Today in History: Comedy Abbott and Costello’s radio show aired

CAIRO – 8 October 2017: Comedy duo Abbott and Costello launched on October 8, 1942, their own weekly radio show.

Abbott and Lou Costello performed together as Abbott and Costello, an American comedy duo whose work on stage, radio, film and television made them the most popular comedy team during the 1940s.

Their first radio appearance was on the Kate Smith Hour in February, 1938. Yet, the similarities between their voices made it hard for listeners to distinguish between different characters in their show.

The problem was solved by having Costello affect a high-pitched childish voice. “Who’s on First?” was first performed for a national radio audience the following month.

They launched their own weekly show October 8, 1942, sponsored by Camel cigarettes NBC Blue Network.

In 1947 Abbott and Costello moved the show to ABC. During their time on ABC, the duo also hosted a 30-minute children’s radio program (The Abbott and Costello Children’s Show), which aired Saturday mornings, featuring child vocalist Anna Mae Slaughter and child announcer Johnny McGovern.