Arthur Godfrey: The Rise and Fall of Radio's Beloved Everyman Entertainer

Arthur Morton Godfrey was born on August 31, 1903, in Manhattan, New York. His mother, Kathryn Morton Godfrey, came from a well-to-do family in Oswego, New York, while his father, Arthur Hanbury Godfrey, was an English-born sportswriter and expert on horses and carriages. However, the advent of the automobile devastated the family's finances, and by 1915, they had moved to Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.

Young Arthur was the eldest of five children and had to leave school at the age of 14 to help support his family. He worked a variety of jobs, including as a civilian typist at Camp Merritt in New Jersey, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 16, lying about his age. Godfrey's father was described as a "free thinker" who encouraged his children to explore different faiths and socialize with people from diverse backgrounds. This upbringing likely contributed to Godfrey's later reputation for being down-to-earth and relatable to his audience.

Entry Into Radio

After his military service, Godfrey began his career in radio as an announcer for Baltimore station WFBR (now WJZ) in the 1930s. He then moved to Washington, D.C., to become a staff announcer for NBC-owned station WRC. It was during this time that Godfrey developed his signature relaxed, conversational broadcasting style, in contrast to the formal, impersonal tone common among radio announcers of the era.

Godfrey's unique approach quickly gained him a regional following, and he began adding his own humorous touches to commercials, much to the chagrin of advertising executives. However, his sponsors were pleased to find that Godfrey's antics actually increased their sales, so they were powerless to stop him.

In 1934, Godfrey became a freelance entertainer, eventually landing a daily show titled "Sundial" on the CBS-owned station WJSV (later WTOP and now WFED) in Washington, D.C. On this program, Godfrey played records, delivered commercials with his trademark wit, interviewed guests, and even sang and played the ukulele.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

Godfrey's big break came in 1945 when, as CBS's morning radio personality in Washington, D.C., he provided a live, firsthand account of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's funeral procession. His emotional and sympathetic delivery, in contrast to the formal reporting of the day, captivated the nation and led CBS to give Godfrey his own national morning show, "Arthur Godfrey Time."

"Arthur Godfrey Time" was a Monday-Friday staple on the CBS Radio Network from the late 1940s until 1972, featuring Godfrey's unscripted monologues, interviews, music, and his in-house combo. Two of Godfrey's most popular radio segments were his sentimental monologues "What is a Boy?" and "What is a Girl?", which struck a chord with listeners and were even released as a best-selling record.

In addition to "Arthur Godfrey Time," Godfrey hosted several other popular radio programs, including "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" and "Arthur Godfrey and His Friends." "Talent Scouts" was a showcase for up-and-coming performers, with Godfrey often taking a personal interest in the careers of the "Little Godfreys" who appeared on the show.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

Godfrey's broadcasting style was a significant departure from the formal, impersonal tone common in radio at the time. He spoke directly to his listeners, using a relaxed, conversational tone and incorporating his own humor and personality into the programs. This approach helped him connect with his audience on a personal level and contributed to his immense popularity.

One of Godfrey's signature techniques was his ability to engage in impromptu jam sessions with his in-house orchestra, often grabbing his ukulele and launching into songs the band may not have rehearsed. This spontaneity and musicality added to the informal, intimate atmosphere of his shows.

Godfrey was also known for his skills as a commercial pitchman, often ad-libbing and adding his own humorous touches to the scripts provided by advertising agencies. This unconventional approach was initially met with resistance from the agencies, but Godfrey's ability to increase sales for his sponsors ultimately gave him the freedom to continue his antics.

Professional Relationships and Controversies

Godfrey's broadcasting style and success made him a powerful figure in the industry, and he was not afraid to exert his influence over his staff and performers. He preferred his cast members to avoid hiring personal managers or agents, instead having his own staff represent them. This allowed Godfrey to maintain a high degree of control over their careers and incomes.

The most infamous incident in Godfrey's career was the on-air firing of cast member Julius La Rosa in 1953. La Rosa, one of the most popular "Little Godfreys," was dismissed after hiring an agent, which Godfrey saw as a betrayal. This incident, along with Godfrey's subsequent firing of over 20 additional cast and crew members, tarnished his down-to-earth, family-man image and contributed to a decline in his popularity.

Despite his often-controlling behavior, Godfrey maintained close relationships with many of his collaborators, including longtime announcer Tony Marvin, who left on amicable terms when Godfrey's radio show ended in 1972. However, Godfrey's confrontational style also led to tensions with CBS executives, whom he would occasionally bait on and off the air.

Transition to Television and Later Years

In the late 1940s, Godfrey began appearing on television, with his radio shows "Arthur Godfrey Time" and "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" simulcast on both radio and TV. By the early 1950s, Godfrey was one of the busiest personalities in the entertainment industry, presiding over several daily radio and television programs simultaneously.

Godfrey's television career was not without its challenges, however. After a hiatus for hip surgery in the mid-1950s, he became more critical of his own broadcasts and cast members, leading to the firing of Julius La Rosa and other performers. This behavior further damaged Godfrey's public image and contributed to a decline in his popularity.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Godfrey began to transition away from his daily radio and television shows, though he continued to make occasional appearances. During this time, he became a vocal supporter of public broadcasting and donated his extensive personal archive of papers and programs to WNET/Thirteen in New York.

Legacy and Influence

Arthur Godfrey's impact on the broadcasting industry cannot be overstated. He was one of the first radio personalities to develop a truly personal, conversational style that connected with listeners on an intimate level. This approach paved the way for the rise of the "disc jockey" and the more informal, personality-driven radio programming that would dominate the medium in the decades to come.

Godfrey's influence extended beyond radio, as he was also a pioneer in the early days of television. His ability to seamlessly transition his unique broadcasting style to the visual medium helped establish the format of the live, unscripted variety show that would become a staple of early TV programming.

Despite the controversies that marred the latter part of his career, Godfrey's legacy as a groundbreaking entertainer and broadcaster remains. He was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Radio Hall of Fame, among other prestigious honors. In 2002, he was named one of the 25 greatest radio and television talk show hosts of all time by Talkers Magazine.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"Sundial" (1934-1945) - Morning disc jockey program on WJSV (later WTOP and WFED) in Washington, D.C.
"Arthur Godfrey Time" (1945-1972) - Weekday morning program on the CBS Radio Network
"Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" (1946-1958) - Monday evening talent showcase program on CBS Radio and TV
"Arthur Godfrey and His Friends" (1949-1959) - Wednesday evening variety program on CBS TV
"The Arthur Godfrey Digest" (1950-1972) - Friday evening compilation program on CBS Radio

Television

"Arthur Godfrey Time" (1948-1959) - Simulcast of the radio program on CBS TV
"Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" (1948-1958) - Simulcast of the radio program on CBS TV
"Arthur Godfrey and His Friends" (1949-1959) - Variety program on CBS TV

Other Media

Appeared as himself in several films, including "The Solid Gold Cadillac" (1956) and "The Shaggy Dog" (1959)
Released several best-selling records, including "What is a Boy?" and "What is a Girl?"
Authored the book "Arthur Godfrey's Cookbook" (1952)
Appeared on the cover of numerous magazines, including Life and Look

Arthur Godfrey: The Everyman Entertainer Who Captivated Radio and Television

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