Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-09-17 – A Salute To The City of Detroit
Date: November 12, 2025
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
A nostalgic broadcast of Major Bowes' Amateur Hour, originally aired in 1936, with a special salute to Detroit. The episode features a showcase of amateur performers from Detroit and beyond, peppered with period charm, humorous anecdotes, live music, and a celebration of the spirit and industry of Detroit – the home of Chrysler Corporation.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Saluting Detroit: The program highlights Detroit as America’s motor city, its industrial might, cultural vibrancy, and resilience.
• Celebrating Amateur Talent: Ordinary Americans, from various walks of life, showcase their musical and comedic talents, reflecting the diversity and aspirations of 1930s America.
• Community & Opportunity: Major Bowes emphasizes the opportunities for “ordinary folks” to step into the limelight, offering inspiration and encouragement on a national stage.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Voting & Listener Engagement (00:03 – 01:05)

• Voting Mechanisms: Listeners in Detroit can support their favorite acts via phone (Cherry 5111) or at Chrysler dealerships, while New Yorkers call Murray Hill 89933.
• Corporate Tie-In: Prominent mention of Chrysler’s four cars (Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler), blending product promotion with community spirit.

2. Joe Smith – The Singing Taxi Driver (01:05 – 05:28)

• Performer Introduction: Joe Smith, 46, a Bronx taxi driver, also known for singing and tap dancing.
• Humorous Banter:
  • “I weigh 210 pounds and stand 5 foot 3 in my stocking feet.” – Joe Smith (01:40)
  • Anecdote about a customer choosing his cab just to transport a six-foot tree, invoking laughter.
  • “If I tell you this, it’ll go over big.” – Joe Smith, relaying his wife’s encouragement (02:19)
• Performance: Sings “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie,” earning warm applause.

3. Salute to Detroit – City Profile (05:28 – 08:10)

• Historical Reflection: Major Bowes delivers a glowing tribute:
  • “Detroit has had an unimpeded rapid rise… her future glowing with expectancy and assurance.” (05:35)
• Industrial Power:
  • 1,093 kinds of industry, home of 75% of American car manufacturing.
• Civic Praise:
  • “A message from Governor Fitzgerald truly states: ‘Your salute to the city of Detroit is also a tribute to the true spirit of America…’” (07:14)

4. Robert Rowe – Bass Singer (“Singing Bob”) from Detroit (08:10 – 10:12)

• Backstory:
  • Originally from England, now an automobile trimmer.
  • Nickname: “Singing Bob… sometimes they spell it with a double O.”
• Performance:
  • Sings “Bells in the Lighthouse,” with a rich, resonant bass.

5. Hilda Morse – Young Soprano Amidst Hard Work (10:12 – 14:06)

• Introduction:
  • 17-year-old lyric soprano from the Bronx, helps at parents’ hand laundry and known for her apple meringue pies.
• Aspirations:
  • “I do hope someday to sing at the Metropolitan. So you see, I have much at stake tonight, Major.” – Hilda Morse (11:05)
• Performance:
  • Sings “Un Bel Di Vedremo” from Madame Butterfly.

6. Recap of Previous Winners & Chicago Teaser (14:06 – 16:08)

• Inspiring Stories:
  • Recap of past amateur hour participants achieving success.
  • Next week’s honor city: Chicago.

7. Guest Appearance – Frank W. Smith and a Surprise Harmonica Performance (16:08 – 21:08)

• Frank W. Smith:
  • President of Consolidated Edison, longtime friend of Major Bowes.
  • “I was 13 years old when I went to work.” (17:04)
  • “You’re doing a great service for the young people in our country, opening the door of opportunity to them…” (17:26)
• Harmonica Challenge:
  • Major Bowes recalls Smith sabotaging his golf with “Listen to the Mockingbird.”
  • Smith reluctantly plays harmonica on air, to raucous approval.
  • “That’s the first time I played it since I was 14 or 15 years old.” – Frank Smith (19:09)

8. Listener Greetings & Voting Updates (21:08 – 23:35)

• Floral Gifts:
  • Recognition of contributors and organizations sending congratulatory flowers.
• Voting Results:
  • Joe Smith: 1,175 calls
  • Robert Rowe: 3,475 calls
  • Hilda Morse: 807 calls

9. George Marshall – From Hard Labor to Hopeful Minister (23:35 – 26:10)

• Background:
  • African-American baritone from Wilkes Barre, PA; former coal miner and farmhand.
• Aspirations:
  • “I want to be a minister and preach the gospel.” (23:57)
• Performance:
  • Sings “Land of Deep Degradation,” evoking the struggles and hopes of his background.

10. Closing Salutes & Chrysler Features (26:10 – 28:55)

• Affirmation:
  • “My greatest satisfaction perhaps lies in the fact that every person whom I might persuade… will do so to his or her decided benefit.” – Major Bowes (26:57)
• Chrysler Highlights:
  • Safety, comfort, and value across all four famous cars, with specific price points and features expounded.

11. Show Close (28:55 – 30:00)

• Farewell:
  • “Our brief hour has fled, briefer it seems than any hour I remember. But Thursday of next week approaches to bring us together again…” – Major Bowes (28:55)
• Appreciation:
  • Thanks extended to contestants, Chrysler Corporation, the city of Detroit, and listeners everywhere.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joe Smith’s humor and everyday storytelling:
  • “There are other cabs. Why won’t one of them do?” (02:51)
  • “If I take your taxicab, I can put it on my lap and let it stick out of the top.” (03:06)
• Major Bowes’ poetic tribute to Detroit:
  • “Detroit headlines as world's leader in yspin production… during the season, a steamship glides by every three minutes from this port.” (05:28)
• Frank W. Smith’s candidness:
  • “I decline to answer. On the ground that it might incriminate you.” (18:16)
• George Marshall’s heartfelt ambition:
  • “I want to be a minister and preach the gospel.” (23:57)

Useful Timestamps

• Detroit Voting & Introduction: 00:03 – 01:05
• Joe Smith (Singing Taxi Driver): 01:05 – 05:28
• Salute to Detroit: 05:28 – 08:10
• Robert Rowe (“Singing Bob”): 08:10 – 10:12
• Hilda Morse (Young Soprano): 10:12 – 14:06
• Frank W. Smith (Harmonica): 16:08 – 21:08
• Voting Results & Greetings: 21:08 – 23:35
• George Marshall (Baritone): 23:35 – 26:10
• Chrysler Product Features: 26:10 – 28:55
• Closing Remarks: 28:55 – 30:00

Tone & Style

• Warm, encouraging, and upbeat, with period-appropriate humor and gentle camaraderie among participants.
• Celebratory of everyday Americans, their stories, and ambitions.
• Nostalgic for the golden age of radio, blending entertainment and community spirit.

Ideal for listeners seeking:

• A slice of Americana and radio history
• Heartwarming success stories
• Musical variety and vintage performances
• Community, tradition, and the spirit of ordinary achievement