Audition Programs

Audition Programs

Before a radio program could reach the airwaves, producers often prepared audition recordings to demonstrate their ideas to prospective sponsors, advertisers, and radio stations.

These special transcription discs offered a sample of the program's format, performers, and entertainment value. Some featured proposed commercial breaks or sample sponsor announcements.

This collection preserves surviving audition recordings from the days of radio, including musical entertainment, children's programs, and other presentations. Not every audition resulted in a program being broadcast.

The Cavalcade of Music – Lang-Worth Feature Programs (1942)

A musical audition program featuring D’Artega and the Cavalcade Orchestra, vocalist Eugenie Baird, and announcer Les Griffith. This 16-inch transcription disc features popular melodies and sample sponsor announcements and was produced for audition purposes only, not for broadcast.

Here Comes Louis Jordan – World Broadcasting System #44946

A 15-minute audition program featuring Louis Jordan, the Mills Brothers, and Dorothy Donegan. Produced to demonstrate the Audi-Flex radio programming service, which allowed broadcasters to insert commercials throughout a program.

Transferred from an original 33⅓ RPM transcription disc, with “Final Audition” etched into the run-in area.

Click Here for Original Audition Disc Information about Here Comes Louis Jordan.

Mister Muggins Rabbit Show (1952)

A rare SESAC children's radio audition program featuring the episode "Mister Muggins Rabbit Goes to the Circus." Narrated by Curtis Wheeler and announced by Bill Maher, the program features sample sponsorship by The Little Buckaroo Shoe Store.

Original SESAC transcription disc, matrix YTNY 16678. Produced for audition purposes only, not for broadcast.

Click here to view the original Mister Muggins Rabbit Show advertisement.

The Shopping Bag of American Folk Music (1952)

A SESAC audition program featuring American folk and country music performed by The Down Homers, Ray Smith, and The Song Spinners. Announced by Bill Maher, this sample commercial program was produced to demonstrate the SESAC Transcribed Library to radio stations and prospective sponsors.

Original SESAC transcription disc, matrix YTNY 16680. Not for broadcast.

Sleepy Joe — Audition Program
Featuring Jimmy Scribner — This includes the sales presentation, songs, “Br'er Rabbit Learns a Lesson,” and the “Happy Thought of the Day.” 

For Sleepy Joe's Christmas Program #18, visit our Christmas Programs page.