Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’70, part 1 — Jan. 31
Time: one hour
This first hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 1970, opens with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, then moves ahead with host Gene Rayburn (in his fifth year of hosting Saturday morning Monitor) interviewing the chief researcher for Time-Life books (and asking interesting questions); a report on tennis star Arthur Ashe, who had just been rejected for a visa by South Africa because he was Black; Graham Kerr, the “Galloping Gourmet”; and Bess Myerson, reporting on problems in the laundry industry.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’70, part 2 — Jan. 31
Time: one hour
Gene’s back with this second hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 10 to 11 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 1970. You’ll hear Bob Hope, emceeing a fundraiser for the Eisenhower Medical Center; Gene’s national weather outlook; Bob Considine’s “On the Line” report; a live report from Washington, DC, on a threatened national railroad strike; and Frank Blair, reporting on home decorating; and a report on innovators.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’70, part 3 — Jan. 31
Time: one hour
The outstanding Mr. Rayburn hosts this excellent third and final hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 31, 1970. It starts with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, and then speeds into high gear with a report from Cincinnati on the trash mess there, caused by an ongoing strike by city workers; Dean Mell, reporting on Monitor’s “College Poll” that asked about “the pill”; a live report on the possibility of an imminent nationwide railroad strike; movie critic Gene Shalit’s review of a new movie you might have heard of — “MASH”; and another report on the possibility of a railroad strike. Yes, indeed. This hour is loaded.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’70, part 1 — Jan. 31
Time: one hour
Henry — now in his fifth and final year of hosting Monitor — presides over this first hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 31, 1970. It features more from Bob Hope, emceeing a benefit for the Eisenhower Medical Center; “Galloping Gourmet” Graham Kerr; a sports report on Heisman Trophy winner Steve Owens; and Henry’s interview with columnist Harriet Van Horne, about marriage counseling and marriage counselors.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’70, part 2 — Jan. 31
Time: one hour
Here’s Mr. Morgan, back with the second hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 31, 1970. Opening with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, Henry presides over a Joe Garagiola sports report; a report from San Francisco on the imminent nationwide railroad strike; a report from Monaco; a report about the future of the African nation of Nigeria; “Capitol Hill Monitor” with Paul Duke; and Jim Simpson, with a sports report on downhill skiing.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’70, part 3 — Jan. 31
Time: a half-hour
We don’t have all of this third and final hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor hosted by Henry Morgan on Jan. 31, 1970 — but the half-hour we have from 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET will keep your interest. It starts with NBC Monitor News on the Hour. Then you’ll hear a report on the hunt for one of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Santa Maria; a report on the possibility of a nationwide railroad strike; and a report from Iowa about a strange state law that might compel a couple of sell their farm.
Murray the K hosts Monitor ’70 — January
Time: a half-hour
Yes, legendary NYC jock Murray the K hosted Saturday night Monitor from 1969-72. In this segment, which aired in January 1970 from 9:30-10 p.m. ET, Murray features archived audio from earlier NBC Radio shows featuring Jack Benny, Fred Allen and Bob Hope.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’70 — Feb. 7
Time: one hour
Henry hosts this hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on May 7, 1970, featuring a “Monitor on Stage” performance by comedian Flip Wilson; a live report from KNBR’s (NBC Radio’s O-and-O in San Francisco) Frank Dill at the Bob Hope Desert Classic in Palm Desert, California; a report by Dr. Joyce Brothers; and a Joe Garagiola sports report.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’70 — March 28
Time: one hour
Here’s Gene, hosting this hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 10 to 11 a.m. ET on March 28, 1970. You’ll hear a report on the week’s postal workers’ strike; Gene’s national weather report (which he did for years during this 10 a.m. Saturday morning hour); Cindy Adams, reporting on the celebrity scene; a commentary by Henry Morgan; and a feature called “the innovators.”
Murray the K hosts Monitor ’70 — April 25
Time: a half-hour
Here he is again — the “Fifth Beatle,” Murray the K — on April 25, 1970, from 10 to 10:30 p.m. ET — the last half-hour ever of Monitor in this time slot, since (as Murray will announce), the program’s start time would change the following weekend, and Saturday night Monitor would henceforth air from 7 to 10 p.m. ET. (Courtesy of Don Spuhler)
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’70 — July 4
Time: about 15 minutes
Here’s just a brief slice of one of our favorites, Mr. Morgan, hosting Saturday afternoon Monitor on the Fourth of July in 1970, from 4:07 to about 4:22 p.m. ET. It will send a chill down your spine to hear Henry’s live interview with an Air Force captain in Greenland (where it was nearly freezing) — especially when Henry asks how much warning the U.S. would have if that base spotted an incoming enemy missile coming over the pole. This also features part of a Len Dillon interview with Kentucky basketball coach Henry Iba. The piece ends abruptly, with an NBC announcer closing out the segment (obviously, someone deleted material from the end of the Iba interview, to the end of the half-hour segment). But it’s still very, very good listening! (Courtesy of Jack Burns)
Murray the K hosts Monitor ’70, part 1 — July 11
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Murray, hosting this partial half-hour of Saturday night Monitor, live from the Newport Jazz Festival from 7 to 7:30 p.m. ET on July 11, 1970. Monitor and Murray broadcast live for three hours from the Jazz Festival on both this Saturday night and the following night.
