Amos N Andy Daily
Amos n Andy - Life Story
https://www.solgoodmedia.com - Listen to hundreds of audiobooks, thousands of short stories, and ambient sounds all ad free! Join us every day for Amos n Andy Daily, where we revisit the humor and social satire that made Amos 'n' Andy a staple of American entertainment. Each episode offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the show’s beloved characters, from the comedic escapades of Amos Jones and Andy Brown to the bustling community of Harlem. Ideal for listeners seeking a blend of laughter and a snapshot of historical societal commentary through timeless radio comedy
- Duration:
- 32m
- Broadcast on:
- 07 Jul 2024
- Audio Format:
- mp3
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Visit renterswearhouse.com to request a free rental price analysis, that's renterswearhouse.com or call 303-974-9444 to speak to a rent estate advisor today. Clip Smart coupons to save more than ever before on household essentials, everyday meals and snacks, and more at family dollar. From home cleaning products for every surface, and meal prep basics like canned vegetables and spices, to chips, sodas, frozen pizzas, and other snack time favorites, you're just a clip and a scan away from saving hundreds every year on things you need and they crave. Plus download the new app to claim your savings today, family dollar, helping you do more. Thank you. The 10,000 independent Rex Sahl drugist Salute, famous in Andy, as they start their second quarter of a century on the air, tonight by bringing you their life story. Tomorrow with the start of a special, Amos and Andy Sahl. Yes, tomorrow doesn't literally doesn't, the Rex Sahl products will be sold at exactly half-price. Later in the program, we will list many of these half-price items. So friends, make up your minds right now to stock up, because every time you buy, you save at the Amos and Andy sale, it starts tomorrow, and goes on for two weeks at Rex Sahl drugstores everywhere. And here to introduce the life story of Freeman Garza and Charles Carell, Amos and Andy, is one of America's most distinguished commentators. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Ed Murrow. Tonight, we of the Columbia Broadcasting System pay tribute to Amos and Andy. For 25 years, Amos and Andy have been a familiar part of the American scene. But who are Amos and Andy? Where did they come from? Tonight, for the first time, the creators of these beloved characters step out from behind the masks of their famous portrayals to dramatize their own story. The story of Freeman Garza and Charles Carell. I know of no one better qualified to help tell you this story than the voice so long associated with the history of Amos and Andy. Good evening, this is Bill Hay. Where did Freeman Garza and Charles Carell first meet? One rainy night in Durham, North Carolina. Right after World War I, young Peoria born Charlie Carell had been sent down from Chicago which has changed your local amateur show. The cast was rehearsing on the second floor of the elk lodge, and Charlie, at the piano, was having his trouble with the chorus. All right, kids, here we go again. One, two, three, one, two, three, hold it, hold it, hold it. You there, daddy, on the end. You're cuter than a barrel of monkeys, but would you do your uncle Charlie a favor and try to remember your left foot from your right? That's right, that's the one. Excuse me, do you want to see me? Sorry to interrupt you, but you are Carell, aren't you? That's right, Charlie Carell. Can I do something for you? I'm Freeman Garza and I just started with a company producing shows and they sent me down to pick up some scripts and music. Oh, yes, so you're Garza and be right with you, kids. How are you, Freeman? Well, I got all the stuff back at the hotel. Hey, you're putting this same show on over in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, aren't you? Yeah, that's right. We start rehearsals Monday. Well, then listen, how about getting up in front of these kids and showing them this step? I've got my hands full with the piano. Be glad to, Charlie. Listen, folks, this is my new partner, Freeman Garza. Oh, man, I'm good. Now, he knows this number and he's going through it with you, so watch him, girl. All right, girls, here we go. One, two, three. One, two, three. Turn, two, three. Now you have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. And thus, the beginning of a partnership was formed. For the next few years, they traveled all over the South, producing amateur shows, learning and working together. Those were lean years, the hard years. The boys did everything, produced, directed, wrote, and even performed in some of the shows. Then, one night in New Orleans, they were talked into appearing on a strange new device, radio. Say, this is something, isn't it, guys? The fellow says we sing into this big megaphone here. You think anybody will actually hear us? Well, one of the fellows here was telling me this morning they got a phone call from a woman who lives a mile away from the station. No, full one. Oh, that fellow with the earphones was waving at us again. Stand by. You're on the air. Okay, Charlie, hit it. