The Stan Freberg Show

Written by: Entertainment Radio
  • Summary

  • The Stan Freberg Show The Stan Freberg Show, a gem from the golden age of radio, was a weekly comedy program that aired on the CBS Radio Network for a brief period in 1957. Despite its short run of just fifteen episodes, the show left a lasting impact on the world of comedy and is remembered fondly by enthusiasts of classic radio humor. Stan Freberg, the mastermind behind the show, was a brilliant satirist known for his sharp wit and clever parodies. The show featured a talented cast, including the vocal prowess of Daws Butler, June Foray, and Peter Leeds, with Peggy Taylor.
    Entertainment Radio
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Episodes
  • Stan Freberg - Musical Sheep (07-14-57)
    Nov 12 2024

    Ah, Stan Freberg's "Musical Sheep" from July 14, 1957—the premiere episode of "The Stan Freberg Show"! 🎙️ Let's journey back to that memorable debut and explore the whimsical world Freberg created.

    • Air Date: July 14, 1957

    • Network: CBS Radio

    • Cast:

    • Stan Freberg: The mastermind of satire and comedy

    • Daws Butler: Versatile voice actor known for numerous cartoon characters

    • June Foray: The "First Lady of Voice Acting," bringing charm and wit

    • Peter Leeds: Supporting actor adding depth to the sketches

    • Musical Direction: The brilliant Billy May and His Orchestra

    • In the inaugural episode, Stan Freberg set the tone for his short-lived but impactful radio series. While there isn't a widely documented sketch specifically titled "Musical Sheep," it's possible that this refers to one of the innovative sketches where Freberg combined music and humor in unexpected ways.

    • "That's My Boy" Sketch:

    • Premise: A satirical take on talent scouts discovering unusual acts.

    • Connection: Could involve a character showcasing a sheep with a unique musical talent, aligning with Freberg's penchant for absurd and entertaining scenarios.

    • Musical Parodies:

    • Freberg was known for his parodies of popular songs and genres.

    • He often included animal sounds or character voices to add a comedic twist.

    • Example: Incorporating a choir of sheep bleating in harmony as part of a spoof on choral performances.

    • Sharp Satire: Freberg had a knack for poking fun at cultural norms, advertisements, and popular media.

    • Innovative Sound Effects: Utilizing creative audio techniques to bring sketches to life—perhaps using sheep sounds as musical elements.

    • Music and Comedy Fusion: Collaborating with Billy May, Freberg crafted songs that were both melodically appealing and hilariously funny.

    • While details about "Musical Sheep" might be scarce, you might enjoy these memorable sketches from "The Stan Freberg Show":

    • "Incident at Los Voraces":

    • Synopsis: A satire on the gambling industry and Las Vegas culture.

    • Why It's Great: Highlights Freberg's ability to critique societal habits with humor.

    • "Censored Sea Chanty":

    • Synopsis: A sailor's song hilariously interrupted by overzealous censorship bleeps.

    • Why It's Great: Showcases the absurdity of censorship, a recurring theme in Freberg's work.

    • "Elderly Man River":

    • Synopsis: A parody where a song's lyrics are excessively censored to the point of nonsense.

    • Why It's Great: Highlights how over-censorship can strip art of its meaning.

    • Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
      Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
      Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
      Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

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    30 mins
  • Stan Freberg - Last Show...The Best Of (10-20-57)
    Nov 12 2024

    Ah, Stan Freberg's "Last Show... The Best Of" from October 20, 1957—a finale that truly encapsulates the genius of radio's satirical maestro! 🎙️ Let's journey back to that pivotal moment when Freberg took his final bow on the airwaves, leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy.

    Stan Freberg's radio show was a brilliant, albeit brief, gem in the landscape of 1950s entertainment. Spanning just 15 episodes, it ran from July to October 1957 on CBS. Despite its short run, the show was a powerhouse of razor-sharp wit, musical parodies, and social commentary.

    The final episode, aptly titled "The Best Of," served as both a nostalgic look back and a grand finale. It was Freberg's way of celebrating the show's highlights while bidding adieu to his listeners with a wink and a smile.

