Thank you very much. Now we have Franklin Jensen, baritone. His application states that he's a photographer. Where were you born, Franklin? I was born in the Virgin Islands, major. Which one? St. Thomas St. Croix, St. John. Where? St. Thomas, major. You see, we touch every part of the United States in these amateur hours. You study singing? No. Well, just a little bit to help my voice along. I've always wanted to sing ever since I was a little boy. Well, what do you want to see? Concert singer. Stage, radio. What's your ambition? Concert singer. Now the Roland Hayes and Paul Robeson. Eddie Masters. Yes. Well, in that case, you either want to sing the Glory Road or Deep river or Water Boy. They all do. We all know the song of Paul. He want to sing. What do you want to sing? Water Boys. Water Boys. Thought so. All right, come on.

[Percy Wood]

You Jack O Diamond. You Jack O Diamond. I knows you from old boys. Yes, I knows you from old. You robbed my pocket, John. Rubbed my pocket. Yes, rubbed my pocket. Of silver and gold what a bo. Where are you hiding? If you don't come, why not tell your mom?

[Major Edward Bose]

All right, all right. That's Franklin Jensen, baritone. Franklin Jensen, baritone. Your pause is lovely. But if you drag it out too much. We're going to lose one or two numbers in the course of the evening. We have so much. Franklin Jensen, baritone. From the Virgin Island. He sang Waterboy and Remember Murray Hill, 89933. And in Chicago, Franklin 4900. Now, one of the noblest of all professions is that of teaching. And frequently one of the least appreciated. I say this having in mind a born teacher. Clyde Doer, famous saxophone virtuoso. Saxophone, as you know, is a conf. Comparatively young instrument. The great symphonies, the older symphonies have no part written for saxophone. But it's an instrument with a human quality and is greatly loved and very effective. Now, Clyde Dawes hobby is to teach the young idea how to toot, right? So I invited him here to bring some of his. Invited him to bring some of his pupils. And he's got three boys, one 10 and the others are 15 each. That's a total of four. He is amongst the three of them. So we're going to have a saxophone trio. All right, catch them all it.

[Sam]

Sam.

[Major Edward Bose]

All right, that's three boys. Lewis Smith, Arthur Parkman. And Maxwell Wexler, saxophone amateur. And from Chicago we have the first bulletin. The first call from Chicago was Jack Heinz. The second call from Chicago was Frank Berry. And they both voted for the Morris sisters. That's quick words and thanks Chicago very much indeed. Next week is Philadelphia week. You see, New York and vicinity always calls. But each Sunday night a different other city. All over the United States. Sunday by Sunday. Tonight, Chicago. And next week Philadelphia. And so it goes on. That reaches San Francisco. And that'll be a night that I think I'll get up to my phone myself. But faster and faster swings our little merry go round. It's a big show, ladies and gentlemen. Only a dime, 10 cents a 10 spot of a dollar. This way, neighbors. Step on the inside. The show is going on all the time. Good for a pain in the hip, near ankle, side, back or chest. Thank you, sir. And you thank me, neighbor. How'd you like the show? Terrible. That's what they all say. Good people. Step on the inside and jump aboard. Now let's see who's next. What's the application? Mary Miller. Application reads singer from Hamburg. You live in New York, Ms. Miller? Yes, I suppose it is. That's your little baby, is it? That's your baby? Yes.

[Mary Miller]

I brought him along, Mayor, because I have nobody taking care of him.

[Major Edward Bose]

I think it'll be all right. I'm sure it'll be all right. But don't look at me. I'm sure it'll be all right. But for a singer to step up the microphone, the little boy indicates a story. What sort of singing do you do? Tell us about yourself, Metz.

[Mary Miller]

Soprano. Mezzo soprano.

[Major Edward Bose]

That's her. Soprano.

[Mary Miller]

You know, my husband used to be sheep steward. And he traveled all over the country on account of that. I never get a start, you know. Good to go to my career.

[Major Edward Bose]

Well, moving around all over the country as far as you can. And I suppose your ambition is to sing. But sometimes in our ambitions we forget our real blessings. Be the happiest woman in the world. If you were a prima donna, wouldn't you?

[Mary Miller]

I would like to sing opera. If anybody would give me a change, you know.

[Major Edward Bose]

I know, but how many opera singers would thing of the opera singers it would give up the opera singing if they could have a child like that.

[Mary Miller]

I never would miss my child for anything or any money in the world.

[Major Edward Bose]

Wouldn't give up your child.

