Below, in chronological order, you’ll find about 65 hours of Monitor that aired in 1966, hosted by (in alphabetical order) Frank Blair, Brad Crandall, Van Johnson, Ed McMahon, Henry Morgan, Merrill Mueller, Barry Nelson, Ken Nordine, Gene Rayburn and David Wayne.
You’ll find that most of these hours have a blue headline, like this. All of these “blue hours” were recorded by “super” Monitor fan Warren Gerbe off WNBC Radio in New York City. Years later, they were acquired by George Miller, who is working with long-time Monitor aficionado Louis Castaing to make them available to us. All three are making these “new” Monitor hours possible.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — New Year’s Day
Time: a half-hour
Stage, screen and TV star David Wayne hosted Saturday morning Monitor for three years — from early 1963 through early 1966. In this half-hour from 9 to 9:30 a.m. ET on Jan. 1, 1966, David presides over an Al Capp commentary and a Joe Garagiola sports report.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — New Year’s Day
Time: one hour
Here’s David, hosting Monitor from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 1, 1966. This fine hour features an interview with actor Hugh O’Brian, who had just returned from a trip to Vietnam; the national weather report; a Joe Garagiola sports report; a “Ring Around the World” report on prospects for peace in Vietnam; and a comedy skit from the marvelous Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Jan. 2
Time: a half-hour
Stage, screen and TV star Barry Nelson first became a Monitor host in 1963 and remained on the program until 1967. After hosting Saturday afternoon Monitor for a couple of years, he became Sunday afternoon’s host in ’65, and on this first-Sunday-of-the-New Year in 1966 — Jan. 2 — he presides over this half-hour from 2 to 2:30 p.m. ET. It features an interview with singer Nancy Wilson, NBC newsman Ron Nessen reporting from Vietnam and a comedy skit from Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Jan. 2
Time: one hour
Barry hosts this excellent hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 2, 1966. It features a report on “something new” added to White House tours, a comedy skit from Jonathan Winters, an interview with powerboat pioneer Jim Wynne, and an interview with a man who created an innovative hearing aid.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Jan. 2
Time: a half-hour
In this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 2, 1966, host Barry Nelson presides over an interview with actor Edward Everett Horton Jr.; and a commentary by Al Capp, who was Monitor’s “expert on nothing with opinions on everything.”
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 4 — Jan. 2
Time: a half-hour
Barry hosts this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 2, 1966, featuring an interview with actor Rod Steiger; and a sports report from Joe Garagiola, which airs after a “glitch.”
Ken Nordine hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Jan. 29
Time: a half-hour
Ken Nordine was a well-known voice-over and recording artist who created a series of “word jazz” albums. On Jan. 29, 1966, he filled in for regular Saturday night Monitor host Gene Rayburn. In this half-hour from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET, you’ll hear NBC newsman Chet Huntley’s analysis of America’s “money problems,” and Mel Allen’s live Saturday night sports update.
Ken Nordine hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Jan. 29
Time: a half-hour
Ken presides over this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 29, 1966, featuring a “Monitor on Stage” comedy skit from Shelley Berman, a Monitor tip, and an interview with a jazz expert.
Ken Nordine hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Jan. 29
Time: a half-hour
This half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 29, 1966, features a “Monitor on Stage” performance with legendary comedians Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks and their “2,000 year-old man”; a Monitor tip; and a report on new developments involving Dr. Andrew Ivy, who was involved with a disproven cancer drug, Krebiozen.
Ken Nordine hosts Monitor ’66, part 4 — Jan. 29
Time: a half-hour
Ken wraps up his Saturday night Monitor hosting duties in this half-hour from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 29, 1966, which features a comedy skit from Mike Nichols and Elaine May; and an interview with an expert on writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the man who created “Tarzan.”