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Everyone knows. They tell you're gorgeous. Gorgeous. From your head to your toes. And you are a while. You are pretty then. But look at you, Charlie. Why? Look, you're simply gorgeous. Yes, that was their first appearance on radio, but outside of a call from the woman who lived a mile away from the station, nothing came of it. Two years later, found them working in Chicago, still waiting for that abusive fake break. Hello? Charlie, this is God. Well, where are you? I've been waiting for you. I got us a date. Two girls from Evanston, one of their father's owns the restroom. Charlie, I just left Bob O'Neill's office. Now, he runs radio station W.E.B.H. up at the edge water beach hotel. Now, he wants us to go on the radio as a singing team, and I told him we would do it. Well, wait a minute. Wait a minute, kids. How much are we going to have to pay him? Not a cent, Charlie. And get this. At midnight, after the station closes down, the hotel gives us a blue plate set of free. Yes, the boys went on the air nightly for W.E.B.H. They sang songs. When the red red rubber comes, Bob, Bob, Bob and along, or along, they told jokes. Say, guys, I'm going home tonight to give the father a bath. Give your father a bath? Of course. I've been punching up the old man for years. And now, directed. Finally, six months and 135 blue plate suppers later, they've got that big break. Ben McKenna, the head of the powerful Tribune station, W.G.M. sent for them. Well, let me get this straight, Mr. McKenna. You want us to go on the air every night and dramatize a comic strip? That's why, boys. One of the comics from the Tribune, the Gump, Chester and the family. Now, isn't that an idea? Well, yes, Mr. McKenna, but we're a singing team. I don't think we could handle it. You know, I think it'll be a great series for you. Well, I tell you, if that's the kind of a thing you're after, I got sort of an idea. Well, what is it? Well, you see, I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, and Charlie's traveled all over the South. What would you think of us doing a couple of color characters? Yeah. Now, there's something we can handle. Well, I don't know about that. I never saw this. Mr. McKenna, there's never been anything like it on the air. I tell you what, why don't you, boys, see if you can come up with a script and some characters. It's been a week. It's all on it. Then we can take it from there. A week? Well, Mr. McKenna, we don't have a script for you the first thing in the morning. Won't we, Charlie? You can bet your bottom dollar on it. Well, what time is it, kid? Well, it's daybreak, whatever time that is. And we had to tell him we'd have a script in the morning. Charlie, I've been thinking over these comic strips. Now, take mutton gifs, and that's popular. Yeah. One fellow is a great big man, and the other one's a little bit of fella. And that's what we've got to get. Yeah, but the people aren't going to see us on the radio. Well, we've got to do it with our voices. Maybe if one of us had a high voice, and the other one a little voice, that would give them a picture. Yeah. Hey, guys, you're right, there's two rabbits. Yeah, you know, Charlie, I think we're getting somewhere. See, you can get your voice down pretty low, can't you? Well, yes, I can get down pretty low. Keep going. Get down lower. Light down here. Not fair. Now, listen, he can put a little dialect in it. Yeah, well, I'm going to stay right down here and talk like this year. Oh, all of this sounds, brother Garza. Sounds great. Now, you hold that voice, and I'll try to get a high one. Yeah, I'll do that, and you get on up there. How does it sound up here? No, we'll get up higher. Get way up there. [LAUGHTER] Someone's up here. Yeah, pull a little dialect in the thing, and pull a rasp in there. Like that little fellow that worked in the drugstore in Atlanta. Oh, yeah. Put a little rasp in there, huh? How do that sound to you now, brother Carilla? Yes, but your old sounds good to me, boy. I think we done guts up in here. Boy, I sure hope so. [MUSIC PLAYING] Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is your Rexall family drugist with a few of the half-price specials at the Amos Mandy sale that begins tomorrow. These next two weeks are the first in the history of our Rexall