Murray the K hosts Monitor ’70, part 2 — July 11
Time: a half-hour
Murray’s back with another half-hour of Saturday night Monitor, live from the Newport Jazz Festival from 7:30 to 8 p.m. ET on July 11, 1970.
Henry Morgan hosts Monitor ’70 — Sept. 6
Time: 5 minutes
This very brief clip comes to us courtesy of Jim Wilson, who was news editor at KMJ Radio in Fresno when he produced this piece that aired on Sunday afternoon Monitor on Sept. 6, 1970. Henry Morgan was host.
**1971**
Ted Brown hosts Monitor ’71 — Feb. 21
Time: a half-hour
WNBC and WNEW disc jockey Ted Brown succeeded Henry Morgan as Sunday afternoon Monitor host in 1970. Here he is, on Sunday, Feb. 21, 1971, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. ET, demonstrating his own brand of energy and humor. Features Gene Shalit with a movie review, Ted hosting sports, and plenty of ad-libs. (Courtesy of Jim Willard)
Bill Cullen hosts Monitor ’71 — May 16
Time: a half-hour
Bill Cullen — the “king of TV game shows” — was the regular Saturday afternoon Monitor host for several years. Here he is, on a Sunday afternoon, May 16, 1971, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. ET. Features Dr. Joyce Brothers, Cullen doing sports & more. (Courtesy of Jim Willard)
Ted Brown hosts Monitor ’71 — Oct. 17
Time: about 16 minutes
Here’s a brief snippet of Ted, hosting Monitor from 4:21 to about 4:37 p.m. ET immediately following the end of NBC Radio’s coverage of Game 7 of the World Series on October 17, 1971. You’ll hear NBC Monitor News — which began at 4:20 p.m. — after which Monitor starts and Ted talks with the radio net’s Series play-by-play guy, Jim Simpson. Then — at 4:30 — there’s five minutes of Monitor “fill” music — then the re-start of Monitor, with gabby Ted (he was always gabby) ad-libbing about the Series. (Recorded off WGY Radio in Schnectady. Courtesy of Eric Paddon.)
Jim Lowe hosts Monitor ’71 — Oct. 30
Time: one hour
This is an “unusual” Monitor hour in that it focuses on one topic. Jim Lowe hosted this hour from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night, Oct. 30, 1971. It was part of an extended evening-long Monitor look at youth, music and religion. This particular hour focused on the hit stage musicals “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell.” You’ll hear Jim interviewing the very young Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, along with Monitor’s stage critic Leonard Probst. Of course, you’ll hear music from both plays — and in the middle is NBC Monitor News on the Hour. This was recorded off WTIC Radio in Hartford, Connecticut. Pay attention to the station break, where you’ll hear a WTIC public service announcement about something that will bring back memories to all of us who grew up during the height of the Cold War. (Courtesy of Jim Willard & Louis Castaing)
Jim Lowe Hosts Monitor ’71 — Dec. 12
Time: a half-hour
This is a Monitor tribute to RCA and NBC founder David Sarnoff, airing on Sunday night, Dec. 12, 1971, and hosted by Jim Lowe. Sarnoff had died earlier in the day. Listen to the end, when Jim “breaks format” to say, “This the National Broadcasting Company,” instead of the usual “This is NBC.” He did that as a tribute to Sarnoff. (Courtesy of Louis Castaing)
**1972**
Jim Lowe hosts Monitor ’72 — Jan. 30
Time: one hour
Legendary NYC disc jockey Jim Lowe was Monitor’s 2nd-longest tenured host — after Gene Rayburn. First he hosted Saturday night Monitor — then (after leaving and returning to WNBC), he hosted Sunday night Monitor from ’69 to ’73. Here’s Jim on Sunday night, January 30th, 1972, from 9 to 10 p.m. ET. After an “upcut” NBC Monitor News on the Hour, you’ll hear Dean Mell interviewing Gay Talese; Len Dillon with Monitor sports; Graham Kerr (the “Galloping Gourmet”) & more, including an “early” NBC Monitor News on the Hour at the end. (Courtesy of Don Spuhler)
Ted Brown hosts Monitor ’72 (scoped) — April 30
Time: about 40 minutes
