WIBC Jamboree

The Daily Banner,
December 1942

Indiana had many local live stage shows broadcasting from various places in the state. This particular show aired on WIBC, Indianapolis, and proved to be extremely popular with the station's listeners. The Jamboree was one of the earlier shows of its type.

WIBC started its Jamboree program in the early 1940s, possibly in 1940 or 1941. It was at least on the air as early as December 1942. The show's cast included mostly singers and musicians who were working at WIBC plus country music stars of the day added as guests to the line-up frequently. For example, in February 1944 Ernest Tubb and Pee Wee King appeared on the Jamboree. By 1944, famous radio and recording artist Hugh Cross was the emcee of the show.

The Jamboree did not only had its regular Saturday night stint in Indianapolis but also staged shows during the week from different places around the city. The show was held from such places at the Tomlinson Hall, the Armory, and the Keith Theatre (all Indianapolis) or the Cloverdale High School in Cloverdale, Indiana. 

The show was on air at least until the summer of 1945.

The list of the cast members of the WIBC Jamboree is long and surely, there are names on it that many will recognize. Many of the singers also appeared on several other stations and stage shows.

The Daily Banner, Greencastle, Ind.
November 13, 1944

• Hugh Cross, emcee
• Judy Perkins
• Linda Lou Martin
• Rufe Davis
• The Utah Trailors
• Vern Morgan
• Cal Fortune
• Casey Clarke
• Curly Baker
• Blue Mountain Girls
• Quarantine, comedy character
• Chick Holstine
• Emmy Lou
• Lazy Ranch Boys
• Byron Taggart
• Bud Bailey and his Down Easters
• Harpo and Tiny
• Marion Martin
• The Haymakers
• Prairie Pioneers
• Curly Miller, emcee
• Bill Haley and the Saddlemen
• Bobby Cook and his Texas Saddle Pals
• Fiddlin' Red Herron