13 Master Broadcasts Dated Across Bing Crosby Smokey Bear, DeForest Kelley, and Rodgers & Hammerstein
This update restores and dates 13 archival recordings spanning environmental conservation campaigns, early dramatic work by future science-fiction icons, big band jazz, western comedy variety, Broadway adaptations, and duo-piano mastery: 3…
This update restores and dates 13 archival recordings spanning environmental conservation campaigns, early dramatic work by future science-fiction icons, big band jazz, western comedy variety, Broadway adaptations, and duo-piano mastery: 3 star-studded 1954 U.S. Forest Service conservation programs from Smokey Visits the Stars featuring Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, and Willard Waterman (The Great Gildersleeve) performing skits and songs with Smokey Bear (voiced by Jackson Weaver), a young DeForest Kelley (future Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in Star Trek) starring in 'The Snow Queen' on Stars On Parade alongside Count Basie and His Orchestra (1951), Western character actor Chill Wills hosting his musical variety program with guest Gail Robbins (1952), Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway scores performed on Theater of Hits including Me and Juliet and Carousel (1953), Sammy Kaye's famous orchestra broadcasting live from the Steel Pier ballroom in Atlantic City (1942), and duo-piano virtuosos Cy Walter and Walter Gross dueling on Piano Playhouse (1948).
1. Smokey the Bear: Forest Fire Conservation (1954)
Title
Verified Airdate
Forest Service Campaign
"Smokey Visits the Stars: Guest Bing Crosby on Forest Fire Prevention"
1954-06-15
Bing Crosby singing and bantering with Smokey Bear on public forest safety.
"Smokey Visits the Stars: Guest Dinah Shore on Wildfire Conservation"
1954-06-22
Dinah Shore appealing to campers and drivers to extinguish campfires and matches.
"Smokey Visits the Stars: Guest Willard Waterman (The Great Gildersleeve)"
1954-06-29
Gildersleeve bringing Summerfield comedy to Smokey Bear's forest headquarters.