Sounds of NBC Monitor – 1966

December 2024

Christmastime Monitor ’66 hosted by Rayburn, Nelson & Crandall

Merry Christmas, Monitor fans! Below, near the bottom of this page with red headlines like this, are seven hours of Christmastime Monitor ’66 hosted by Gene Rayburn, Barry Nelson & Brad Crandall.  These hours are a pure delight, and we hope they will bring you a whole lot of holiday joy!

Also 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

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.