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Jan. 30
Time: a half-hour
Barry presides over this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 2:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, 1966, featuring a “Monitor on Stage” with comedian Shelley Berman, and a “Monitor coloring book” feature by Ken Nordine.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Jan. 30
Time: a half-hour
Barry’s back with this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 3:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, 1966. You’ll hear an interview with comedienne Martha Raye, who had recently returned from Vietnam, and a commentary by Al Capp.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Feb. 5
Time: a half-hour
WNBC Radio talk-show host Brad Crandall had already established himself as a Monitor “fill-in” host — when he filled-in for Gene Rayburn on Saturday night Monitor on Feb. 5, 1966. In this half-hour from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET, you’ll hear a “Monitor on Stage” skit with comedian Bob Newhart, and an interview with actor George Siegel.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Feb. 5
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Brad, hosting this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, 1966. You’ll hear an interview with famed anthropologist Margaret Mead, and a comedy skit from the legendary Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Feb. 6
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Barry, hosting this fine half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 2:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 6, 1966. It features an interview with actor Charlton Heston, who had just returned from Vietnam; and a comedy skit from Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Feb. 6
Time: a half-hour
Barry presides over this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor that aired between 4 and 4:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 6, 1966. You’ll hear a report on winter ice-fishing by WHO Radio’s (Des Moines) Keith Kirkpatrick, Ken Nordine’s “Monitor coloring book” piece, as well as Barry’s update on happenings at the Bob Hope Desert Classic Golf Tournament in California.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Feb. 6
Time: a half-hour
Barry hosts this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 6, 1966. You’ll hear his live update on what happened at the Bob Hope Desert Classic Golf Tournament in California, a comedy skit by Johnathan Winters, and a Joe Garagiola sports piece.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Feb. 13
Time: about 12 minutes
This is just part (the only existing part) of the half-hour hosted by Barry Nelson on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 13, 1966, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. ET. Normally, we would not post such a small piece — but what we have here is a marvelous comedy routine by the legendary Mike Nichols and Elaine May. Enough said.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Feb. 13
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Barry, hosting this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor on Feb. 13, 1966, from 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET. It features an interview with an audio expert on sounds that we can — and cannot — hear — and a Joe Garagiola sports report.
Frank Blair hosts Monitor ’66 — Feb. 13
Time: about 5 minutes
Why, you ask, would we post these few minutes that aired on Sunday night Monitor between 8 and 8:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 13, 1966, hosted by Frank Blair? Because this snippet is his salute to the great entertainers Sophie Tucker and Billy Rose, who had died earlier in the week. So this is, yes, important.
Van Johnson hosts Monitor ’66 — Feb. 26
Time: a half-hour
Yes, this was a surprise to us, too. Movie, theater, radio and TV actor-singer-dancer Van Johnson hosted Saturday night Monitor on Feb. 26, 1966. In this half-hour from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET, Van presides over an interview with actor Steven Boyd and a Pauline Frederick report from the United Nations.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — Feb. 27
Time: a half-hour
Barry presides over this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 27, 1966. You’ll hear an interview with opera star Dorothy Kirsten, and a commentary by Monitor’s “expert on nothing with opinions on everything,” cartoonist Al Capp.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — March 5
Time: a half-hour
After three years of hosting Saturday morning Monitor, stage, screen and TV star David Wayne gave way to Gene Rayburn. David — who was in the last few months of his NBC contract — was shifted to Saturday night Monitor, and this likely was his first Saturday evening half-hour, from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET on March 5, 1966. David presides over Len Dillon’s live sports update, a “Monitor on Stage” performance by singer Buddy Greco, and a Chet Huntley report on Vietnam. A powerhouse half-hour, indeed.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — March 5
Time: a half-hour
David returns for this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 8:30 to 9 p.m. ET on March 5, 1966. You’ll hear an interview with the authors of “All About Ants,” a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Corbett Monica, and — in an unusual event, another live sports update by Len Dillon. No, we do not know why there were two live sports updates on this Saturday night.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — March 5
Time: a half-hour
Here’s David, hosting Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on March 5, 1966. This one features a comedy bit by Selma Diamond, a report on a raging blizzard in the Upper Midwest, and an interview with opera star Robert Merrill.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66 — March 12
Time: a half-hour
David hosts this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on March 12, 1966, featuring a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Bob Newhart and an interview with bandleader Fred Waring.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — March 13
