RUSC MAILING

Written by Ned Norris

With Memorial Day fresh in mind, I always circle May 29 on my calendar: Bob Hope’s birthday. Born in London in 1903 and raised stateside, he lived to a remarkable 100—and along the way picked up five special Academy Awards, hosted the Oscars more than anyone, and became radio’s tireless friend to the troops.

Before TV made him a household face, radio made him a national voice. The Pepsodent Show starring Bob Hope debuted in 1938 and snapped into the country’s weekly rhythm—those quick, topical monologues; playful sketches with Jerry Colonna’s glorious absurdity; Frances Langford’s warm vocals; Bill Goodwin’s smooth patter; and swing from bandleaders like Skinnay Ennis. And every week, “Thanks for the Memory” tucked listeners in with a smile.

Hope’s stardom was service, too. From 1941 to 1991 he undertook 57 USO tours, carrying the show into camps and war zones, with many WWII broadcasts done under the Armed Forces Radio Service. The G.I.s made him their favorite emcee; he made them the center of his work. In 1997, Congress named him an Honorary Veteran—an extraordinary salute.

If you’d like to hear that mix of heart and showmanship, you’ll find it on RUSC. I’ve got 50+ episodes of The Bob Hope Show up now, and I’ll be adding more throughout the week in honor of his birthday—wartime remotes, postwar variety hours, and some wonderful guest shots. Hope pops up all over the dial: sparring with Jack Benny, anchoring Command Performance, trading quips on Tallulah Bankhead’s The Big Show, and earlier visits with Rudy Vallee.

Just head to RUSC and search Bob Hope. And on the 29th I am adding an episode, which broadcast on Bob's 42nd Birthday. After the interval Bing Crosby leads the audience in singing Happy Birthday to Bob. It's a great show.

Bob Hope mattered not just because he was funny, but because he showed how radio could knit a whole nation—and its far‑flung servicemen—into one studio audience. Happy birthday, Bob… and thanks for the memories.

Warmly,

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