Camel Caravan cover art

Camel Caravan

Camel Caravan

By: Entertainment Radio
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  • "Camel Caravan" was a long-running and popular musical variety radio program in the United States, sponsored by Camel cigarettes. It aired on both NBC Radio and CBS Radio from 1933 to 1954, a remarkable 21-year run.
    Throughout its history, "Camel Caravan" featured a wide array of musical and comedic talent. Here's a summary of its key aspects:
    Evolution and Format:
    • Early Years (1933-1936): The show debuted on CBS on December 7, 1933, primarily as a showcase for Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, with vocalist Deane Janis and comedians Walter O'Keefe, Stoopnagle and Budd.
    • Swing Era (1936-1939): In 1936, the show was significantly reformatted, featuring Benny Goodman and his swing band, along with Nathaniel Shilkret's orchestra. Vocalists like Martha Tilton and Johnny Mercer were prominent. This period was instrumental in popularizing swing music.

    • Later Years (1939-1954): Over the years, the show saw various stars and formats. It often adapted to popular trends, including comedy. When it was known as "Camel Comedy Caravan," it featured acts like Abbott and Costello, Jimmy Durante, and Garry Moore. Other notable personalities and bands included Eddie Cantor, Bob Crosby, Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra, and Vaughn Monroe.


    Notable Performers: The "Camel Caravan" was a platform for many iconic artists of its time, including:
    • Benny Goodman (and his various ensembles: trio, quartet, sextet)
    • Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra
    • Martha Tilton
    • Johnny Mercer
    • Georgia Gibbs
    • Anita O'Day
    • Vaughn Monroe
    • Abbott and Costello
    • Jimmy Durante
    • Garry Moore
    • Eddie Cantor
    • Bob Crosby
    • Xavier Cugat
    • Herb Shriner
    • Jack Carson
    • Mel Blanc
    • Bob Hawk
    Sponsorship: As the name suggests, the program was heavily sponsored by Camel cigarettes, produced by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Commercials for Camel cigarettes were an integral part of the broadcasts, as was common for radio programs of that era.
    Impact: "Camel Caravan" played a significant role in American popular culture, particularly in the 1930s and 40s. It helped to introduce swing music to a wider audience and provided a consistent platform for top-tier entertainers, contributing to the "golden age of radio."
    While specific theme songs varied over the years, the show often opened with musical intros and jingles that promoted Camel cigarettes. For instance, Benny Goodman's run often featured "Let's Dance" as an introductory piece.

  • Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
    Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
    Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

    Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
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Episodes
  • Camel Comedy Jimmy Durante and Gary Moore

    Camel Comedy Jimmy Durante and Gary Moore
    Jun 24 2023
    • Camel Caravan
    • Genre: Variety, musical


    • Audience: General
    • Running time: 30 minutes
    • Broadcast network: NBC Radio, CBS Radio
    • Creators: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    • Stars: Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, Benny Goodman, Georgia Gibbs, Anita O'Day, Vaughn Monroe
    • Air dates: December 7, 1933 – March 27, 1954Camel Caravan was a musical variety radio program sponsored by Camel cigarettes. It premiered on December 7, 1933, on CBS Radio as a showcase for Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra. The show featured a mix of popular music, comedy, and drama. In 1935, Benny Goodman took over as the bandleader, and the show became one of the most popular radio programs of the 1930s and 1940s. Other popular performers who appeared on Camel Caravan included Georgia Gibbs, Anita O'Day, and Vaughn Monroe. The show was known for its high-quality production values and its star-studded lineup. It was also one of the first radio programs to feature swing music, which helped to popularize the genre. Camel Caravan was a cultural phenomenon, and it helped to shape the sound of American popular music in the 20th century.

      Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio
    https://link.radioking.com/otradio

    Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

    Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • 1939-11-18 Xxxx - Camel Caravan - 39-11-18 Camel Caravan

    1939-11-18 Xxxx - Camel Caravan - 39-11-18 Camel Caravan
    Jun 24 2023
    • Camel Caravan
    • Genre: Variety, musical


    • Audience: General
    • Running time: 30 minutes
    • Broadcast network: NBC Radio, CBS Radio
    • Creators: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    • Stars: Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, Benny Goodman, Georgia Gibbs, Anita O'Day, Vaughn Monroe
    • Air dates: December 7, 1933 – March 27, 1954Camel Caravan was a musical variety radio program sponsored by Camel cigarettes. It premiered on December 7, 1933, on CBS Radio as a showcase for Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra. The show featured a mix of popular music, comedy, and drama. In 1935, Benny Goodman took over as the bandleader, and the show became one of the most popular radio programs of the 1930s and 1940s. Other popular performers who appeared on Camel Caravan included Georgia Gibbs, Anita O'Day, and Vaughn Monroe. The show was known for its high-quality production values and its star-studded lineup. It was also one of the first radio programs to feature swing music, which helped to popularize the genre. Camel Caravan was a cultural phenomenon, and it helped to shape the sound of American popular music in the 20th century.

      Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio
    https://link.radioking.com/otradio

    Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

    Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • 1939-11-18 Xxxx - Camel Caravan - First Song - Scatterbrain 64kb

    1939-11-18 Xxxx - Camel Caravan - First Song - Scatterbrain 64kb
    Jun 24 2023
    • Camel Caravan
    • Genre: Variety, musical


    • Audience: General
    • Running time: 30 minutes
    • Broadcast network: NBC Radio, CBS Radio
    • Creators: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    • Stars: Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, Benny Goodman, Georgia Gibbs, Anita O'Day, Vaughn Monroe
    • Air dates: December 7, 1933 – March 27, 1954Camel Caravan was a musical variety radio program sponsored by Camel cigarettes. It premiered on December 7, 1933, on CBS Radio as a showcase for Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra. The show featured a mix of popular music, comedy, and drama. In 1935, Benny Goodman took over as the bandleader, and the show became one of the most popular radio programs of the 1930s and 1940s. Other popular performers who appeared on Camel Caravan included Georgia Gibbs, Anita O'Day, and Vaughn Monroe. The show was known for its high-quality production values and its star-studded lineup. It was also one of the first radio programs to feature swing music, which helped to popularize the genre. Camel Caravan was a cultural phenomenon, and it helped to shape the sound of American popular music in the 20th century.

      Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio
    https://link.radioking.com/otradio

    Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

    Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins

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