Time: a half-hour
This half-hour, hosted by Barry Nelson from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET on March 13, 1966, features a funny comedy skit by comedian Shelley Berman.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66 — March 19
Time: a half-hour
Henry Morgan appeared as a commentator on Monitor’s first broadcast in 1955, and for a time afterward. Here he is again, filling in for regular host Ed McMahon — hosting a half-hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor ’66 on March 19, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. ET. Features “Monitor on Stage” and a Joe Garagiola sports report on the Drysdale-Koufax LA Dodgers holdout. (Courtesy of Louis Castaing)
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — March 19
Time: a half-hour
Here’s WNBC’s Brad Crandall, filling in for Saturday night Monitor host David Wayne from 8 to 8:30 p.m. on March 19, 1966. This half-hour features a report on the Gemini 8 space mission, which had been cut short earlier in the week; a Monitor “audio quiz” (see how you do on it); and a commentary by Al Capp.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — March 19
Time: a half-hour
Brad hosts this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on March 19, 1966. It features an interview with Mrs. America; another Monitor “audio quiz,” and a news report from the White House.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — March 19
Time: a half-hour
This half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on March 19, 1966, features an interview with actress Gila Golan, another Monitor “audio quiz,” and a Monitor Comedy Time skit with the great Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — March 20
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Barry, hosting this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 2:30 p.m. ET on March 20, 1966. You’ll hear a Monitor Comedy Time skit with Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Barry reporting on the 1966 Mobil Economy Run, and a sports report by Joe Garagiola.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66 — March 26
Time: a half-hour
Here’s David, hosting the final half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on March 26, 1966. This one includes an interview with author Robert Daley about bull-fighting in Spain, a live report from Ted Webbe from the 12-hour Grand Prix Endurance Auto Race in Florida, and a “Monitor on Stage” skit with comedians Marty Allen and Steve Rossi.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — April 2
Time: a half-hour
We are delighted to have all three hours of David hosting Saturday night Monitor on April 2, 1966. In this first half-hour — from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET — you’ll hear Mel Allen’s live Saturday night sports update; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedienne Christine Nelson; and Bob Hope, being honored by President Lyndon Johnson and the USO.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — April 2
Time: one hour
Here’s David, back with Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on April 2, 1966. This one features a report on a rescue squadron in Vietnam; an Al Capp commentary; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Ed Wynn; an interview with author Robin Moore about his book, “The Green Berets”; and a sports report from Lindsey Nelson. Yep, this hour is loaded.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — April 2
Time: one hour
David hosts this hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9 to 10 p.m. ET on April 2, 1966. This one features an interview with author Faith Perkins on her fight against arthritis, a commentary from comedienne Selma Diamond, an interview with comedian Jackie Mason, a “meet a millionaire” interview, and Jim Simpson with a sports report.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 4 — April 2
Time: a half-hour
Here’s David, back with the final half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on April 2, 1966. You’ll hear an interview with singer-actress Catarina Valente and a “Monitor on Stage” skit with Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — April 3
Time: a half-hour
Barry hosts this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 2:30 p.m. ET on April 3, 1966, featuring a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Bob Newhart and a comedy skit by Jonathan Winters.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — April 3
Time: one hour
Barry presides over this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on April 3, 1966. You’ll hear a marvelous comedy skit from the incomparable Mike Nichols and Elaine May; a Joe Garagiola sports report; an Al Capp commentary; and an interview with Coco the Clown, from the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — April 16
Time: a half-hour
David hosts this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET on April 16, 1966, featuring Mel Allen’s live Saturday night sports update and an interview with singer-actress Rosemary Clooney.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — April 16
Time: nearly one hour
We have most of this hour of David hosting Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on April 16, 1966. You’ll hear a news report on President Johnson’s trip to Mexico, an interview with a former “Ziegfeld girl,” and an interview with actor-filmmaker Cornel Wilde.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — April 16
Time: a half-hour
Mr. Wayne hosts this final half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on April 16, 1966. You’ll hear a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Bill Cosby and an interview with actor-comedian Jack Albertson.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’66 — April 23
Time: a half-hour
By this time, Gene had been host of Saturday morning Monitor for several weeks (replacing David Wayne) — and would remain Saturday morning’s host for almost the rest of Monitor’s life. This half-hour — from 10 to 10:30 a.m. ET on April 23, 1966 — features a “Monitor on Stage” performance by singer Julie London, a commentary by Al Capp, and a news analysis by Chet Huntley.