Here’s Ted, again, ad-libbing his way through this memorable Sunday segment from April 30, 1972. He starts by messing up the close to NBC Monitor News on the Hour — and continues “winging it” in Ted’s inimitable way. He was a radio “natural.” (Courtesy of W.T. Koltek)
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’72, part 1 — July 15
Time: one hour
This is the first of three hours of Saturday night Monitor hosted by Art Ford on July 15, 1972. It’s a special look at the “crooners, swooners and rockers” who dominated music from the 1920’s into the ’50’s. This hour — from 7 to 8 p.m. ET — features interviews with Bing Crosby, Connee Boswell, Perry Como and Doris Day. This was recorded off WTIC Radio in Hartford. (Courtesy of Dan Gulino)
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’72, part 2 — July 15
Time: one hour
This is the second hour — from 8 to 9 p.m. ET — of the music special hosted by Art Ford on Saturday night Monitor on July 15, 1972. This one features a look at Frank Sinatra’s career, along with interviews with Bing Crosby and Kate Smith. (Courtesy of Dan Gulino — recorded off WTIC Radio in Hartford)
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’72, part 3 — July 15
Time: one hour
In this third and final hour of Saturday night Monitor — from 9 to 10 p.m. ET on July 15, 1972 — Art Ford presides over a look at music in the 1950’s, along with interviews with Rosemary Clooney and Fats Domino. (Courtesy of Dan Gulino — recorded off WTIC Radio in Hartford)
Bill Mazer hosts Monitor ’72 — Sept. 23
Time: one hour
Bill Mazer was a great sports talk host on WNBC Radio in NYC. He also occasionally filled in as a Monitor host, as he did here, on Saturday morning, Sept. 23, 1972 (sitting in for regular host Gene Rayburn). In this wonderful hour (9-10 a.m. ET), you will hear NBC Monitor News on the Hour, followed by reports by Ed McMahon, Joe Garagiola, Gene Rayburn and Curt Gowdy. That’s right — ALL of them, in just one hour! Plus, great music — a Monitor tip — and more! Yes, even in 1972, 17 years after its premiere, Monitor still sounded like the best program, ever, on network radio. And it was! (Courtesy of Gene Garnes Jr.)
Art Fleming hosts Monitor ’72 — Oct. 22
Time — about 14 minutes
Art Fleming — the great first emcee of TV’s legendary “Jeopardy” — hosted Sunday afternoon Monitor in 1972 after Ted Brown left. Here — in this oh-so-brief snippet — which aired from 4 to about 4:15 p.m. ET on Oct. 22, 1972, after Game 7 of the World Series — we hear NBC Monitor News on the Hour — followed by Fleming introducing the Monitor segment which followed. That segment includes Joe Garagiola, describing Game 7, which the Oakland A’s won, 3-2, over Cincinnati. (Courtesy of Eric Paddon and Louis Castaing)
Frank Sinatra Jr. hosts Monitor ’72, part 1 — Dec. 2
Time: one hour
Yes, Monitor fans, Frank Jr. hosted Saturday night Monitor for three consecutive weekends in 1972, starting with this hour on Dec. 2 from 7 to 8 p.m. ET. He was performing at the Rainbow Room on top of the RCA Building at the time, so NBC decided to book him as a Monitor host. After an edited NBC Monitor News on the Hour, you’ll hear Gene Rayburn, Ed McMahon, Gene Shalit doing a live movie review, Guy LeBow with a live sports report & more. (All Sinatra Jr. audio courtesy of Jack Burns)
Frank Sinatra Jr. hosts Monitor ’72, part 2 — Dec. 2
Time: a half-hour
Frank Jr. hosted this half-hour from 8-8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night, Dec. 2, 1972. After an edited NBC Monitor News on the Hour, you’ll hear Frank Jr. interviewing Frankie Avalon.
Frank Sinatra Jr. hosts Monitor ’72, part 3 — Dec. 2
Time: a half-hour
In this half-hour, which aired from 8:30 to 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 2, Frank Jr. plays some of his favorite music — and it’s an exceptional list, including offerings by Chicago, Ella Fitzgerald, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby.
