The Radio Planet

The dance orchestra, broadcast live

Big Bands on the Air

For a decade, a live band remote from a hotel ballroom was standard late-night programming. The music that later filled record shops was first heard here, live and unedited.

1935 – 1946 · 4 stops · 2h 6m

  1. 1

    One of the format's best-remembered names, captured live rather than in the studio.

    Glenn Miller on the Air · Radio

    AFRS 024 - Command Performance - Cary Grant - Judy Garland - Woody Herman 07-28-42

    28 Jul 1942 · 30 min

  2. 2

    The bandleader most credited with popularising the format nationally.

    Benny Goodman on the Air · Radio

    AFRS 024 - Command Performance - Cary Grant - Judy Garland - Woody Herman 07-28-42

    28 Jul 1942 · 30 min

  3. 3

    A broadcast catalogue as extensive as any studio discography.

    Duke Ellington on the Air · Radio

    15 Minutes With Crosby 1931-09-02 (1) First Song - Just One More Chance

    2 Sep 1931 · 7 min

  4. 4

    The disc-jockey format that would eventually replace the live band remote entirely.

    Make Believe Ballroom · Radio

    1945-06-05 WNEW

    5 Jun 1945 · 58 min