Command Performance was a radio program which originally aired between 1942 and 1949. The program was broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS) with a direct shortwave transmission to the troops overseas. It was not broadcast over domestic U.S. radio stations.
Troops sent in requests for a particular performer or program to appear, and they also suggested unusual ideas for music and sketches on the program, such as Ann Miller tap dancing in military boots. Top performers of the day appeared, including Jack Benny, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Fred Allen, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland and The Andrew Sisters.
A spinoff series, Request Performance, aired on CBS in 1945-46.
In 2009, the Pentagon Channel revived the show with some of today's newest acts.
This is a broadcast from 8/30/1945, with Frank Sinatra, Bogart and Bacall, and Victor Borge
I have a lot of these broadcasts, I often play them through a modified old radio cabinet (a shell outfitted with an ipod and Bose speakers). It's kinda cool late at night....lights off...radio dial glowing...old shows coming out of it :)
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