Frank Sinatra Jr. hosts Monitor ’72, part 4 — Dec. 2
Time: a half-hour
After an edited NBC Monitor News on the Hour, you’ll hear Frank Jr. being interviewed by Cindy Adams, a newspaper columnist who was a frequent Monitor host in the early ’70’s. This aired from 9-9:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 2, 1972
Frank Sinatra Jr. hosts Monitor ’72, part 5 — Dec. 2
Time: a half-hour
Great listening. This half-hour, which aired from 9:30-10 p.m. ET on Saturday night, Dec. 2, 1972, features Frank Jr. performing live at the Rainbow Grill on top of the RCA Building in New York. The first five minutes consist of Monitor’s “fill” music for those affiliates not doing local news — then Frank Jr. takes it from there.
Frank Sinatra Jr. hosts Monitor ’72, part 1 — Dec. 9
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Frank Jr., hosting Saturday night Monitor from 7-7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 9, 1972. In this half-hour, he interviews actor, comedian and impressionist George Kirby.
Frank Sinatra Jr. hosts Monitor ’72, part 2 — Dec. 9
Time: a half-hour
A delightful segment that aired from 7:30-8 p.m. ET on Saturday night, Dec. 9, 1972. Here, Frank Jr. is joined by NBC’s movie and book reviewer Gene Shalit and by NBC sportscaster Guy LeBow.
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’72, part 1 — Dec. 30
Time: a half-hour
There is no doubt that Gene Rayburn was Monitor’s most-loved host — and why not? He hosted Monitor longer than anyone else — he had a great personality — and he loved doing the broadcast. Here he is, on Saturday morning, December 30, 1972, from 9 to 9:30 a.m. ET, interviewing the legendary Jean Shepherd. It begins with NBC Monitor News on the Hour, anchored by our late friend Dean Mell. (Courtesy of the family of Bud Drake)
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’72, part 2 — Dec. 30
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Gene, on Saturday morning, December 30, 1972, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. ET. He’s joined by Joe Garagiola and Bob Considine, both reminiscing about the year that’s about to end. (Courtesy of the family of Bud Drake)
**1973**
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’73, part 1 — April 15
Time: one hour
Art Ford, a great NYC radio voice, hosted this “Big-Band tribute” on Sunday night Monitor on April 15, 1973. This first hour, from 7 to 8 p.m. ET, features music by big bands fronted by Jan Savitt, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Will Bradley, Larry Clinton and Johnny Long; plus interviews with Goodman, Bea Wain and Vincent Lopez. (This, and the following Art Ford audio, courtesy of Jack Burns)
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’73, part 2 — April 15
Time: a half-hour
Here’s Art, hosting Sunday night Monitor from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET on April 15, 1973. It opens with NBC Monitor News on the hour — then features music by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’73, part 3 — April 15
Time: a half-hour
Art presides over this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 8:30 to 9 pm. ET on April 15, 1973, which features novelty songs from the Big Band era.
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’73, part 4 — April 15
Time: a half-hour
Art’s back, hosting this half-hour of Sunday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on April 15, 1973. After NBC Monitor News on the Hour, you’ll hear bands headed by Les Brown and by Woody Herman, along with interviews with Art Mooney and Herman.
Art Ford hosts Monitor ’73, part 5 — April 15
Time: a half-hour
Art wraps up Sunday night Monitor by hosting this half-hour from 9:30 to 10 p.m. ET on April 15, 1973. You’ll hear music by Stan Kenton and Count Basie, as well as interviews with these two great band leaders. Also, there is an “early” NBC Monitor News on the Hour — at 9:53:50. This was NBC’s usual Sunday night pattern during much of Monitor’s later years.
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73, part 1 — June 9
Time: a half-hour
It’s Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET on June 9, 1973 — and Don “Imus in the Morning” — a controversial “shock jock” on WNBC Radio in New York — makes his debut as a Monitor host. And he doesn’t sound terribly pleased to be inside Radio Central, does he? (Courtesy of Gene Garnes Jr.)
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73, part 2 — June 9
Time: a half-hour
This is the second-half of Imus’ first-ever hour on Monitor, airing Saturday night, June 9, 1973, from 7:30-8 p.m. ET. This features an Imus interview with Ron Landry of the Los Angeles DJ team of Hudson and Landry and a Guy LeBow live sports update. Imus also plays some good-sounding 1973 music, and he has a quick one-liner for LeBow right after Guy finishes his sports update. (Courtesy of Gene Garnes Jr.)
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73, part 3 — June 9
Time: one hour
Here’s Don, hosting Saturday night Monitor on June 9, 1973, from 8-9 p.m. ET. It begins with NBC Monitor News on the Hour. Then Imus (known as “Imus in the Morning” on WNBC Radio) talks live with sportscaster Dick Schapp, interviews Dr. Joyce Brothers and revivalist Marjoe Gortner, and plays one of his “Rev. Hargis” skits. Even if you’re not an Imus fan, you’ll have to admit — this is interesting stuff.
