January 12, 1959-April 26, 1968. This musical series ran semi regularly for almost ten seasons-sometimes weekly, sometimes biweekly, and sometimes as irregularly scheduled specials. All types of music were presented on the hour series; Donald Voorhees conducted the Bell Telephone Orchestra.
Tonight's show is sliced up four ways, with Ethel Merman, Beatrice Lillie, Ray Bolger, and Benny Goodman sharing the hour. Each gets a chance for a change of pace: Ethel Merman discards her customary show tunes and tries out some ragtime numbers. "King Of Swing" Benny Goodman displays his clarinet versatility by tackling a classical selection. Comedienne Beatrice Lillie tries to keep a straight face while singing a pair of ballads. Ray Bolger digs into the past for some songs and dances from the early years of his career. Donald Voorhees conducts the orchestra.
Highlights:
Ethel Merman: "Alexander's Ragtime Band." " Way Down Yonder In New Orleans," "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "After You've Gone. "
Benny Goodman: Weber's Concertino for Clarinet in C minor- E flat.
Beatrice Lillie: " Waltz Song," "Please Be Kind."
Ray Bolger: "We're Off To See The Wizard," "Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries, " "You're a Builder-Upper," "There's a Small Hotel," "Everything I've Got," "Old Soft Shoe."