Ed McMahon hosts Monitor ’66 — April 23
Time: one hour
This excellent hour — hosted by the excellent Mr. McMahon on Saturday afternoon, April 23, 1966, from 5 to 6 p.m. ET — features a comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May; Curt Gowdy’s “Monitor Outdoors”; and Ed, interviewing soon-to-be-retired Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach. In addition, Ed fills in for Mel Allen and reads the latest Saturday afternoon sports results; there’s a “Monitor on Stage” performance by Julie Andrews, recorded live in London; an interview with actor Ben Gazzara; and a sports report from Joe Garagiola. Is this hour loaded? Oh, yes.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — April 23
Time: a half-hour
This is the first half-hour of David Wayne’s final Monitor hosting appearance. It aired from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night, April 23, 1966, and features a live Saturday night sports update by Bob Wolff; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Myron Cohen; and an interview with singer Barbara Streisand.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — April 23
Time: a half-hour
David’s “final night on Monitor” continues with this partial half-hour from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on April 23, 1966. The recording is upcut off the top, and features an interview with Claudia Martin, Dean’s daughter; and a Joe Garagiola sports report.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — April 23
Time: one hour
David hosts his final full hour of Monitor — ever — from 9 to 10 p.m. ET on this Saturday night, April 23, 1966. This one features an interview with pianist Roger Williams; a fine report on Nebraska prisoners, visiting young people in an effort to deter them from a life of crime; a “Meet a Millionaire” feature; “Monitor on Stage” performance from the singing group “The Womenfolk’; and a sports report — yes, a sports report — from NBC foreign correspondent Irving R. Levine.
David Wayne hosts Monitor ’66, part 4 — April 23
Time: a half-hour
This is the final segment that David Wayne would ever host on Monitor — from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night, April 23, 1966. We don’t have all of it — but what we do have includes a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Don Adams. David hosted Saturday morning Monitor for nearly three years — then moved to Gene Rayburn’s Saturday night Monitor slot when Gene moved to Saturday mornings. One week after this broadcast, Henry Morgan would take over Saturday night Monitor, below.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — April 24
Time: a half-hour
The outstanding Mr. Nelson hosts this outstanding half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET on April 24, 1966. It includes a comedy skit from Jonathan Winters, “Monitor on Stage” with Jack Benny, and a Chet Huntley news analysis.
Ed McMahon hosts Monitor ’66 — April 30
Time: one hour
Ed presides over this power-packed hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on April 30, 1966. It features a comedy skit from Jonathan Winters, a feature report from Arlene Francis, a “Sport of Speed” report from Ted Webbe, an interview with Los Angeles Lakers coach Fred Schaus, Ed’s national weather report, and a Chet Huntley news analysis.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — April 30
Time: a half-hour
Henry Morgan became a Monitor “regular” on this Saturday night on April 30, 1966, when he took over as Saturday night’s host, replacing David Wayne (above). In this half-hour from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET, Henry introduces himself and sportscaster Mel Allen, who jokes about Henry’s debut; then Mel does his live Saturday night sports update. Phyllis Diller and Bob Hope follow, telling jokes at an awards ceremony honoring Mr. Hope. Henry would remain Saturday night host until early 1967, when he would become Sunday afternoon’s host, replacing Barry Nelson.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — April 30
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Henry, wrapping up his first evening as Saturday night Monitor’s host, from 10 to 10:30 ET on April 30, 1966. In addition to some fine, “typical Henry” ad-libs, this half-hour features interviews with actor Hans Conried and with actress Angie Dickinson.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — May 1
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Barry, hosting this partial half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 3:30 P.M. ET on May 1, 1966. This one features great comedy routines by Mike Nichols and Elaine May, and by Bob Hope and Jimmy Durante. Yep. This one is loaded.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66 — May 7
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Mr. Morgan, on his second weekend of hosting Saturday night Monitor. This half-hour aired from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET on May 7, 1966, and features an excellent interview with a sleep expert, and a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Bill Cosby.
Frank Blair hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — May 22
Time: about 35 minutes
Frank Blair hosted Monitor from the beginning — as the Saturday morning communicator with Don Russell from 1955 until about ’59 — then as Sunday night host from ’64 to mid-’66. This wonderful half-hour is from May 22, 1966, from 7:20 to 8 p.m. ET (forget about the time-cue the New Orleans announcer gives — that station tape-delayed this hour for later broadcast). Features Curt Gowdy with “Monitor Outdoors,” a Mel Allen live sports report, Len Probst “On Broadway,” and a “Ring Around the World.” (Courtesy of Louis Castaing)
Frank Blair hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — May 22
Time: about 15 minutes
We have only part of this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor, hosted by Frank Blair, from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on May 22, 1966. But what we have is good — a report by NBC’s Ray Farkas on “political humor” during a grim week in Washington, and a “Sport of Speed” report with Ted Webbe.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66 — June 4
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Henry, comfortably settled in now as the regular host of Saturday night Monitor on June 4, 1966. This delightful half-hour — from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET — features Henry’s live interview with legendary WNBC Radio talk-show host Long John Nebel. (Courtesy of Louis Castaing)
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’66 — June 11
Time: one hour
Gene hosts this hour of Saturday morning Monitor — which aired live from 9 to 10 a.m. ET on June 11, 1966, on the NBC Radio Network, and which was repeated from noon to 1 p.m. ET for stations like WNBC that did not air this hour live. It features an interview with a zoo medical technologist who took a baboon home from work; a sports report on the upcoming NFL-AFL pro football merger; a Joe Garagiola sports report; a live update (for stations carrying this on NBC’s repeat feed) from a PGA golf tournament; and Curt Gowdy with “Monitor Outdoors.”