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73, part 1 — June 16
Time: a half-hour
Having survived his first three-hour Monitor hosting duties the weekend before, Imus returns on this Saturday night, June 16, for another go-around. This half-hour (which aired from 9-9:30 p.m. ET) features Imus parodies about law enforcement and about Wolfman Jack, and Don’s interview with former New York Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton. The audio is a bit dicey at times. It was recorded from KTMS Radio in Santa Barbara, California.
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73, part 2 — June 16
Time: a half-hour
On this Imus segment on Monitor — which aired from 9:30-10 p.m. ET on Saturday night, June 16 — Don does a “Crazy Bob” piece and then interviews former NBC News anchor Chet Huntley. The half-hour begins with a local newscast from KTMS Radio in Santa Barbara, California, where this Monitor audio was recorded.
Dan Daniel hosts Monitor ’73, part 1 — July 14
Time: a half-hour
Legendary NYC DJ Dan Daniel (WMCA, WHN, and later, WCBS-FM) hosted various Monitor segments in 1973. Here he is, on Saturday night Monitor on July 14, 1973, from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET, presiding over a live PGA golf report and a piece by syndicated advice columnist Ann Landers. Recorded from KTMS Radio in Santa Barbara, California.
Dan Daniel hosts Monitor ’73, part 2 — July 14
Time: a half-hour
Dan hosts this half hour of Saturday night Monitor on July 14, 1973, from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET, opening with NBC Monitor News on the Hour — then featuring reports by Joe Garagiola and Dr. Joyce Brothers. Recorded from KTMS Radio in Santa Barbara, California.
Bill Cullen hosts Monitor ’73 — July 21
Time: about 35 minutes
Here’s a segment of Saturday morning Monitor hosted by the great Bill Cullen, on Saturday, July 21, from 11 to about 11:40 a.m. ET. By this time, long-time Saturday morning host Gene Rayburn was busy with his “Match Game” revival on CBS-TV — so he had to bow out of the Saturday morning slot. Bill stepped in for a time — and this snippet showcases his wonderfully breezy style — he sounds just like the “guy next door,” and that’s undoubtedly why he was so successful on both radio and TV during his great career. This piece features Bill at his best, interviewing Sterling Holloway — and listen to Bill as he jokes that he “limped” into a question with Sterling. If you know details about Bill’s life, you’ll understand what he’s referring to.
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73 — July 21
Time: a half-hour
Early warning: the audio here is marginal. But we are posting this half-hour of Don Imus hosting Saturday night Monitor from 9 to 9:30 p.m. ET on July 21, 1973, because of its historic nature. NBC sportscaster Marv Albert joins Imus to tell him that Major League Baseball slugger Hank Aaron hit his 700th home run earlier in the evening. Also featured — Imus interviewing newsman Geraldo Rivera. Recorded from KTMS Radio in Santa Barbara, California.
Bill Cullen hosts Monitor ’73 — Aug. 11
Time: one hour
Yes, we present another hour hosted by the great Bill Cullen, this time on Saturday morning, Aug. 11, 1973 — 9 to 10 a.m. ET. Apart from Bill’s casual and wonderful style, you’ll enjoy (we promise!) reports by Joe Garagiola, travel expert Fran Koltun, and reports about the overseas movie industry and a unique history author. Plus, Monitor tips — and more! (Courtesy of Gene Garnes Jr.)
Gene Rayburn hosts Monitor ’73 — Oct. 14
Time: about 16 minutes
Here’s Gene — hosting a few minutes of Monitor starting at 4:07 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 14, 1973 — right before the start of Game 2 of the World Series on NBC Radio. This is the next-to-last time Gene ever hosted Monitor — his last time coming AFTER that Series game ended, hours later. Unfortunately, we do not have audio of that last appearance by Gene — Monitor’s longest-tenured host. But here you go — with what we do have. (Courtesy Louis Castaing.)
Robert W. Morgan hosts Monitor ’73 — Nov. 3
Time: one hour
Legendary Los Angeles disc jockey Robert W. Morgan hosted Saturday night Monitor during the summer and fall of 1973, alternating weeks with Don Imus and Wolfman Jack. This was NBC Radio’s experiment to try to induce some of its stations that were no longer airing Monitor to do so. In this segment — Saturday night, Nov. 3, from 8 to 9 p.m. ET, Robert W. has the comedy team of Hudson and Landry as guests.
