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Big John and Sparkie

Big John and Sparkie

By: Entertainment Radio
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 "Big Jon and Sparkie" (sometimes written as "Big John and Sparkie") was a popular children's radio show in the 1950s, created by and starring Jon Arthur.Here are some key facts about the show:
  • Hosts: The show featured "Big Jon" (voiced by Jon Arthur) and "Sparkie," who was portrayed as a "little elf from the land of make-believe" but thought and acted like a real boy. Sparkie's voice was actually Jon Arthur's recorded voice played at a fast speed. Jon Arthur also voiced almost all the other characters in the show.
  • Concept: While intended for children, the show was also popular with adults due to its gentle humor and entertaining themes. It often incorporated educational elements, a radical concept for children's programming at the time, predating shows like "Sesame Street."
  • Original Run: The show began in 1950 at WSAI in Cincinnati and was carried daily on 181 ABC stations. It also had a popular two-hour Saturday morning show called "No School Today," which reached 12 million listeners on 275 stations.
  • Theme Song: The show's instrumental theme song was "Teddy Bear's Picnic."
  • Legacy: "Big Jon and Sparkie" influenced later children's television shows like "The Howdy Doody Show" and "Captain Kangaroo." While it didn't successfully transition to television itself, it found a new life on the Family Radio Network from 1962 to 1982.
  • Other Media: The radio program was adapted into a four-issue comic book and even inspired a promotional newspaper.
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Episodes
  • Big John and Sparkie - 96 Big Jon Takes the Plunge -

    Big John and Sparkie - 96 Big Jon Takes the Plunge -
    Aug 4 2020
    Big John and Sparky was a 1950’s radio show created by Jon Arthur. Although the show was intended for kids, many adults also became avid listeners due to its funny and very entertaining theme. The show is about Big John and his “little boy” Sparkie. Sparkie is said to be (and sounds like) an “elf from the land of make-believe,” but his thoughts and actions were like that of a little boy.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Sherlock Holmes Radio Station Live 24/7 Click Here to Listenhttps://live365.com/station/Sherlock-Holmes-Classic-Radio--a91441----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/big-john-and-sparkie1296/donations
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Big John and Sparkie - 97 Big Jon Gets Company Again -

    Big John and Sparkie - 97 Big Jon Gets Company Again -
    Aug 4 2020
    Big John and Sparky was a 1950’s radio show created by Jon Arthur. Although the show was intended for kids, many adults also became avid listeners due to its funny and very entertaining theme. The show is about Big John and his “little boy” Sparkie. Sparkie is said to be (and sounds like) an “elf from the land of make-believe,” but his thoughts and actions were like that of a little boy.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Sherlock Holmes Radio Station Live 24/7 Click Here to Listenhttps://live365.com/station/Sherlock-Holmes-Classic-Radio--a91441----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/big-john-and-sparkie1296/donations
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Big John and Sparkie - 95 Cheer Up the Sick Boy -

    Big John and Sparkie - 95 Cheer Up the Sick Boy -
    Aug 4 2020
    A new episode

    Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/big-john-and-sparkie1296/donations
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins

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