EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 1H 25M
Mildred Bailey, Native-American Hitmaker
from Audio Antiques · host Classic radio shows from the K-Rob Collection
During radio's classic era it was very rare for artists of color to have the opportunity to host or headline a drama, comedy, or variety shows. But there were a few performers that defied the odds. One was Mildred Bailey, a Native-American jazz singer who was raised on an Indian reservation in Idaho. She grew up in a musical family, and got a job demonstrating sheet music when she as a teenager. Bailey was a big fan of African-Americans Louis Armstrong, Ethel Waters, and Bessie Smith. After coming to the attention of superstar Bing Crosby, Bailey began singing with big bands in the 1920s, later having three of her records hit Number One on the charts. CBS gave Bailey her own nationwide radio show in 1944, after hearing her sing in New York City night clubs. You're going to hear Mildred Bailey on the Benny Goodman Camel Caravan Show in 1939, and on her own show in 1944 and 1945.More at http://krobcollection.com
What this episode covers
During radio's classic era it was very rare for artists of color to have the opportunity to host or headline a drama, comedy, or variety shows. But there were a few performers that defied the odds. One was Mildred Bailey, a Native-American jazz singer who was raised on an Indian reservation in Idaho. She grew up in a musical family, and got a job demonstrating sheet music when she as a teenager. Bailey was a big fan of African-Americans Louis Armstrong, Ethel Waters, and Bessie Smith. After coming to the attention of superstar Bing Crosby, Bailey began singing with big bands in the 1920s, later having three of her records hit Number One on the charts. CBS gave Bailey her own nationwide radio show in 1944, after hearing her sing in New York City night clubs. You're going to hear Mildred Bailey on the Benny Goodman Camel Caravan Show in 1939, and on her own show in 1944 and 1945.More at http://krobcollection.com
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Mildred Bailey, Native-American Hitmaker
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