Tony Taylor hosts Monitor ‘73 — Nov. 4
Time: one hour
Airing on Sunday night, Nov. 4, 1973, this clip symbolizes the beginning of the end of Monitor. The program would endure until early 1975, but this Sunday night was the first under Monitor’s new format. It started with NBC Radio News — not NBC Monitor News on the Hour. The Monitor Beacon had been removed from the top-of-the-hour weekend newscasts this very weekend. Then there were news “updates” at :15 and :45 after the hour, a much faster pace for Monitor, shorter features and more music. Here, WNBC disc jockey Tony Taylor hosts the 7-8 p.m. ET hour on Monitor. Included are those news and sports updates, a brief clip of Bill Cosby, some kind of other comedy “drop-in” material, clips of W.C. Fields and an interview with Fields’ grandson. (Courtesy of Louis Castaing, who recorded this off WPNS Radio in New Orleans, in the Central Time Zone — thus the local station announcer’s time designations that are an hour behind the Eastern Time airing of Monitor.)
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73 (scoped), part 1 — Nov. 10
Time: a half-hour
Yes, legendary “shock jock” Don Imus — who was then on WNBC Radio in New York City — hosted Saturday night Monitor once a month during the summer and fall of 1973. Was he an appropriate host for Monitor, which featured, during its 20-year run, such legendary hosts as Dave Garroway, Gene Rayburn, Henry Morgan, Ed McMahon, Joe Garagiola, Frank Blair, David Wayne, Jim Lowe and many, many more? You decide. This part includes “Imus in Washington,” “the Rev. Billy Sol Hargis,” “Judge Hanging,” a “note from Nixon,” a “Nixon phone call,” and an interview with Norm N. Nite (all from Saturday night, Nov. 10).
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73 (scoped), part 2– Nov. 10
Time: a half-hour
Includes more of the Norm N. Nite interview, and interviews with Little Richard, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry (from Saturday night, Nov. 10).
Don Imus hosts Monitor ’73 (scoped), part 3 — Nov. 10
Time: about 20 minutes
Includes “Crazy Bob,” an interview with Paul Anka, and “the Rev. Hargis” (from Saturday night, Nov. 10).
**1974**
Barry Farber’s tribute to Monitor, part 1 — Dec. 18, 1974
Time: one hour
New York City radio talk-show host Barry Farber interviewed four of Monitor’s key staff members on his program on Dec. 18, 1974 — two weeks after NBC had announced that Monitor would leave the air. It’s worth noting that Farber’s station was not an NBC affiliate — and that he conducted the program while he had a severe case of laryngitis. (Courtesy of Charles Garment)
Barry Farber’s tribute to Monitor, part 2 — Dec. 18, 1974
Time: about 45 minutes
Here’s part 2 of Barry’s tribute show to Monitor that aired on Dec. 18, 1974.
**1975**
**Monitor’s entire final weekend — January 25 & 26, 1975**
John Bartholomew Tucker hosts Monitor ’75, part 1 — Jan. 25
Time: one hour
JBT hosts this first hour of the final Saturday morning Monitor — ever — from 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Jan. 25, 1975. It features a marvelous clip of one of Monitor’s first hosts, Dave Garroway, interviewing Marilyn Monroe on Monitor’s first broadcast (Sunday, June 12, 1955) –plus interviews with Garroway and John Chancellor, the sound of snapping turtles, a Bob and Ray comedy routine, and Joe Garagiola interviewing Bob Hope
John Bartholomew Tucker hosts Monitor ’75, part 2 — Jan. 25
Time: one hour
This second hour of Saturday morning Monitor from 10 to 11 a.m. ET on Jan. 25, 1975, starts with a partial NBC Radio News (the Monitor Beacon had been taken off NBC’s weekend newscasts in late 1973 — and those newscasts were no longer called “NBC Monitor News on the Hour”) — then features JBT presiding over vintage clips of Marlene Dietrich; “Miss Monitor”; Lee Kline of WHO Radio in Des Moines, interviewing a walnut grower; comedian Selma Diamond; and a feature on “the twist”
John Bartholomew Tucker hosts Monitor ’75, part 3 — Jan. 25
Time: one hour
This third and final hour — ever — of Saturday morning Monitor from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 25, 1975, begins with NBC Radio News. Then JBT hosts this delightful hour that features legendary songwriter Sammy Cahn’s “farewell song” composed for Monitor, a Nichols and May comedy skit, plus interviews with former Monitor hosts Frank Blair, Ben Grauer and David Wayne, and a comedy skit from Al Kelly.
Big Wilson hosts Monitor ’75, part 1 — Jan. 25
Time: one hour
Big Wilson hosts this first hour of the final Saturday afternoon Monitor from noon to 1 p.m. ET on Jan. 25, 1975. It opens with NBC Radio News — then features Helen Hall’s famous roller-coaster ride; an interview with former Monitor host James Daly; Joe Garagiola interviewing Bob Hope; “Miss Monitor”; a classic Bob & Ray comedy skit from the early Monitor days; and an interview with Jim Lowe, another former Monitor host.
