Exploring the Golden Age of Old-Time Radio: Classic Shows and Their Impact

Rudy Vallée, born Hubert Prior Vallée, was a true pioneer of old-time radio. As one of the first male singers to rise to national fame through local radio broadcasts, he captivated audiences across America with his smooth, crooning vocals and charming stage presence. Vallée's unique style and innovative approach to radio performance helped define the "crooner" phenomenon of the 1920s and 1930s, paving the way for countless other vocalists who would follow in his footsteps.

Early Life and Background

Vallée was born on July 28, 1901, in Island Pond, Vermont, the son of Catherine Lynch and Charles Alphonse Vallée. His maternal grandparents were of English and Irish descent, while his paternal grandparents were French Canadians from Quebec. The family later moved to Westbrook, Maine, where Vallée grew up.

As a teenager, Vallée played drums in his high school band and later took up the clarinet and saxophone. His passion for the saxophone was sparked by an unexpected reply from his idol, saxophonist Rudy Wiedoeft, which prompted Vallée to perfect his technique. To gain experience, he paid to make four "personal records" that he used for audition purposes with various bands.

In 1917, at the age of 15, Vallée enlisted in the U.S. Navy to fight in World War I, but authorities discovered his true age and discharged him after just 41 days of active service. After this brief military stint, Vallée returned to his studies, attending the University of Maine and later transferring to Yale University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy in 1927.

Entry Into Radio

Vallée's musical career began to take shape during his time at Yale, where he led the football band and played saxophone in the Yale Collegians, a popular campus dance band. After graduating, he formed his own group, Rudy Vallée and the Connecticut Yankees, named after his idol, saxophonist Rudy Wiedoeft.

In 1928, Vallée began performing on the radio, first at New York station WABC, leading his Yale Collegians Orchestra. He then moved to WEAF and the NBC Red Network in February 1929, where he would become one of the first celebrity radio vocalists.

Vallée's unique singing style and innovative arrangements quickly attracted a large and devoted following, especially among young female listeners. His soft, wavering tenor voice and intimate, crooning delivery were well-suited to the intimacy of radio, creating a sense of personal connection with his audience.

Unlike many singers of the era who needed to project their voices to fill large theaters, Vallée embraced the microphone, using it to create a "conjured intimacy" with his listeners. He often sang through a megaphone, a technique he had developed while leading the Yale football band, which helped compensate for his inability to fill large venues without amplification.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

Vallée's rise to fame was cemented in 1929 when he began hosting the popular radio program "The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour," later renamed the "Royal Gelatin Hour." This weekly variety show featured Vallée as the host and featured guest performers, as well as dramatic skits starring Vallée and other actors, such as Richard Cromwell.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Vallée continued to host a series of successful radio programs, including "Vallee Varieties" and "The Rudy Vallee Show." These shows allowed him to showcase his versatility as a performer, blending his crooning vocals with comedic sketches and guest appearances by a wide range of artists.

One notable instance occurred in 1937 when Vallée took a contractual vacation from his national radio show. Rather than simply taking a break, he insisted that his sponsor hire the legendary Louis Armstrong as his substitute, making Armstrong one of the first African-American artists to host a national radio program. This gesture not only demonstrated Vallée's appreciation for diverse musical talent but also his willingness to use his platform to promote underrepresented artists.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

Vallée's unique broadcasting style and signature techniques were a significant part of his appeal and influence on the radio landscape. His soft, crooning vocals and intimate delivery created a sense of personal connection with his listeners, earning him the moniker of the "first crooner."

In addition to his vocal style, Vallée was known for his use of the megaphone, a device he had employed while leading the Yale football band. This allowed him to compensate for his inability to project his voice in large venues without the aid of microphones and amplification. The megaphone became a visual trademark of Vallée's performances, and a caricature of him singing this way was even featured in the Betty Boop cartoon "Betty in Blunderland" (1934).

Vallée's radio shows were also known for their innovative and diverse programming. In addition to his own crooning performances, he frequently featured guest artists, dramatic skits, and a wide range of musical styles, from traditional pop to jazz. This eclectic approach helped to keep his shows fresh and engaging for his loyal listeners.

Professional Relationships and Collaborations

Throughout his career, Vallée cultivated a wide range of professional relationships and collaborations that contributed to his success and influence in the radio industry.

