"This work is the source for scholars of communication, social and cultural history and the popular arts, as well as devoted fans of radio history. New entries include information on such topics as gender discrimination in radio; holidays on the airwaves; husband and wife teams; minstrel shows, vaudeville, and burlesque; Scopes "monkey" trial broadcasts; and super heroes"--Provided by publisher.

In this revised, expanded and corrected edition, the acclaimed Encyclopedia of American Radio, 1920-1960 (Booklist Editors' Choice; "recommended"--Library Journal) offers even better coverage of the performers and programming on American radio from its inception to its golden age. This work is the definitive source for scholars of communication, social and cultural history and the popular arts, as well as devoted fans of radio history. New entries include information on such fascinating topics as gender discrimination in radio; holidays on the airwaves; husband and wife teams; minstrel shows, vaudeville, and burlesque; Scopes "monkey" trial broadcasts; and super heroes. Also included is additional information on broadcasters of the twenties, thirties, and forties, as well as on unique entertainers ranging from astrologists and musical saw soloists to yodelers and whistlers. These new additions offer even fuller understanding of radio's important role in American social and cultural history.

Lists more than 2,000 different programs, details of the program's airing, availability, and, where appropriate, story lines. Includes indexes of over 8,000 performers and program titles. ...a good one-stop source for information about Old Time Radio...covers so much information in a single, usable source... --RQ ...the best old-time radio book published since 1976...this is definitely a book all OTR buffs can use... --THE BIG REEL

In the early days of radio, there were opportunities for women as singers, musicians, actors, and hosts of women's interest shows, but few chances to do much more. Vaughan deLeith, the "Original Radio Girl," was one of the first women to break into radio and pave the way for others to follow. From 1920 to 1936, deLeith received three million pieces of fan mail, published more than 200 songs, made more than 300 phonograph records and Edison cylinders, and sang 15,000 songs on the air. The women who worked in and on radio from the 20s through the 50s are given their due in this comprehensive work. Readers will find Kate Smith, the Andrews Sisters, the Carter Sisters, Wilma Lee Cooper, Kitty Wells, Gracie Allen, and Minnie Pearl, among many, many others. There are nine extended entries: the pioneers, Mary Garden and Chicago radio, singers, country musicians, comediennes, husband-and-wife talk shows, women in daytime serials (soap operas), family values, and gender discrimination.

As a meeting point for world cultures, the USA is characterized by its breadth and diversity. Acknowledging that diversity is the fundamental feature of American culture, this volume is organized around a keen awareness of race, gender, class and space and with over 1,200 alphabetically-arranged entries - spanning 'the American century' from the end of World War II to the present day - the Encyclopedia provides a one-stop source for insightful and stimulating coverage of all aspects of that culture. Entries range from short definitions to longer overview essays and with full cross-referencing, extensive indexing, and a thematic contents list, this volume provides an essential cultural context for both teachers and students of American studies, as well as providing fascinating insights into American culture for the general reader. The suggestions for further reading, which follows most entries, are also invaluable guides to more specialized sources.

Tells how radio and television became an integral part of American life, of how a toy became an industry and a force in politics, business, education, religion, and international affairs.