Frank Blair hosts Monitor ’66 — June 12
Time: one hour
On this — exactly 11 years to the day Monitor debuted — Sunday night Monitor host Frank Blair presides over this busy hour from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on June 12, 1966. You’ll hear Curt Gowdy’s “Monitor Outdoors”; Len Dillon’s live report from the Buick Open golf Tournament in Michigan; Mel Allen’s live Sunday night sports report (which is preceded by bantering between Frank and Mel); Monitor’s “Man on the Aisle,” Leonard Probst, with reviews from London; and the Mobil “Travel Guide of the Air.”
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66 — June 18
Time: a half-hour
Henry hosts this entertaining half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET on June 18, 1966, featuring Mel Allen’s live Saturday night sports update (and listen, afterward, to Mel’s “response” as Henry reads a live commercial); a “Monitor on Stage” performance by singer Tony Bennett, and a “Mobil Travel Guide of the Air” report.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — June 19
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Barry, hosting this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 4:30 p.m. ET on June 19, 1966. It features an interview with author A.E. Hotchner, about his biography on Ernest Hemingway, and a sports report from Joe Garagiola.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — June 19
Time: a half-hour
Barry hosts this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5:30 to 6 p.m. ET on June 19, 1966, featuring Mel Allen’s live Sunday afternoon sports update; a comedy skit from Jonathan Winters; and an interview with movie producer Joseph E. Levine.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — July 10 (scoped)
Time: one hour
Here’s the very fine Mr. Nelson hosting Monitor on Sunday afternoon, July 10, 1966, from about 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. This piece is “scoped,” meaning much has been taken out — and what’s left are some of the best features from that afternoon’s broadcast. You’ll hear Chet Huntley’s powerful commentary on Vietnam protesters; a comedy skit by the great Mike Nichols and Elaine May; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Bob Newhart; Barry’s interview with film director William Wyler; and a Mobile Travel Guide of the Air piece. Also noteworthy: Listen for the WNBC Schaefer beer commercial. Yes, Louis Amstrong sings it.
Merrill Mueller hosts Monitor ’66 — July 10
Time: about 15 minutes
Here’s a real surprise, Monitor fans. This is one of the only known recordings of NBC Radio newsman Merrill Mueller hosting Monitor. (We have another on the “Sounds of Monitor 1965” page.) It’s just a few minutes of the first hour of Sunday night Monitor — which began at 7 p.m. ET on July 10, 1966 — but because it’s a rare “Merrill” — and because you’ll hear an excellent Leonard Probst interview with actress Gwen Verdon — we are happy to offer it here.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Aug. 21
Time: a half-hour
By this Sunday, Aug. 21, 1966, WNBC Radio talk-show host Brad Crandall had replaced Frank Blair as Sunday night Monitor host. In this half-hour from 7 to 7:30 p.m. ET, Brad shows off his interviewing skills in a conversation with an NBC correspondent who had just returned from South Vietnam, and Mel Allen gives his live Sunday night sports update.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Aug. 21
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Brad, back with another half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8:30 to 9 p.m. ET on Aug. 21, 1966. This one features a Mobil “Travel Guide of the Air” report from Virginia City, Nevada; and a “Sport of “Speed” report from Ted Webbe.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — Aug. 28
Time: a half-hour
Barry presides over this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5:30 to 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 28, 1966. It features a “Ring Around the World” report and Mel Allen’s live Sunday afternoon sports update.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Aug. 28
Time: one hour
Brad hosts this excellent first hour of Sunday night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 28, 1966. It features his live interview with a Navy pilot who had just flown through Hurricane Faith, Mel Allen’s live Sunday night sports update, Ted Webbe’s “Sport of Speed,” a Monitor on Stage comedy bit, and a Mobil Travel Guide of the Air report on a California ghost town.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Aug. 28
Time: a half-hour
Brad presides over this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 28, 1966. It includes Monitor’s “Man on the Aisle,” Leonard Probst, reporting on the Beatles’ appearance in NYC earlier in the week; and an attempted interview with the governor of Maine about plans to send deer to Texas. Ah, yes. The perils of live radio — even on Monitor.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66 — Sept. 11
Time: a half-hour
Brad hosts this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8:30 to 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 11, 1966. It’s a good one, featuring an interview with “Get Smart” actress Barbara Feldon; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by singer Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall; and a live interview with a scientist about the next-day’s scheduled launch of Gemini 11.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Sept. 18
