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RARE 1950s radio shows come to CD...

There are very few CD releases nowadays that I greet with genuine interest as over the last 10 or so years all of Doris's studio-recorded work has been given good coverage in this format. This first CD set by Zone Records (UK) however offers something new as it turns the spotlight on another important part of Doris's career and that was her time on radio...
Publicity shot taken in late 1952
(Provided courtesy of Anselm)

It was between 1952-3 that the actress and singer was given her own variety entertainment spot on American radio station CBS (aka "The Doris Day Show"). Each episode recorded in Hollywood would be full of comedic banter and general chit-chat between Doris and some of her movie and music co-stars (e.g. Kirk Douglas, Ronald Reagan, Howard Keel, Frankie Laine and Guy Mitchell). It would also offer the star a perfect vehicle to perform many of her single releases, tunes from her motion pictures and other songs that she adored but simply did not get to record in the studio.

The Set's Packaging & Picture Disc CDs

The first of these shows to receive a digital makeover originate from April and May 1952. Zone Records include in their first volume of "The Doris Day Show" four consecutive episodes from this period. Each show remains unedited and as it was originally broadcast to audiences some 50 years ago (i.e. with introductions and commercials intact).

As touched on before what is significant about this series and indeed the first volume is there are songs that feature which Doris did not get to record for her record label Columbia Records. In fact due to contractual reasons Columbia did not allow Doris to cut studio recordings with many of her movie co-stars as they were signed to rival labels. It is therefore a great joy to hear in the first release collaborations with people such as the adorable Gordon MacRae. Other guests who appear in this set include Ray Bolger (April in Paris), songwriters Frank Loesser (If I Were A Bell & Baby It's Cold Outside), Marais & Miranda (Ma Says Pa Says) and Donald O'Connor (Singing In The Rain).

Although the recording techniques of the time do show some flaws this is compensated by the overall time and care that has gone into this project i.e.  the sumptuous packaging that features rare photographs, detailed song information, liner notes and two picture disc CDs. Sample of the CD set's booklet

It truly is a shame that some of the major labels out there can not learn from the standards set by this independent record label. My advice is don't miss out on this nostalgic trip back in time!

As you will also see from the picture below a second volume is planned but this is dependent on the success of the first one. To stay updated on that sign-up free to this site's mailing list.

The volume one 2CD set goes on general sale as of the 14 May 2007 and Discovering Doris gives it a deservedrating!

 

The Doris Day Show: Volume 1
 Order from HMV.co.uk / amazon.co.uk / amazon.com

Artwork for "The Doris Day Show: Volume 1" (Zone Record - UK)

CD1:
Show date - 11 April 1952

  1. Introduction and It's Magic Real Audio Clip - Doris Day & Orchestra
  2. Just One Of Those Things - Doris Day
  3. Frank Loesser introduction
  4. Around The Corner - Marais & Miranda, Frank Loesser & Doris Day
  5. My Darling, My Darling - Doris Day with Frank Loesser
  6. If I Were A Bell - Doris Day
  7. "The Jack Benny Show" advertisement
  8. Ray Bolger introduction
  9. Once In Love With Amy - Ray Bolger
  10. Singin' In The Rain - Doris Day
  11. Love To Be With You (Closing theme) - Doris Day & Orchestra
  12. Advertisement for The Cancer Crusaid for 1952

Show date - 18 April 1952

  1. Introduction and It's Magic - Doris Day & Orchestra
  2. (Why Did I Tell You I Was Going To) Shanghai - Doris Day
  3. I've Got A Feeling You're Fooling - Doris Day
  4. Mary Wickes introduction
  5. Tell Me (Why Nights Are Lonely) - Doris Day
  6. I'm In The Mood For Love - Doris Day
  7. CBS Radio series "Suspense" advertisement
  8. Ray Bolger introduction
  9. I'm Glad I'm Not A Rubber Ball - Ray Bolger
  10. With A Song In My Heart - Doris Day
  11. Love To Be With You (Closing theme) - Doris Day & Orchestra
  12. Farm Products Appeal

 

CD2:
Show date - 25 April 1952

  1. Introduction and It's Magic - Doris Day & Orchestra
  2. Oops - Doris Day
  3. A Guy Is A Guy - Doris Day
  4. Marais & Miranda introduction
  5. Johnny Hochaby  - Marais & Miranda
  6. "The Bing Crosby Show" advertisement
  7. Gordon MacRae introduction
  8. 900 Miles From My Home - Gordon MacRae
  9. Ma Says, Pa Says - Marais & Miranda, Gordon MacRae & Doris Day
  10. Tea For Two Real Audio Clip - Doris Day & Gordon MacRae  
  11. Love To Be With You (Closing theme) - Doris Day & Orchestra
  12. Inflation advertisement

Show date - 2 May 1952

  1. Introduction and It's Magic - Doris Day & Orchestra
  2. Nobody's Sweetheart - Doris Day
  3. Canadian Capers (Cuttin' Capers) - Doris Day
  4. Liberace introduction
  5. Mama Yo Quiero (I Want My Mama) - Liberace
  6. Please Mr. Sun - Doris Day
  7. "Stars Over Hollywood" advertisement
  8. Donald O'Connor introduction
  9. Merrily Song - Doris Day & Donald O'Connor
  10. Singin' In The Rain - Doris Day
  11. Love To Be With You (Closing theme) - Doris Day & Orchestra
  12. Red Cross Appeal

Real Audio Clip = Low quality real player sound clip (www.real.com)

 

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        Original Content © 1998-2008 Stephen Munns. All rights reserved.