National Barn Dance Souvenir Program (circa 1944)

NATIONAL BARN DANCE SOUVENIR PROGRAM, softcover, illustrated, 2-staple binding, 1942-1946 when the program was broadcast nationally by NBC. ITEM CONDITION: good. The text block and illustrations are in very good condition with no dog-ears, tears, or marks. There is no bookplate nor signature of a prior owner. This is not a library book nor a remainder. The wraps are in good condition (some age-toning, a tiny fold in upper righthand corner, minor spotting, and some curling of top edge. 9 x 6, 12 pages, 4 ounces XX [Wikipedia] National Barn Dance, broadcast by WLS-AM in Chicago, Illinois starting in 1924, was one of the first American country music radio programs and a direct precursor of the Grand Ole Opry. National Barn Dance also set the stage for other similar programs, in part because the clear-channel signal of WLS could be received throughout most of the Midwest and even beyond in the late evening and nighttime hours, making much of the United States (and Canada) a potential audience. The program was well received and thus widely imitated. National Barn Dance ended its broadcast in 1968. Some of the performers listed in this program included: The DeZurik Sisters (also known as The Cackle Sisters), two of the first women to become stars on both the National Barn Dance and the Grand Ole Opry, largely a result of their original yodeling style. Otto & His Novelodeons, “They could be humorous, then turn right around and do a serious number with the nicest music you could ever hear. So much of a contrast, that you may have wondered if they were the same group.” Lulu Belle and Scotty, the Sweethearts of Country Music (“Daffy Over Taffy”). Eddie Allan, the Dixie Harmonica King. Winnie, Lou & Sally, “Why were they called "Winnie, Lou and Sally"? Was it by accident the first letters of their names were "W L S"? They did many programs in the studio as well as doing many personal appearances in the Midwest.” XX The souvenir program is “chock full” of candy ads (Baby Ruth and Butterfinger).…