Affairs of the Heart: Lonesome Gal

Written, produced, and voiced by, Jean King, of Dayton, Ohio, Lonesome Gal was a very successful radio series from 1947-1950s. Identified only as "Lonesome Gal," King spoke to her primarily male audience in an intimate, sultry, come hither breathless voice—"Hiiiieee Baaayyybeee"—as if they were enjoying a candlelight dinner and wine, calling them "muffin" and "baby" and other pet names, acting as if each listener was the only man in the world. For many male listeners, King, no more than a voice on the radio, was the first virtual girlfriend. When she made public appearances, King wore a cat mask to hide her identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices