XX Radio Transcriptions

19xx - xx

The series of transcriptions were recorded in conjunction with Teleways Radio Productions Inc of Hollywood, California, and syndicated across the country. The series ran five days a week for about one year—approximately 260 programs. Bob was the host and the others entered into the amusing and good-natured conversation typical of all their programs. Both Lloyd and Ken Carson were part of the recording group until Ken left the Pioneers in late 1947 - two first class tenors. The whistled theme throughout the ad part of the show was "Stardust Trail". They were so well designed that many people believed that the Sons of the Pioneers were actually present at their local radio station for the show.

Typically, Bob introduced each song. There is a musical bridge for commercials between second and fourth song. The vocal trio—Bob Nolan, Tim Spencer/Ken Carson, and Lloyd Perryman—is featured. Instrumental back-up is provided by Hugh Farr, fiddle/mandolin; Karl Farr, electric guitar; Ivan Ditmars, piano/vibraharp. The whistled theme throughout the ad part of the show was "Over the Stardust Trail" (Terry Sevigny Newsletter January, 1949).

To close all Teleways programs, Ken Carson whistles "Over the Stardust Trail"
(Lawrence Hopper)

"A large number of Teleways Transcriptions featuring Nolan, Perryman, Carson, the Farr Brothers and Brady were made starting in 1947. Each disc began with 'Tumbling Tumbleweeds' and Nolan as host would introduce the various numbers then give an occasional bit of history regarding the music and/or its composer. There was a lot of good-natured ribbing of Hugh, frequently referred to as 'Foghorn,' with Hugh and Pat exchanging friendly barbs. Hugh would introduce his solos with long-winded song titles which added a bit of humor to the program. These transcriptions were syndicated across the country with several repeats in the library. Two commercial spots were arranged during the fifteen-minute program. The series also contained voice tracks made by the Pioneers, allowing the local stations to personalize' their programs."
(p. 39, Hear My Song by Ken Griffis.)

"One note on the "My Bonnie" song. It's not the correct title in this case. The Pioneers used a version written in 1881 - Bring Back My Bonnie To Me by H J Fuller & J T Wood. They just happened to be one guy - Charles E Pratt."
(Lawrence Hopper)

Very few programs were identical. They may have used the same recordings in a different order or the same recordings with different patter.

The following list is from my own auditing of the complete set purchased from Jimmie Willhelm and is correct but for recordings composed by two of the Sons of the Pioneers. For example, when Roy Rogers and Tim Spencer co-wrote a song, I may have the lyrics (first) and melody (second) reversed. Cowboys and Indians (Roy Rogers/Tim Spencer) could possibly be Cowboys and Indians (Tim Spencer/Roy Rogers). I used sheet music when available. Song title credits on recordings are not necessarily correct.