drugstores when dozens literally dozens of guaranteed Rexall products will be sold at exactly half-price. Best of all, this two-week sale is store-wide. You'll find almost a hundred super specials, plus this unprecedented pre-offer. You get an unbreakable plastic tumbler in your choice of beautiful colors. That's so lutely free when you buy any of a dozen special items, so friends be prepared for overwhelming savings at the Amos Mandy sale tomorrow through February 28th at Rexall drugstores everywhere. [MUSIC PLAYING] Well, one month later, Freeman Goughton and Charles Correll went on the air of Salmon Henry, and two years later, it was the top program in the Chicago area. Success seemed to be there. Then one day, they went to Ben McKenna with a proposition. Well, that's the idea, Mr. McKenna. We heard that one of the big broadcasting companies is starting on a coast-to-coast network. Yes, and we'd sure like to get on that network with the McKenna. Boys, I understand your enthusiasm, but we here at the station want to keep Salmon Henry as our exclusive feature, but Mr. McKenna, we think this is the opportunity of a lifetime for it. I know that, boys, I know it, but after all, we own the name Salmon Henry, and we don't want to make any rash moves and take the chance of ruining the show. All right, Mr. McKenna, thank you, Justice Sam. Come on, Charlie. Well, he's trying to sound cold, Gods. What are we going to do now? What do we do, Charlie? We quit. Yeah, well, I quit. Quit Salmon Henry. Now, look, Charlie, we can get just so far and no farther staying here on one station. Yes, but, Gods, we couldn't even take Salmon Henry with us. The newspaper owns the name. We'd have to start over from scratch. All right, we'll start over from scratch, Gods, I don't know about this. Suppose we're a flop. Now, look, Charlie, I don't know what it is, call it intuition or whatever you want to, but I just have a feeling we're doing the right thing. Well, if you feel that strong about it, guys, okay, let's take a crack at it. After all, we've come a long way from the days of the blue plate supper. Thirty days later, their contract expired and the boys signed with the network. overnight was only a few weeks away and the network was pressing for details on the new show. Good morning, Mr. Johnson, yes, but we had rather not released the name of the new program yet. Oh, I think, goodbye, Mr. Johnson. Charlie, they're getting anxious about the name of New York. So am I. I wish we had one. Another name of this show means everything. Yes, Charlie, and we've been working on it for a week and, well, nothing seems to sound as good as Salmon Henry. Yeah. Well, come on, guys, let's go out and get some supper. We need a snappy name like Jack and Mack or Tim and Tommy. Yeah, push the elevator button, guys. Charlie, we must have made a list of over 500 names. Yeah, I know it. Oh, say, how about Flappy and Happy? No, I don't think so, Charlie. No, here's the elevator. I wonder if Willie is on duty. He's a character, isn't he? Well, well, Chucklin, Charlie, and Steven Freeman. How are you, boys? Oh, fine, Willie. Step right in. How are my two friends of the airway? I'm. Say, I hear you've got a new program. Yeah, that's right. It starts next week. Willie, we're going coast to coast. Well, how do you like that? Ain't you the pair for the air? Third, Lord. Well, well, look who's here, my football play in France. Step right in, famous, Amos. How's everything going on in the elevator, Willie? Having my ups and downs? Ha, ha, ha! Second floor. Going down. I'll move back, let the janitor get in with the step ladder. Well, make way for my old friend, Handy Andy. First floor, there ain't no more. Going up, going up. Hey, Charlie, what we need of these names is something that'll catch on, something that'll be easy to-- Charlie, what's the matter? Did you hear what Willie called those two fellows? Yeah, famous, Amos, and Handy Andy. But Charlie, what I mean, Amos and Andy. Yeah, Amos and Andy. Well, they are both four letter names. They are both sort of euphonious. And Amos is a biblical character. Yeah. And not only that, if we ever play a benefit, they list the names alphabetically. We always be right, smack at the top. [MUSIC PLAYING] Yes, Amos and Andy started on the network from coast to coast, 15 minutes nightly at 7 o'clock, each of the times of time emanating from Chicago. About the third day, they started getting out of town newspaper clippings, reviewing their show. Hey, Charlie, here's a review from a New York paper right on top. Oh, boy, what to say, kid? Well, it's-- you'd better read the headline yourself, Charlie. Yeah. Amos and Andy, radio's biggest flop, has arrived. The much heralded Amos and Andy made its debut on the airwaves