One notable collaboration was his work with legendary filmmaker Preston Sturges. In the 1940s, Vallée began appearing in Sturges's classic screwball comedies, such as "The Palm Beach Story" (1942), where he played the comedic supporting role of John D. Hackensacker III. Vallée's acting skills had greatly improved by this point, and he proved to be a valuable asset in Sturges's ensemble casts.

Vallée also had a close working relationship with the renowned bandleader and musician Louis Armstrong. In 1937, when Vallée took a vacation from his national radio show, he insisted that his sponsor hire Armstrong as his substitute, making Armstrong one of the first African-American artists to host a national radio program. Vallée also wrote the introduction for Armstrong's 1936 book "Swing That Music," further demonstrating his appreciation for diverse musical talent.

In addition to his collaborations with other artists, Vallée was known for his strong support of political figures, particularly Richard Nixon. He actively advocated for Nixon's policies and even sent checks to the Republican Party from time to time.

Transition to Other Media

While Vallée's primary fame and influence was in the realm of radio, he also made a successful transition to other media, including film and television.

In 1929, Vallée made his feature film debut in "The Vagabond Lover," a musical produced by RKO Radio Pictures. Although his initial acting performances were somewhat wooden, Vallée's skills improved significantly in the late 1930s and 1940s, and he became a successful comedic supporting player in films such as "The Palm Beach Story" and "I Remember Mama."

Vallée's transition to television was also noteworthy. He appeared in a variety of TV programs throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Johnny Carson Show," "December Bride," and "Batman," where he played the role of Lord Marmaduke Ffogg. These television appearances allowed Vallée to maintain his public profile and continue entertaining audiences long after his radio heyday.

Legacy and Influence

Rudy Vallée's impact on the radio industry and popular culture of the 20th century cannot be overstated. As one of the first male singers to achieve national fame through local radio broadcasts, he helped define the "crooner" phenomenon and paved the way for countless other vocalists who would follow in his footsteps.

Vallée's unique broadcasting style, characterized by his soft, intimate crooning and innovative use of the megaphone, created a sense of personal connection with his listeners that was unprecedented in the radio industry. His ability to blend musical performances with comedic sketches and guest appearances also demonstrated his versatility as an entertainer and his understanding of the evolving needs of radio audiences.

Beyond his own success, Vallée's willingness to use his platform to promote underrepresented artists, such as Louis Armstrong, also had a lasting impact on the industry. His insistence that his sponsor hire Armstrong as a substitute during his radio show vacations was a groundbreaking move that helped to break down racial barriers in the entertainment world.

Vallée's legacy continues to be felt in the world of broadcasting and popular culture. His influence can be seen in the careers of countless crooners and vocalists who followed in his footsteps, as well as in the enduring popularity of his radio shows and musical recordings. As a true pioneer of old-time radio, Rudy Vallée's impact on the medium and its evolution will be felt for generations to come.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour" / "Royal Gelatin Hour" (1929-1930s) - Host and performer
"Vallee Varieties" (1930s-1940s) - Host and performer
"The Rudy Vallee Show" (1930s-1940s) - Host and performer

Film

"The Vagabond Lover" (1929) - Lead role
"Sweet Music" (1935) - Supporting role as Skip Houston
"The Palm Beach Story" (1942) - Supporting role as John D. Hackensacker III
"I Remember Mama" (1948) - Supporting role
"The Night They Raided Minsky's" (1968) - Narrator (voice)

Television

"The Johnny Carson Show" (1956) - Guest appearance
"December Bride" (1956-1957) - Guest appearances
"The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" (1957) - Guest appearance
"Batman" (1967) - Recurring role as Lord Marmaduke Ffogg
"Petticoat Junction" (1969) - Guest appearance as Herbert A. Smith
"Here's Lucy" (1970) - Guest appearance
"Night Gallery" (1971) - Guest appearance as Dr. Francis Deeking
"Alias Smith and Jones" (1971-1972) - Recurring role as Winford Fletcher
"Ellery Queen" (1976) - Guest appearance as Alvin Winer
"CHiPs" (1979) - Guest appearance as Arthur Forbinger

Publications

Wrote the introduction for Louis Armstrong's book "Swing That Music" (1936)

Rudy Vallée: The Crooning Sensation of Old-Time Radio

Enjoys some shows