On This Day, September 3: Nat King Cole and Jim French
Also featured: Fitch Bandwagon.
September 3 Update
This report documents the historical provenance, broadcast scheduling, commercial sponsorship, credited cast, production personnel, alternate circulating titles, and pure narrative synopses for broadcasts transmitting on September 3 across candid Chicago radio studio interviews with Nat King Cole on WBBM, Jim French's contemporary audio drama showcases and Louis L'Amour western adaptations, high-spirited dance orchestra battles on The Fitch Bandwagon for Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo, and midwestern rock-and-roll disc jockey broadcasts, Nat King Cole (1955), Jim French (2000, 2006), Jack McLean and Richard Himber on The Fitch Bandwagon (1939, 1944), and Howard Miller (1939–2006):
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres | Story Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Interview with Nat King Cole on WBBM Chicago" | WBBM Chicago / CBS 1955-09-03 |
Sustaining Music & Celebrity Chat |
Howard Miller (Host) | Nat King Cole (Guest) | ["Music", "Interview", "Howard Miller", "Nat King Cole", "WBBM"] |
Howard Miller conducts a candid in-studio interview with Nat King Cole regarding his latest Capitol record releases and national nightclub tour. |
| "Top Chicago Hit Records and Disc Jockey Chat with Howard Miller" | WBBM Chicago / CBS 1957-09-03 |
Sustaining Disc Jockey Show |
Howard Miller (Host) | WBBM Radio Crew | ["Music", "Talk", "Howard Miller", "WBBM", "Disc Jockey"] |
Chicago disc jockey Howard Miller spins top pop 40 singles, takes listener requests, and offers commentary on local Midwest teen music trends. |
| "Clear Channel and Authenticity with Jim French" | Syndication / KIXI 2000-09-03 |
Sustaining Audio Drama |
Jim French (Host) | Phil Harper (Harry Nile) | ["Drama", "Mystery", "Imagination Theater", "Jim French", "Harry Nile"] |
Jim French discusses the preservation of genuine classic radio audio techniques before presenting a vintage private detective dramatization. |
| "Louis L'Amour Theater (Four-Card Draw) with Jim French" | Syndication 2006-09-03 |
Sustaining Western Audio Drama |
Western Dramatic Cast | Jim French & L'Amour | ["Western", "Adventure", "Imagination Theater", "Louis LAmour", "Jim French"] |
A solitary frontier drifter in a high-stakes saloon poker tournament uses quick-draw wits to expose a crooked card dealer. |
| "Jack McLean and His Orchestra with Fitch Shampoo" | NBC Red (WEAF) 1939-09-03 7:30 PM EDST |
F.W. Fitch Company Fitch Dandruff Remover |
Jack McLean & Orch. | Toby Reed (Announcer) | ["Music", "Big Band", "Fitch Bandwagon", "Jack McLean", "Fitch"] |
Bandleader Jack McLean leads his popular dance orchestra in swinging pop hits and lively sweet-melody arrangements. |
| "Dick Himber and His Orchestra with Fitch Shampoo" | NBC Red (WEAF) 1944-09-03 7:30 PM EWT |
F.W. Fitch Company Fitch Shampoo |
Dick Powell (Guest MC) | Richard Himber & Orch. | ["Music", "Big Band", "Fitch Bandwagon", "Richard Himber", "Fitch"] |
Violinist and conductor Richard Himber presents orchestral swing favorites and comedic musical magic tricks. |