Time: one hour
We are happy to have all three hours of Brad Crandall hosting Sunday night Monitor on Sept. 18, 1966. And all three hours are loaded. This first one — from 7 to 8 p.m. ET — features Brad’s live interview with the mother of quintuplets; an interview with humorist Sam Levenson; Len Dillon, filling in for Mel Allen with a live Sunday night sports report; comedians Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks, with a skit about their “2,000 year-old man”; and Leonard Probst on Broadway’s autumn opening nights.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Sept. 18
Time: one hour
Brad returns with this second hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 18, 1966. This one features Brad — a WNBC Radio talk-show host during the week — at his best. He interviews singer Eddie Fisher, live — introduces a comedy skit by Jonathan Winters — has word on the earlier-in-the-week death of legendary radio-TV actress Gertrude Berg and then introduces an interview former Sunday night Monitor host Frank McGee had done with Miss Berg. Then Brad does a live interview with basketball star Cazzie Russell — introduces a “Monitor on Stage” skit by comedian Don (“Get Smart”) Adams — and wraps up the hour with a live interview with Albert Hibbs, Monitor’s science editor, about the upcoming voyage of Surveyor 2. What an hour.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Sept. 18
Time: one hour
Here’s Brad, hosting the final hour of Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 18, 1966. This one features Brad’s live interview with a Phoenix housewife who had organized a protest against high food prices, a “Sport of Speed” report from Ted Webbe, a “Monitor Comedy Time” skit by the great Mike Nichols and Elaine May, and an interview with old-time radio star John J. Anthony.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Sept. 24
Time: one hour
Henry Morgan hosts this hour of Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 24, 1966. You’ll hear fellow Monitor host Brad Crandall’s interview with singer Rosemary Clooney; an Al Capp commentary; Len Dillon’s interview with Mike Burke, the new president of the New York Yankees; Candy Jones’ interview with actor Bobby Morse; and a classic comedy skit from the incomparable Mike Nichols & Elaine May. And at the half-hour — after a 40-second pause — you’ll hear Warren Gerbe — who recorded so many of Monitor’s hours off WNBC Radio in NYC — “DX-ing” — finding another station carrying Monitor. Best bet: WGY in Schnectady. (Warren dials back to WNBC to finish the half-hour.)
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Sept. 24
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Henry, back hosting this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 24, 1966. It features an interview with a man who claims he’s seen a flying saucer, an interview with a private UFO investigative group, and a report from London about out-of-the-way gifts for early Christmas shoppers.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ‘66, part 1 — Sept. 25
Time: a half-hour
One of our favorite Monitor hosts, Barry Nelson, presides over this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 2:30 to 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 25, 1966. It features a Monitor on Stage comedy bit by Don “Get Smart” Adams and a live report from Chicago about the killing of soon-to-be U.S. Senator Charles Percy’s daughter — a murder that remains unsolved to this day.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Sept. 25
Time: about 15 minutes
This is the only existing part of the half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor hosted by Barry Nelson from 3 to about 3:20 p.m. ET on Sept. 25, 1966. Featured is an interview with singer Jane Morgan.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Sept. 25
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Barry, presiding over this half-hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4:30 to 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 25, 1966. You’ll hear Peter Hackes, reporting on what’s upcoming for Apollo space flights; a comedy skit by the great Mike Nichols and Elaine May; and an interview with University of Missouri football coach Dan Devine.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Sept. 25
Time: a half-hour
Brad hosts this hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 25, 1966, featuring his live interview with country music Star Eddie Arnold, a “Sport of Speed” report with Ted Webbe, Brad’s interview with an expert on teenage drug abuse, and a comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Sept. 25
Time: a half-hour
Here’s WNBC Radio’s Brad Crandall, hosting Sunday night Monitor on Sept. 25, 1966, from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET. This one features Brad’s live interview with an Indiana man who said he had spotted a UFO, and a commentary by Al Capp.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — Oct. 9
Time: one hour
Barry hosts this excellent hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Oct. 9, 1966. It features an “At Home” report from Hugh Downs; Joe Garagiola’s report from Baltimore on the Orioles’ just-concluded sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, a game carried by NBC Radio and TV; a “Ring Around the World” report; a comedy skit from the great Mike Nichols and Elaine May, and Mel Allen’s live Sunday afternoon sports update. What an hour!