    1. Revisiting Beloved Sketches:

      • "Elderly Man River": Freberg humorously tackled censorship by altering the lyrics of classic songs to absurd lengths. In this sketch, every potentially "offensive" word from "Ol' Man River" was comically bleeped or replaced, poking fun at overzealous censors.

      • "Banana Boat (Day-O)": A parody of Harry Belafonte's hit, where Freberg hilariously grapples with an overzealous bongo player and sound effects, highlighting the chaotic side of music production.

    2. Behind-the-Scenes Banter:

      • Freberg and his ensemble cast—including talents like Daws Butler, June Foray, and Peter Leeds—shared playful anecdotes about creating the show's sketches. It felt like being invited backstage, getting a glimpse into their creative camaraderie.

    3. Musical Mastery:

      • Under the brilliant direction of Billy May, the show's orchestra delivered satirical takes on popular music genres. The final episode featured some of their best musical parodies, blending tight arrangements with comedic twists.

    4. Heartfelt Farewells:

      • Freberg expressed genuine gratitude to his audience, sponsors, and team. He acknowledged the show's premature end due to sponsorship challenges—having famously turned down tobacco advertisers to maintain artistic integrity.

    • A Stand for Principles:

      • Freberg's refusal to compromise on content—even at the expense of the show's continuation—was a bold statement. His commitment to quality over commercialism resonated with many and set a precedent for creative authenticity.

    • Pioneering Satire:

      • The show's blend of satire, sketch comedy, and musical parody was groundbreaking. It paved the way for future programs like "Saturday Night Live" and influenced comedians who blend social commentary with humor.

    • An Enduring Legacy:

      • Even after the show's end, Freberg continued to make waves in advertising and recording. His album "Stan Freberg Presents The United States of America" is still celebrated as a comedic masterpiece.

    Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
    Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
    Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
    Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

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    28 mins
  • Stan Freberg - Great Moments In History (08-04-57)
    Nov 12 2024

    Ah, Stan Freberg's "Great Moments in History" from August 4, 1957—what a gem from the golden age of radio comedy! 🎙️ Let's delve into this episode and celebrate the satirical brilliance that only Freberg could deliver.

    In this episode of "The Stan Freberg Show," Freberg takes us on a whimsical journey through some of the most significant events in history, reimagined with his signature humor and wit. While I don't have the exact play-by-play of the sketches, we can explore the essence of what made this episode memorable.

    1. Rewriting Historical Narratives:

      • Freberg was a master at parodying well-known historical moments, infusing them with contemporary references and comedic twists.

      • Imagine figures like Christopher Columbus dealing with modern-day bureaucracy or George Washington navigating the pitfalls of political spin. Freberg's sketches often highlighted the absurdities and human quirks behind iconic events.

    2. Clever Commentary:

      • Beneath the humor, Freberg provided sharp social commentary, poking fun at societal norms and encouraging listeners to question accepted narratives.

      • His ability to blend entertainment with thought-provoking content set him apart in the world of radio comedy.

    • Talented Ensemble Cast:

      • Daws Butler and June Foray, both legends in voice acting, brought an array of characters to life alongside Freberg.

      • Their dynamic performances added depth and energy to each sketch, making the historical figures both relatable and hilariously flawed.

    • Musical Brilliance:

      • Under the musical direction of Billy May, the show incorporated catchy tunes and parodies that enhanced the comedic impact.

      • Music was more than a background element—it was an integral part of the storytelling, often used to satirize popular genres or spotlight cultural trends.

    • Timeless Humor:

      • Freberg's take on history remains relevant because it taps into universal themes—power dynamics, human folly, and the cyclical nature of societal issues.

      • By exaggerating these elements, he invites us to laugh while also reflecting on the progress (or lack thereof) we've made.

    • Innovative Format:

      • Combining sketch comedy with musical elements and sharp dialogue, the show was ahead of its time.

      • Freberg broke the mold of traditional radio programming, influencing future generations of comedians and entertainers.

    Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
    Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
    Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
    Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins

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