Big Wilson hosts Monitor ’75, part 2 — Jan. 25
Time: one hour
Big Wilson hosts this second hour of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 1 to 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 25, 1975. It opens with NBC Radio News — then features Groucho Marx, strange sounds heard on Monitor over the years, interviews with former Monitor hosts Ted Brown and Johnny Andrews, a classic interview with Jimmy Durante, and a Monitor fan interviewed live. That fan was Warren Gerbe, who had recorded hundreds of hours of Monitor over the years — and whose recordings are on many of the “sounds pages” on this website.
Big Wilson hosts Monitor ’75, part 3 — Jan. 25
Time: one hour
NBC Radio News opens this third and final hour, ever, of Saturday afternoon Monitor from 2 to 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 25, 1975. After that, you’ll hear a great clip of Monitor staffer Roy Silver and a reporter who could not say, “Now back to Monitor at Radio Central,” Doug Storer’s bloopers, former Monitor host Peter Roberts, comedian Jonathan Winters, Art Buchwald, and Big’s wonderful interview with comedians Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara
Big Wilson hosts Monitor ’75, part 1 — Jan. 26
Time: one hour
This last day of Monitor begins on Sunday, Jan. 26, 1975, from noon to 1 p.m. ET with NBC Radio News. Then host Big Wilson presides over a comedy skit by the legendary Mike Nichols and Elaine May, JBT’s interview with Dr. Joyce Brothers, a clip from Bernard Baruch, a live interview with former Monitor executive producer Marx Loeb, and Big’s interview with comedian Jonathan Winters.
Big Wilson hosts Monitor ’75, part 2 — Jan. 26
Time: one hour
This second hour of the final Sunday afternoon Monitor from 1 to 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 26, 1975, begins with NBC Radio News — and moves ahead with host Big Wilson and an interview with former Monitor host Ed McMahon, a classic comedy skit by Ernie Kovacs, and Joe Garagiola’s reminiscences about Monitor.
Big Wilson hosts Monitor ’75, part 3 — Jan. 26
Time: one hour
Big Wilson’s final Monitor hour as host– ever — from 2 to 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 26, 1975, starts with NBC Radio News. Then you’ll hear an interview with Edwin Newman, a Monitor good-bye from movie critic Gene Shalit, an interview with former Monitor host Johnny Andrews, and a good-bye from Bob Considine.
John Bartholomew Tucker hosts Monitor ’75, part 1 — Jan. 26
Time: one hour
Here’s JBT, hosting the first hour of Monitor’s final three-hour segment, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 25, 1975. It begins with a partial NBC Radio News — and moves forward with JBT’s interviews with comedian Phyllis Diller, former Monitor hosts Barry Nelson and Frank Blair, and Joe Garagiola’s emotional good-bye to Monitor.
John Bartholomew Tucker hosts Monitor ’75, part 2 — Jan. 26
This hour of Sunday afternoon Monitor from 4 to 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 26, 1975, opens with NBC Radio News. Then JBT presides over a classic Bob & Ray comedy routine; an interview with former Monitor host Ben Grauer; an interview that former Monitor host Frank McGee conducted with civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.; an interview with Monitor’s brilliant creator Pat Weaver; and an archival clip of Dave Garroway interviewing Eddie Cantor
John Bartholomew Tucker hosts Monitor ’75, part 3 — Jan. 26
Time: one hour
This is the hour that Monitor fans dreaded — the program’s last-ever hour, on Sunday, Jan. 26, 1975, from 5 to 6 p.m. ET. It starts with NBC Radio News. Then JBT takes it from there, introducing the Dave Garroway and Marilyn Monroe segment that had aired the day before, on Saturday morning Monitor — along with the John Chancellor interview that also had aired that day before. There’s a new interview with former Monitor host Hugh Downs — the final guest Monitor would ever have — and then we hear Sammy Cahn’s musical tribute to Monitor. JBT signs off, and then you hear the “old” NBC chimes. At 5:58:50 p.m. ET, Monitor slipped into history as America’s greatest network radio program.
**Other Great Monitor Material**
Below are some exceptional audio clips from NBC Monitor throughout the years
Monitor: 20 Great Years
Time: About one hour
This is a retrospective montage of “Monitor” from the program’s start to finish — 1955 to 1975. You’ll hear the program’s first few minutes, its last few, and a whole lot of voices in between, including Morgan Beatty, Dave Garroway, Gene Rayburn, Henry Morgan, Bill Cullen, Frank Blair, Gene Shalit, Mel Allen, Bob & Ray, Nichols & May, “Miss Monitor,” Dr. Joyce Brothers, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Considine, John Bartholomew Tucker, Sammy Cahn and lots more. Produced by Dennis and Bradley Hart, and given to former Monitor staffers in CD-form during a reunion in Manhattan organized by Dennis Hart in 2004.
