Moon River

Moon River was unique among old radio shows, in that it was designed to put listeners to sleep. Powell Crosley, Jr., owner of WLW, a 500,000 watt station in Cincinnati, Ohio, commissioned it as a sign-off show (in those days, most stations signed off for the night) that would lull listeners into blissful slumber. Because of the immense power of the station, the show could be heard on the skip all over the country.

Marked by a slow, almost lethargic baritone narration, calming organ melodies, and soothing harmonies by a trio of female singers, the show featured quiet lyrics that oftentimes did not quite seem to make sense, but were most emphatically sleep-inducing. Fittingly, the show was sponsored by a mattress company. First broadcast in 1930, it aired for four decades.

For more information, see the Old Time Radio Catalog.

Series description provided by Frank Bell.

Club members, listen to Moon River now.