last night at 7 o'clock. With a thud, I might add. Don't read it, kid, it'll make you sick. Here's another one. This one's from Washington, DC. You read it, what does it say? Amos and Andy disappointing after a build up of two weeks by network, Amos and Andy followed a sad organ theme with something about a fresh air taxi cab. This type of program has no place in radio. Holy mackerel. Look at here, another one. And they're all bad. Yeah. Boy, Simon, Henry looks awful good right now, doesn't it? Charlie, there's no two ways about it. We're a flop. Well, what makes me feel so bad about it is that I talked you into it. Well, now, wait a minute, wait a minute. Don't feel that way. We both went into the thing and with our eyes open. Well, it's just that I got so enthusiastic at the time, Charlie. I want a few to excuse me. I think I'll go out and walk around by myself. Well, I guess he wants to be alone. But even if the kid doesn't know it, I'm out there walking right with him. [MUSIC PLAYING] Well, you look at all the items I've marked in the Rexall magazine ads. The items that go on sale for just half price at the Amos and Andy sale tomorrow. Yes, indeed, ma'am. This advertisement in life, look, colliers, Saturday evening post and farm journal, gives all the half-price items in the sale. I've marked a dozen things my family needs right now, like Rexall code tablets and cough syrup and vitamin B12. You'll find several other Rexall vitamin products at half price, too. Rexall Theravans, alpha cats, poly drops and poly cats. And I'm going to get both of the Caranone beauty specials, the lipstick and one of the creams at half price. You'll find stag toiletries for men at half price, too. And don't forget the free tumblers and all the other magnificent specials throughout the Rexall drugstore. No, I won't. In fact, I'm going to make several shopping trips to the Amos and Andy sale. Well, ma'am, it continues for two full weeks. Tomorrow through February 28 at Rexall drug stores everywhere. [MUSIC PLAYING] Amos and Andy continued on the network for the second week. There was no fan mail, and most of the critics had reviewed the show unfavorably. This, I believe, was the lowest point in the lives of Freeman Garzmann and Charles Corral. Then one morning, to get their minds off the program, the boys decided to play golf at the Tamashandra Golf Club in Chicago. Well, get on your shoes, Charlie. And let's get out and play nine holes anyway. Yeah, and I hope we don't run into anybody. You know how they are when they think your show isn't going so well. Yeah, well, let's get going. Yeah. Uh-oh. Look who's coming in the locker room. That young fellow that sings with Paul Whiteman, being Crosby, and he sees us. Hi, Bing. Yeah, hello, Bing. Hi, fellas. [APPLAUSE] I'm going to blast that rubber around the door, huh? Yeah, we're going to play nine holes, I guess. Hey, by the way, I caught your last three shows. Oh, you did, huh? Well, you know, I think that little opera you got there is going to catch you on. What do you mean? I don't know. Something there that makes you want to listen to more than that. I really think you got something, boys. And I like that, that Andy. When he says, I was regusted. Well, thank you, Bing. That makes us feel pretty good. Then, a few days later, on Michigan Boulevard, the boys ran into a man they'd met a few years before in New York. Well, Freeman and Charlie. Hi, boys. Well, Jack Benny. [APPLAUSE] Nice to see you, Jack. I hear you open tomorrow night over at the Palace Theater. Yes, I got in from New York yesterday. Say, they're all talking about that radio show of yours back there. Talking about it? Yeah. You know, to tell you the truth, at first, I don't know. I didn't like it. But after a few times, it kind of grows on you. You know what I mean? Even the kid's backstage are listening to it. Well, thanks a lot, Jack. Yeah, well, we sure hope it catches on. Yes, boys, I really think you've got something there. Well, a lot of other people began to feel the way Jack and Bing did. The fan mail began to trickle in. The boys still had it lifted. They worked harder. They experimented with their voices and created new characters. First, they added a great favorite with the listeners. Lighten them. I asked them if they was out, wheels right on over there. The social man about town, Henry Van Porter. Well, now if you'd excuse me, Japan, I'm having a fitting with my fella. He's put the new patch on the seat of my fan. The fuzzy, hem-fect, brother Crawford. I want to tell you, boys, that my wife is very unhappy and she won't stand for it. Yes, and this time went on all of those other warm, human characters. Ruby Taylor, Miss Blue, Sapphire, the old battle axe, fat pending, Flooky Harris, Fred Wendell, and