[Mary Miller]

I wouldn't give up my child, but. Well, my music. Not either.

[Major Edward Bose]

Well, maybe you can eat your cake and have it too, huh? What do you want to sing?

[Mary Miller]

I think. Please. Please.

[Major Edward Bose]

All right, let's.

[Mary Miller]

But only God cannot.

[Major Edward Bose]

All right. That's Mrs. Mary Miller with a little boy who wants to be an opera singer. Who knows who Telephones Murray Hill, 89933. And in Chicago it's Franklin 4 900. Now, about auditions. Those in New York and vicinity should write. Address your letter to Masa Bowe's Amateur Hour. Care of National Broadcasting Company, RCA building, New York City. And state your qualifications. People who have unusual instruments are especially welcome. Tell us about yourself, and if your letter seems promising, we'll invite you to an audition. Please don't telephone for auditions. Write. Now. This is the application of Adele Kaplan. The application states at the age of 13, won two medals. Graduated from the Julia Richmond High School. Has taken nursery and kindergarten training and studied music, Right? Yes. Major, you won two medals at the age of 13. Sunday school medal.

[Sam]

What kind of medal?

[Mary Miller]

One was from public school and the other one was from the Metropolitan League at the association.

[Major Edward Bose]

The what?

[Mary Miller]

Metropolitan League Association.

[Major Edward Bose]

Metropolitan League Association. Baseball.

[Mary Miller]

No.

[Major Edward Bose]

Well, you have the looks. Whether you have a voice or not, we'll soon find out. What do you want to. What do you want to sing?

[Mary Miller]

I carry you in my pocket.

[Major Edward Bose]

Well, button up your overcoat, come.

[Mary Miller]

I carry you in my pocket In a locket of gold.

[Sam]

Do you remain till the sun grows cold I take.

[Mary Miller]

A little look each morning and I.

[Sam]

Take a little look each night Just to see if you're alright I have the depend of feeling I don't know if it's right or wrong but when I look at you, dear it's just like a lovely spoon so I carry you in my pocket in the locket of gold.

[Major Edward Bose]

All right, all right. Well, your audience is behaving beautifully, I'll say that. I can't see a grouchy face in this whole hall. That was Adele Kaplan. Now we have the first telephone bulletin. First one that's come in from the New York area. The Morris Sisters. Percy Wood, Gloria Berger, Franklin Gentle and Clyde Dawes, pupils. And here is the telephone call. The Morris sisters got 1243 calls. Percy Wood, the Utiler got two. He didn't get a very good start. Matter of fact, the war that went against him. Gloria Burger, 344. Next time she'll be bigger. Okay, and I'll telephone myself. Franklin Jensen from the virgin islands got 111. And the little amateur saxophone is 47. So you see, the calls are coming in now. That takes a little time to get them in motion. And. And we're very grateful. And as I look over at Paul Whiteman, who's worried about his performance tonight, hasn't faced an audience for so long. Feels very much there now. We got who? There he is. One man band. Al Francis, a one man band. You know, in starting these amateur hours, I started to vote for one man band. I'm really proud of it too. Because all the kids are up in the attic digging out old hoop skirts and tin cans and amalgam fillings and pieces of hose and hose pipe and watering cans and making one man bands out of them. Some are grand and some are terrible, but one thing is certain, they always have a lot of apparatus. This one has a bass drum and cymbals and an old belt combo. And I can't look at him and talk in the microphone the same time. Paul, you haven't seen one of those for 20 years. I'll bet. Anyway, we'll see what he has to play. All right. And I started a boat for one man band. He's not only tongue deaf, he's stone deaf. What do the ancient autumn Hibernians do to me? My wild eyes? Rose, help, please. That's Al Francis, the one. Say, who started that vote for one man band? I'D like to find out.

[Jimmy Sanborn]

Major, may I interrupt for just a moment, please?

[Major Edward Bose]

All right, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Sanborn]

I think that everybody in here and everyone on the air should know that the first two calls from New York City, that for Mr. Martin McLean and the one for Ms. Rose Wills, both voted for Major Bowes.

[Major Edward Bose]

That's.

[Jimmy Sanborn]

That's two votes for the major. Put them in a class with a yodel, I guess. Incidentally, Major, we have.

[Major Edward Bose]

That makes three of us. That's three of us.

[Jimmy Sanborn]

We have several telegrams here that I'd like to read at this time. And I think that it really is due you that they should be read. Here's one from Rosa Poncel. My dear Major, with so many achievements already to your credit, it seemed hardly possible that you could add to your laurels. But now your outstanding success in the radio world makes us say once again, bravo and heartiest congratulations.

