Gene Autry's Melody Ranch
Western variety radio show in the United States / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Gene Autry's Melody Ranch is a Western variety radio show in the United States. A 15-minute pilot show aired on December 31, 1939. The program ran from January 7, 1940 to August 1, 1943, and from September 23, 1945 to May 16, 1956.[1] The show's entire run was broadcast over the CBS radio network, sponsored by Doublemint gum.[2] The approximately two-year interruption resulted from Autry's enlistment in the United States Army to serve in World War II. Initially titled Doublemint's Melody Ranch,[3][4] the show's name was changed to Gene Autry's Melody Ranch in early 1941. Episodes were 30 minutes long except for a 15-minute version that ran from September 23, 1945 to June 16, 1946. The theme song was "Back in the Saddle Again".[5]
Other names | Doublemint's Melody Ranch |
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Genre | Country music |
Running time | 30 minutes |
Country of origin | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Home station | CBS KNX Playhouse, Hollywood, CA |
Starring | Gene Autry |
Announcer |
|
Original release | January 7, 1940 (1940-01-07) ā May 16, 1956 (1956-05-16) |
Audio format | Mono |
Opening theme | "Back in the Saddle Again" |
Sponsored by | Doublemint |
In its early years the show was broadcast live before a studio audience from the CBS Columbia Square KNX Playhouse at Sunset and Gower in Hollywood[6] and preserved on acetate disc. Later on it was taped prior to airtime, usually at KNX.[7] When on tour, the show would originate through the facilities of local CBS affiliate stations. Sometimes it took place at a special event. In 1951 the program had an 8:00 p.m., Saturday night, 30 minute time slot.[8] The show for August 11, 1951 originated from the Illinois State Fairgrounds at Springfield, Illinois. The guests were Governor of Illinois Adlai E. Stevenson II and 12-year-old 4-H Club member Shelby Jean Thomas of Kilbourne, Illinois.[9][10]