Basic Black (CBC program)

Basic Black was a long-running radio on CBC Radio hosted by Arthur Black. It was an eclectic show that mixed quirky tunes, comedic informational segments, whimsical monologues, and often humorous interviews with people from all walks of life. The focus was often on people with unusual hobbies or interests; or who had devised strange inventions; or had offbeat stories to tell of things that had happened to them. The show started in 1983, and ended its run at the end of the spring 2002 broadcast season after a 19-year run.

Basic Black was a 90-minute show broadcast on Saturday mornings on the CBC national AM radio network from 10:00 to 11:35 (with a five-minute break at 11:00 for news and weather). Most programs were studio-based, but for some anniversary shows and other special presentations, the show was performed live in front of a studio audience. Basic Black would usually feature an eclectic mix of offbeat songs (often folk, novelty, or blues numbers, and frequently by Canadian artists), interspersed with interviews. In the last half-hour of the show Black performed a comedic monologue, often about minor everyday frustrations, and usually with a uniquely Canadian perspective.

The show also had several popular recurring segments, including:

The show's distinctive opening theme music was Pythagoras's Trousers by Penguin Cafe Orchestra.

This show is not related to the WGBH TV show of the same name.

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