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66 — Oct. 15
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Mr. Morgan, hosting this half-hour of Saturday night Monitor from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 15, 1966. It features WNBC’s Long John Nebel, interviewing Betty and Barney Hill, who made world-wide news when they claimed they had been abducted by extraterrestrials.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66 (scoped) — Nov. 12
Time: a half-hour
This is just a snippet — all that remains — of Mr. Morgan’s three-hour Saturday night Monitor broadcast from 7:30 to 10:30 ET on Nov. 12, 1966. All we have is a partial interview with actress Debbie Reynolds, some Monitor music, and various “bits” by Henry. And those “bits” make this quite worthwhile.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — Nov. 20
Time: about 14 minutes
Here’s small clip of Barry, hosting Sunday afternoon Monitor on Nov. 20, 1966. This one features Thanksgiving greetings from American soldiers in Vietnam, a live report on an important election in the then West-German state of Bavaria, and an absolutely heartwarming commentary from Li’l Abner cartoonist Al Capp, Monitor’s “expert on nothing with opinions on everything.” (Recorded off WJBO Radio in Baton Rouge by Louis Castaing.)
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66 — Nov. 20
Time: 16 minutes
I wish we had more than this scoped segment — but here’s Henry — this time on Nov. 20, 1966 (the Sunday night before Thanksgiving), from 9:35 to 10 p.m. ET — with some truly moving messages from GI’s in Vietnam. (Courtesy of Louis Castaing)
Ed McMahon hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Dec. 17
Time: one hour
Ed hosts this delightful first hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor on Dec. 17, 1966, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET. It features an interview with singer Marilyn Maye, recalling her Christmas memories; a Joe Garagiola sports report; a “Ring Around the World” report on Christmas in Santo Domingo; a comedy skit by the incomparable Mike Nichols and Elaine May; and a visit to a toy superstore.
Ed McMahon hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Dec. 17
Time: one hour
Here’s Ed, back with the second hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor on Dec. 17, 1966, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET. This one includes a report on USO preparations for Christmas in Vietnam, a sports report on sprinter Jim Ryun, an Al Capp commentary, and a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Bob Newhart. In addition, Ed gives the national weather report, and there’s an interview with famed Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler.
Ed McMahon hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Dec. 17
Time: one hour
In this final hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 17, 1966, Mr. McMahon presides over an interview with actor-comedian Carl Reiner, who recounts Christmas memories; Mel Allen’s live Saturday afternoon sports update; a “Ring Around the World” report on Christmas in Tokyo; and a Joe Garagiola sports report. Delightful listening!