[Major Edward Bose]

Stop.

[Jimmy Sanborn]

May you continue for a long time to watch over the striving amateurs and continue to guide those worthy of it into channels for serious study for the musical career. Signs rose upon cell. And here's one from the Governor of the State of New York, stated from Albany, Governor Herbert H. Lehman. It's addressed to Major Edward Bose, and he says, I am glad to congratulate you on the inauguration of your new radio broadcast and to wish you the success that has characterized all your programs in the past. Signed, Herbert H. Lehman. That's all, thank you.

[Major Edward Bose]

Well, I said at the beginning that this is my proudest radio night. And so it is. Now we have. Who? Al. Al Shula. Al. Al Shula. Ladies coat. Your application, sir. What do you do with ladies coat?

[Al Shula]

Well, I sell them naked.

[Major Edward Bose]

If you had to buy them, it wouldn't be so easy, would it? And you have an ambition to be a radio singer? Oh, yes. Have you had any experience in radio singing?

[Al Shula]

Well, I had a very unusual experience, Major. About a year ago, I answered an advertisement in the paper for some radio talent. But when I did get there, I saw this agent and he gave me a new addition. Well, a few days later, I see the postcard to see him about a sponsor for a program for me. But when I did get there, he greeted me at the door. 50 cents, please. Well, I gave him the 50 cents, thinking I might have a job.

[Major Edward Bose]

Didn't think you were worth a dollar even.

[Al Shula]

Well, when I did get in there.

[Major Edward Bose]

I must interrupt you because recently the fraudulent radio schools have been springing up and they work a great injustice even for small sums. They get youngsters to come there. No doubt that is Your experience, but make it a little briefer. What happened? Did you go on and pay him and take lessons?

[Al Shula]

Well, I did, and many others did also. Well, here was the beginning of the lesson. You know, he made the 30 or 40 of us stand up in back of his. In front of the seat, you know, and he got up in front of us and said, boys and girls, go this way.

[Major Edward Bose]

You know, I could have him arrested for giving an impersonation of me. Well, go ahead. What is the second veteran defending?

[Al Shula]

Well, I tell you, Major, he says, no matter where you go, I don't care if it's in a subway, in an elevator or outside any. Anywhere you are, don't be ashamed of the folks.

[Major Edward Bose]

Just go. Well, maybe I shouldn't call that school of fraud. Maybe that's the standard. I'm not so sure. But anyway, I'm glad it came up because perhaps the people listening will beware of these fraudulent schools. They really do a great deal of damage. Now, in the meantime, after all those lessons, what do you want to sing?

[Al Shula]

Well, Major, I'd like to sing My Mother's Eye.

[Major Edward Bose]

Audrey Jessel song, huh?

[Al Shula]

That's right, Major. I think I can sing it just as well as he can.

[Major Edward Bose]

Well, you won't get as much. Well, the one thing I'll do. There's one thing I'll promise you. You won't get as much money for singing this either. All right, Come on. My mother's eyes.

[Franklin Jensen]

One bright and guiding light that taught me wrong from right I found in my mother's eyes.

[Major Edward Bose]

Mo's.

[Franklin Jensen]

Baby tale she told My throttle paved with gold I found in my mother's.

[Major Edward Bose]

Eye.

[Franklin Jensen]

Just like a wandering sparrow One lonely soul I walk the straight and narrow so it's my goal.

[Major Edward Bose]

God's gift.

[Franklin Jensen]

And from above One real unselfish love I found in my mother.

[Major Edward Bose]

All right. Who sells ladies coats and imitates George Gibbet? All right, Jimmy.

[Announcer]

Our operators will be on duty for another half hour, so there's still time for you to telephone your vote call Murray Hill, 89933 in New York or Lafayette 7500 in Boston. Elsewhere throughout the United States and Canada, grocers have free ballots for you to use. Or you can vote by letter or postcard, then in care of your own station. Bear in mind the saving you can make by getting Chase and Sanborn's dated copy in its new, inexpensive, dated bags. The coffee is the same superb blend as always, and it reaches you at its best because its freshness is guaranteed by the dating plan. The only difference is the new bag and the lower price it makes possible. We save money by using a bag instead of an expensive can. And we pass the saving on to you. Try this rich full flavored coffee. Buy a bag of Tayson Sanborn's dated coffee tomorrow.

[Major Edward Bose]

And until next Sunday. Good evening, friends.