Madam Queen. And, of course, the greatest character of all, that lovable old rascal, the kingfish. Now, wait a minute, sir. Don't forget me as all brothers. And that's great, but one of you to lift up nice to the seat. Perhaps the greatest tribute of all paid to Freeman Guardsman Charles Carell was one night at a huge benefit in New York's Madison Square Garden. Lowell Thomas, the famous radio news commentator who preceded Amos and Andy for years on the air, was chosen to introduce the boy. I can think of few things likely to give me greater pleasure than to introduce your radio favorites. When I die, this would be my epitaph. Here lies the body of a man who was heard by millions of people who were waiting to hear Amos and Andy. [applause] Well, that was it. That was their success. The rest of the story is familiar to all of us. As the years went on, Amos and Andy made new changes in their program, the most significant being when they went from 15 minutes to a half hour. Changes come and go, but I'm sure you feel, as I do, that Amos and Andy have never left that wonderful place in our hearts. Now, before I turn you back to Ed Mauro, I'd like to say once more that I did for so many years, this is Bill Hay, bidding you all good night and get next to you all. [applause] Well, that's the story of Freeman Garzden and Charles Corral, the story of Amos and Andy, two names that are sure to go down as part of American folklore. It's only fitting that tonight the entire radio industry gives special recognition to these two men. To pay this tribute, we have an event unique in broadcasting history. The heads of two great networks, David Sarnoff of NBC and William Paley of CBS, appearing on the same program, to pay tribute to Amos and Andy. First, I would like to introduce the Chairman of the Board of the Radio Corporation of America and Head of the National Broadcasting Company, Donald Sarnoff. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am very proud to join hands with my friend Bill Paley, Chairman of the Board of Columbia Broadcasting System, in paying tribute to Freeman Garzden and Charles Corral, who created and portrayed the characters of Amos and Andy on radio for the past quarter of a century. I extend to you, boys, my highest regard and esteem for your brilliant and important pioneer work in the progress of radio broadcasting and for your thankful adherence to the highest ideals of good entertainment. We in the National Broadcasting Company are proud to have introduced this program to the listeners of America and to have broadcasted over our coast-to-coast network for 15 years. Congratulations to you, Freeman and to you, Charlie. And now, the Chairman of the Board of the Columbia Broadcasting System, William S. Paley. I'm very happy to join General Sarnoff, whose leadership and contributions have meant so much to broadcasting in paying tribute to Freeman Garzden and Charlie Corral. By bringing pleasure to millions of listeners for more than a quarter of a century, they have firmly established themselves in the affections of their fellow citizens. They have also created a great radio institution, one which I believe will live forever in the folklore of America. Freeman and Charlie, it gives me great pleasure to salute you, not only as an old friend, but also on behalf of the Columbia Broadcasting System and the countless millions of your devoted listeners throughout the country. Our warmest wishes go out to you both. (Applause) This is Freeman Garzden again, and before we say goodnight, and Charlie and I would like to thank everyone who appeared on our program tonight. But most of all, we won't extend our deep appreciation to you, our listeners, who have made it possible for us to start our 26th year on the air. Yes, that's right. (Applause) Remember, beginning tomorrow, through February 28th, it's the special Amos and Andy Sale, and be sure to be with us at the same time next Sunday when your rectal drugist will again present the Amos and Andy Show, transcribed and directed by Chris Powell. Stay tuned for the Bing positive program, which follows immediately over most of these same stations. This is the CBS Radio Network. W-B-A-N in Donville, Illinois. When it comes to renting out your property, the uncertainty of finding reliable tenants can feel like a real guessing game, responsible renter or perpetual party animal. Enter Renters Warehouse, the pros who turn the uncertainty of finding great tenants into peace of mind. Renters Warehouse offers top-notch leasing and tenant placement services, ensuring you get trustworthy renters without the hassles and headaches. With no upfront fees, Renters Warehouse works for you, not the other way around. 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