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66 — Dec. 18
Time: one hour
Barry hosts this hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor on Dec. 18, 1966, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET. You’ll hear his interview with Chanel, Inc., president Gregory Thomas; a report on Christmas in Moscow; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Bill Dana; and a report from Paris on international relations.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Christmas Eve
Time: one hour
Here we go, Monitor fans — the first of our Christmas weekend Monitor hours. This is the first hour of Saturday morning Monitor on Dec. 24, 1966, from 9 to 10 a.m. ET, hosted by the outstanding Gene Rayburn. And it’s loaded. You’ll hear Gene D’Accardo of KNBR Radio (NBC’s O-and-O in San Francisco) reporting on the return home of Vietnam vets for Christmas; a wonderful comedy skit by the great Mike Nichols and Elaine May; a report on Christmas in Pittsburgh; and an emotional Christmastime sports story from Joe Garagiola. In addition, there are holiday greetings from actor Roddy McDowall, Lorne “Bonanza” Greene, comedienne Joan Rivers, and singer Tony Bennett.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Christmas Eve
Time: one hour
In this outstanding second hour of Saturday morning Monitor on Dec. 24, 1966, from 10 to 11 a.m. ET, Gene presides over an interview with comedian Marty Allen, who recounts Christmas memories; a live national weather report from Chicago (which is followed by Gene’s emotional ad-lib about one of his most memorable Christmases); an interview with Margaret Truman (the former president’s daughter) about her Christmas memories; a Lorne Greene rendition of Clement Clarke Moore’s immortal “A Visit from St. Nicholas”; and a Monitor “Sport of Speed” report from Ted Webbe. And there are holiday greetings from Arlene Francis, Bob Hope and Robert Preston. What an hour, indeed.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Christmas Eve
Time: one hour
In this third and final hour of Saturday morning Monitor — from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Dec. 24, 1966 — Gene segues between a report on Christmas in Cleveland; an Al Capp commentary; a sports report on the Yankees’ Roger Maris; a look at Christmas in Switzerland; and Joe Garagiola’s Christmas memories. And, there’s more — holiday greetings from bandleader Guy Lombardo, singer-actress Julie Andrews, stage star Katharine Cornell and Jack Benny.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — Christmas Day
Time: one hour
Yes, here’s stage, screen, TV and radio star Barry Nelson, working on Christmas Day, hosting Monitor from 2 to 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 25, 1966. It’s a marvelous hour, and Barry is wonderful, presiding over a report on Christmas in Seattle; an Al Capp commentary; Kukla, Fran & Ollie, singing “The 12 Days of Christmas”; and a report on the upcoming Orange Bowl football game, which NBC Radio and TV would broadcast. There are also holiday greetings from actress Lauren Bacall, Bob Hope, bandleader Benny Goodman and Robert Preston.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — Christmas Day
Time: one hour
Here’s Barry, back with another cheerful and energetic hour of Christmas afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 25, 1966. This one features Lorne Greene, magnificently narrating O. Henry’s immortal “The Gift of the Magi”; a sports report on the NFL’s upcoming new franchise in New Orleans; Barry, reading a Christmas story; and a report on Christmas in the Midwest. Also, there are holiday greetings from Barbara “Get Smart” Feldon, Lorne Greene, actress Nanette Fabray and actor Joseph Cotten.
Barry Nelson hosts Monitor ’66, part 3 — Christmas Day
Time: one hour
Barry’s back with this hour of Christmas Day Monitor on Sunday, Dec. 25, 1966, from 5 to 6 p.m. ET. This one features an interview with Robert Redford, recalling his Christmas memories; a comedy skit from the wonderful Mike Nichols and Elaine May; a Joe Garagiola sports report; and a report on Christmas in New Orleans. And let’s not forget the holiday greetings from Tony Randall, Arlene Francis, Maurice Chevalier and Jack Benny. What a great Christmas Sunday afternoon this was!
Brad Crandall hosts Monitor ’66 — Christmas Night
Time: one hour
Here’s Sunday night Monitor host Brad Crandall, presiding over Christmas night Monitor from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 25, 1966. It’s packed — featuring a live report from Texas on how President Lyndon Johnson spent Christmas Day; Mel Allen’s sparkling Christmas sports report; a live interview with Bing Crosby from his California home, about how his family spent Christmas; and Monitor’s “Man on the Aisle,” Leonard Probst, interviewing Neil Simon about his new play, “The Star-Spangled Girl.” And there are holiday greetings from Mel Torme, Julie Andrews, Roddy McDowall and Bob Hope.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66, part 1 — New Year’s Eve
Time: one hour
Saturday night Monitor host Henry Morgan emceed this hour from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 1966. It features a report on the political “performers” of 1966; a Joe Garagiola look-back at sports in ’66; an interview with movie expert John Springer; a “Monitor on Stage” performance by Tony Bennett; and a comedy skit by the legendary Mike Nichols and Elaine May.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’66, part 2 — New Year’s Eve
Time: one hour
Usually, Saturday night Monitor ended at 10:30 p.m. ET — but not on this New Year’s Eve. Monitor continued to 11 p.m. to “meet” the start of NBC Radio’s annual New Year’s Eve All-Star Parade of Bands. This hour — from 10 to 11 p.m. ET — features a look at the year ahead; a sports report by Charlie Jones; a report on California’s new “implied consent” drunk-driving law (by KCRA radio reporter Roger Rocka in Sacramento — who, seven years later, would hire me as the youngest TV reporter in Fresno) — and a live interview with bandleader Vaughn Monroe from the Rainbow Grill on top of the RCA Building in NYC. Vaughn and his group then perform — the first stop on the All-Star Parade of Bands, a fixture on NBC Radio since the late 1920’s.