Airships in Old Time Radio
Although the Age of the Airship was brought to an end by international technological competition, the great Zeppelins were an elegant way to travel. This captivating 14-episode compilation brings together vintage broadcasts that celebrate the romance, science, and drama of lighter-than-air flight. From early wax cylinder recordings to the unforgettable news coverage of the Hindenburg disaster, this collection spans over three decades of radio history, offering collectors a unique window into how these majestic flying vessels captured the public imagination.
Collection Highlights
- Historic news broadcasts: Hear WLS Chicago reporter Herbert Morrison’s iconic “Oh, the Humanity!” account of the Hindenburg crash on May 6, 1937 — widely considered one of the most important recordings in broadcasting history — alongside the March of Time’s coverage of the Hindenburg’s departure from Lakehurst in 1936.
- Rare early recordings: Two wax cylinder performances from 1904 and 1905 of the Tin Pan Alley tune “Come Take a Trip in My Airship,” sung by J.W. Myers and Billy Murray, capture the buoyant optimism of the early airship age.
- Dramatic action on the airwaves: Thrill to Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police (Program #95, October 22, 1938), where an aerial dogfight from Octopus’s airship erupts, and join Superman (February 3, 1941) for another high-flying adventure.
- Variety and serialized storytelling: Enjoy episodes from beloved programs including Air Castle, Authors Playhouse, The Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore Show, Melody Madness, and the serials Superman and Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police, all woven together by the common thread of airships and dirigibles.
Track Listing
Show all 28 tracks (3 hours, 32 min)
- Air Castle 188 Dirigible Tour
- Authors Playhouse 441030 Expense Account
- J Durante And G Moore Show 470513 Gary Moore
- March Of Time 360511 Hindenberg
- Melody Madness 390122 Phenomenon Of Swing
- News 321231 Drf Hindenburg New Years Eve Address
- News 370506 Hindenburg Crash
- Sebbg 471213 Tad And Ted In Mexico
- Speed Gibson 381022 095 An Aerial Dog Fight
- Superman 410203 E0154 Blackpearlofosyrusthepart9
- That Was Year 370809 28 Spotlighting Year 1915
- That Was Year 370906 32 Spotlighting Year 1929
- Wax Cylinder 1904 J W Myers Come Take Trip In My Airship
- Wax Cylinder 1905 Billy Murray Come Take Trip In My Airship
- Air Castle 188 Dirigible Tour
- Authors Playhouse 441030 Expense Account
- J Durante And G Moore Show 470513 Gary Moore
- March Of Time 360511 Hindenberg
- Melody Madness 390122 Phenomenon Of Swing
- News 321231 Drf Hindenburg New Years Eve Address
- News 370506 Hindenburg Crash
- Sebbg 471213 Tad And Ted In Mexico
- Speed Gibson 381022 095 An Aerial Dog Fight
- Superman 410203 E0154 Blackpearlofosyrusthepart9
- That Was Year 370809 28 Spotlighting Year 1915
- That Was Year 370906 32 Spotlighting Year 1929
- Wax Cylinder 1904 J W Myers Come Take Trip In My Airship
- Wax Cylinder 1905 Billy Murray Come Take Trip In My Airship
