Uncle Ezra (Pat Barrett)

Starter of this subject: LARRY HOPPER
Last post in this subject: 10/4/2000
Messages in this subject: 3

LARRY HOPPER 10/4/2000
3 replies
This program was on NBC network, and also he was on WLS Barndance (and 1 hour network version National Barn Dance). The show was aired from 1934 until 1941.

During the last year the Sons of the Pioneers were regulars. In August of 1941 they left to return to the West Coast. It seems that the program ended in 1941. Does anyone know when (specific date) and why the show ended? Were the Sons of the Pioneers on until the show closed?

Walt Pattinson 10/8/2000
2 replies
According to Dunning, last show was 6/28/41 and was sponsored by Camel Cigs.
Jim Stokes 10/8/2000
0 replies
I was but a wee lad, but I do remember hearing the show with the Sons of the Pioneers. "Seem them tumbling down. Deep in my heart is a song. There on the range I belong. Drifing along with the tumbiling tumbleweeds." The theme song of those afflicted with the wanderlust! The Sons of the Pioneers were quite popular on the radio in the farming community where I grew up. WDAY Radio in Fargo had a 15 minute show featuring that singing groupp.

There was a writeup in the Society for the Preservation Of Film Music that featured an interview with Ken Darby, who was one of the members of the SOTP. Anybody recall "The Ken Darby Singers?" That was an evolvement of those range riders. The group morphed into "The Kings Men" thed down-home singing group with Billy Mills orchestra on FIBBER MCGEE & MOLLY. And in another name-change as "The Sportsmen's Quartet" on THE JACK BENNY SHOW. Not all the same SOTP were in the group. But Ken Darby and one or two the "pioneers" were in those reincarnations.

Ken Darby with or without "Ken Darby Singers" was quite successful working on music for films. He was associated with composer/conductor Alfred Newman for many of the biblical epics of the 50's.

And that reminds me. Is there a film music web site? That'a another love of mine. Will have to do a word search. I have tried to find a cogent and literate movie music web site, to no avail.

But keep listening to those old radio shows! They don't make them that way any more! :)

Jim Stokes

Larry Hopper 10/12/2000
0 replies
Walt;

Thanks for the info. It figures it would be in the one book I haven't added to the shelf yet. Been holding out for remainder pricing on that one.

The answer also opens up new questions - like what did the Sons of the Pioneers do between the end of JUne and September 9th in Los Angeles when they had a