Alec Templeton: The Versatile Musician Who Dominated Old-Time Radio

Alec Andrew Templeton was born on July 4, 1910, in Cardiff, Wales. Though some sources list his birth year as 1909, his headstone clearly shows 1910 as the year of his arrival. Templeton was blind from birth, but this did not hinder his remarkable musical talents. From a young age, he displayed an exceptional gift for music, including the rare ability of absolute pitch.

Templeton's musical education began at the age of 9, when he enrolled at Worcester College, Oxford, to study organ under the tutelage of Ivor Atkins. He later moved to London to attend the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, where his piano instructors were Lloyd Powell and Isador Goodman. Templeton's early training laid the foundation for his virtuosic command of the piano, which would become the centerpiece of his captivating performances.

Entry Into Radio

In 1936, at the age of 26, Templeton made the bold decision to leave his native Wales and embark on a new chapter in the United States. He joined the jazz band of renowned bandleader Jack Hylton and began performing with various orchestras. It was during this time that Templeton made his first forays into radio, giving his debut performances on popular programs such as The Rudy Vallée Show, The Chase and Sanborn Hour, Kraft Music Hall, and The Magic Key of RCA.

Templeton's early radio appearances showcased his remarkable versatility as a musician. He not only dazzled audiences with his technical prowess at the piano but also demonstrated a keen wit and a flair for musical satire. His recordings from this period, released on the "Varieties" label of The Gramophone Shop in New York, included tongue-in-cheek "Musical Impressions" of classical composers and operatic styles, as well as his own original compositions.

The Rise of "Alec Templeton Time"

Templeton's growing popularity on the radio airwaves led to the launch of his own program, Alec Templeton Time, which first aired in 1939. Sponsored by Alka-Seltzer, the show was initially a summer replacement for the popular Fibber McGee and Molly program. Over the next several years, Alec Templeton Time became a fixture on the radio, returning in 1943 and again from 1946 to 1947.

The show's format allowed Templeton to showcase his multifaceted talents, blending virtuosic piano performances with his signature brand of musical satire and comedy. He often presented tongue-in-cheek variations on classical composers, such as "Mendelssohn Mows 'em Down," "Scarlatti Stoops to Conga," and "Bach Goes to Town." These playful reimaginings of iconic works delighted listeners and cemented Templeton's reputation as a musical humorist.

Templeton's ability to memorize the scripts for his shows by having them read to him 20 times was a testament to his remarkable memory and dedication. The program's success also led to Templeton becoming a familiar summertime attraction, with a Variety reviewer dubbing him "that perennial summer replacement favorite."

Expanding into Television and Beyond

Templeton's radio fame soon translated to opportunities in television. In 1955, he hosted a summer series titled It's Alec Templeton Time on the DuMont Television Network, which ran from June 3 to August 26. The show allowed Templeton to bring his unique blend of music and comedy to a visual medium, further expanding his reach and popularity.

Beyond his radio and television work, Templeton remained an active performer throughout the 1950s. He played with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his versatility by performing both jazz and classical works. Two of these performances were recorded for the Remington label, one featuring Gershwin compositions and the other showcasing Templeton's improvisations on Offenbach and Strauss.

Templeton also embraced the emerging technology of audio tape, using it to create innovative piano sounds akin to the work of guitarist Les Paul. This experimentation resulted in the release of two albums, "Magic Piano" on Atlantic Records and "Smart Alec" on ABC-Paramount, which highlighted Templeton's technical mastery and creative vision.

Legacy and Influence

Alec Templeton's remarkable career spanned radio, television, and the recording industry, cementing his status as a true Renaissance man of the entertainment world. His virtuosic piano playing, coupled with his sharp wit and musical satire, captivated audiences and earned him a devoted following.

Templeton's impact on the world of old-time radio was significant. His ability to seamlessly blend classical and popular music, as well as his innovative approach to comedy and character-driven performances, influenced countless other radio personalities and paved the way for future generations of musical entertainers.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Templeton's personal life was marked by his lifelong struggle with blindness. Despite this challenge, he embraced his disability and used it as a source of inspiration, showcasing the power of determination and resilience.

Tragically, Templeton's life was cut short when he passed away in 1963 at the age of 52 or 53 in Greenwich, Connecticut, due to an undisclosed illness. However, his legacy as a virtuosic pianist, innovative satirist, and beloved radio personality continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

Works and Appearances

Radio

Alec Templeton Time, 1939-1941, 1943, 1946-1947 (musical variety show)
Appearances on The Rudy Vallée Show, The Chase and Sanborn Hour, Kraft Music Hall, and The Magic Key of RCA (1936)
Guest soloist on The Lower Basin Street radio show (1940s)

Television

It's Alec Templeton Time, DuMont Television Network (1955)
Appearance on Jazz Party, DuMont Television Network (1950s)

Recordings

"Musical Impressions" and "His Own Compositions" on The Gramophone Shop's "Varieties" label (1936)
"Man with New Radio" and "And the Angels Sing" for RCA Victor (1939)
"Musical Portraits" series for RCA Victor (1940s)
Six sides for Columbia Records (1940)
Eight sides for Decca Records (1942)
"Magic Piano" on Atlantic Records (LP #1222)
"Smart Alec" on ABC-Paramount (ABC-100)
"Children's Concert" and "Mother Goose Songs" on Riverside Records
Recordings of music box collection sounds for Ficker Recording Service and RCA Victor

Other Media

Performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, playing jazz and classical works (1950s)
Composed tongue-in-cheek variations on classical composers, including "Mendelssohn Mows 'em Down," "Scarlatti Stoops to Conga," and "Bach Goes to Town"
Accepted into the Bohemian Club, an exclusive men's club in California

Alec Templeton: The Virtuosic Pianist and Satirist Who Captivated Old-Time Radio

Enjoys some shows