Ted Brown’s Monitor “stripper” routine — twice
Time: about 9 minutes
In this delightful clip montage, you’ll hear Ted Brown do his ad-libbed “stripper” routine twice and hear Monitor’s movie critic Gene Shalit take no prisoners as he rips into an Elliott Gould movie of the moment.
Vintage Monitor Promos
This is a collection of 23 audio clips of Monitor promos that aired on NBC Radio over the years. Number 1 aired on “World News Roundup” on June 2, 1955; #2 aired on “Just Plain Bill” on Aug. 11, 1955; #3 & 4 aired during “X Minus One” in 1956. Number 5 aired during “The Affairs of Dr. Gentry” in 1957. Numbers 6 through 18 aired during “X Minus One” in 1957; #19 aired on “X-Minus One” in 1958; #20 aired during the “NBC Radio Theatre” in 1959; #21 through 24 aired during the Orange Bowl football game Jan. 1, 1965. (Courtesy of Jim Taylor)
Monitor station ID’s
Time: about one minute
Remember how Monitor’s hosts used to identify NBC affiliates just before those affiliates got their cutaway cues for local commercials? Well, listen here for another trip down Monitor’s Memory Lane. (In order, you’ll hear hosts Jim Lowe, Frank McGee, Barry Nelson and Gene Rayburn.)
The last live Monitor “update”
Time: 90 seconds
For a time near the end of Monitor’s run, live news “Updates” were aired in the body of the program — first at :15 and :45 after the hour, then at :30 after. This is the very last live news Update (airing at 5:30 p.m. ET) on Monitor’s final Sunday, January 26, 1975, anchored by Bob Gibson, who was a radio newsman in NYC for many years.
Oops! David Wayne
Time: about five seconds
How tough is it to read the word “hour” when you introduce “NBC Monitor News on the Hour”? For Saturday morning Monitor host David Wayne on New Year’s Day 1966, it wasn’t easy.
Oops! Barry Nelson
Time: about 45 seconds
This one really isn’t Sunday afternoon Monitor host Barry Nelson’s fault in 1966. After all, he just read what was on the script in front of him — an intro to Joe Garagiola. It was the program engineer who punched the wrong button.
Oops! Ted Brown
Time: about 50 seconds
What happens when NBC Monitor News on the Hour ends and Sunday afternoon host Ted Brown isn’t ready to read his closing billboard? Just listen, from 1972.
Oops! Gene Rayburn #1
Time: about 20 seconds
The scene: Radio Central’s studio 5B, where Saturday morning Monitor host Gene Rayburn has to read the closing billboard for NBC Monitor News on the Hour just after a staffer (who shall remain nameless) utters a word that really shouldn’t go out on the air.
Oops! Gene Rayburn #2
Time: about one minute
Here’s Monitor host Gene Rayburn again, ad-libbing during a commercial for a comb. What’s so funny about that? Listen.
Oops! It’s Radio WHAT?
Time: about 1 minute, 45 seconds
How hard is it to say, “Now back to Monitor in Radio Central,” when you’re finishing a phone report? Very, if you don’t have a clue.
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Note: Below are four great Monitor “promotional records” hosted by Gene Rayburn for specific advertisers
Monitor ’64 promo hosted by Gene Rayburn
Time: about 13 minutes
Created for the Bankers Life Company of Iowa, this promo features WHO Radio (Des Moines) news director Jack Shelley interviewing Bankers Life president Earl Bucknell, along with Nichols & May, Jonathan Winters and Cliff Arquette as “Charley Weaver.”
Monitor ’66 promo hosted by Gene Rayburn
Time: About 15 minutes
Created for Coca Cola, this promo features clips from Jonathan Winters and Nichols & May
Monitor ’67 promo hosted by Gene Rayburn
Time: about 15 minutes
Created for DuPont (which had bought every advertising position on the weekend of Monitor’s 12th anniversary in June 1967), this promo features Gene and his fellow Monitor hosts Ed McMahon and Henry Morgan, along with Nichols & May, Joe Garagiola, Bob Hope, Muhammad Ali and Jack Benny. (Yes, this is one whale of a promo.)
Monitor ’69 promo hosted by Gene Rayburn
Time: about 13 minutes
Created for Valvoline, this promo features Bill Cosby and Joe Garagiola.