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Arthur
Godfrey
1903-1983
Radio,
Television
Arthur Godfrey's straightforward informal
style and ability to poke fun at his sponsors made him one
of the most popular radio personalities of all time.  As
"Red Godfrey, the Warbling Banjoist," Godfrey made
his debut in 1929. In 1945 CBS gave him his own national daily
morning television show called Arthur Godfrey Time which
ran for 27 years. From 1945-1956 Arthur Godfrey's Talent
Scouts aired weekly which featured amateur entertainers.
His sponsors loved his sincerity, which sold product and with
his success Godfrey could claim to be one of the highest paid
individuals in America at one time. He was known for discovering
talent, such as Pat Boone and Carmel Quinn, but exerted control
over their careers. One of the most famous moments in broadcast
history is when one of his famous talents, Julius LaRosa,
let it be known that he had hired an agent and Godfrey fired
him on the air. His trademark was the ukelele, but his red-hair
gave him the nickname The Ol' Redhead.
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