The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour

The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour (also known as The Rudy Vallée Show, The Fleischmann Yeast Hour, and The Fleischmann Hour) was a pioneering musical variety radio program broadcast on NBC from 1929 to 1936, when it became The Royal Gelatin Hour, continuing until 1939. This program was sponsored by Fleischmann’s Yeast, a popular brand of yeast.

The person responsible for this major step ahead in broadcasting was NBC executive Bertha Brainard, who became head of programming for NBC in 1928. She began pushing for singer-bandleader Rudy Vallée to host a variety series by explaining that only a woman could understand the appeal of Vallée's voice.

Beginning October 24, 1929, the show quickly became a top-rated program, being one of the five most popular shows for every year between the 1929-30 and 1934-35 seasons (it was second only to Amos 'n' Andy during the 1930-31 season). Host Vallée appeared along with regulars Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson (1932), followed by Tom Howard and George Shelton (1935). Actor Will Aubrey (1892-1958) appeared as the Bard of the Byways, and another regular was character actor Henry Armetta (1888-1945).

On this program, the American listening audience heard many future stars for the first time, as it introduced such talents as Milton Berle, Burns and Allen, Alice Faye, the Mills Brothers, Kate Smith and Red Skelton.Gloria Swanson made her radio debut. Other guests included Ray Bolger, Fannie Brice, Ilka Chase, Helen Hayes, Bert Lahr and A. A. Milne. Edgar Bergen became the first ventriloquist to successfully perform on national radio when he and Charlie McCarthy initially appeared on Rudy's show on December 17, 1936. Subsequent appearances led to their inclusion on The Chase and Sanborn Hour in May 1937.

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