The Ed Walker Matter

Veteran broadcaster and host of WAMU-FM's long-running old-time radio showcase The Big Broadcast was the second interview I shot for this project. I'll always be grateful to Walker not just for the time he gave me in 2013 but also the many years he hosted The Big Broadcast. Earlier this week, it was announced that Walker would be stepping down as the host of The Big Broadcast to focus on some health concerns. Needless to say, I wish him and his family all the best. During the interview, Walker also talked about his life and career in broadcasting. In this clip, he discusses the waning days of radio's golden age.

The Many Voices Matter

If you ever have trouble remembering the names of all the actors who played Johnny Dollar, this will help you. I still need to add some cutaway images, but overall not too shabby.

The Connecticut Connection Matter

Among the cool moments from my conversation with broadcaster Dick Bertel a couple weeks back was this reminiscence of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and the particular connection he felt with the show.

A Matter of Gratitude

Many thanks to veteran broadcaster Dick Bertel for taking the time to sit down for an interview. In addition to his first-hand account of the waning days of radio in the 50s and 60s, Dick had great stories about his long career in radio including his encounter with the legendary Vincent Price (who guest-starred as himself in an episode of a Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar).

The Next Interview Matter

I just printed out my list of questions for Tuesday's interview with veteran broadcaster Dick Bertel. As one of the hosts of Golden Age of Radio in the 1970s, Bertel was instrumental in giving many of radio's finest actors, writers and producers a showcase to tell their own stories about the period. The shows are available online and are an invaluable resource for fans of radio drama.

Expense Account Item Number One

In some ways, I've tried to approach this documentary the way the show's title character would approach a case. In general, this meant far less punching, shooting of a different sort and a budget lower than some of Johnny's expense accounts. One bit of detective work I'm very happy with was a 1970s radio interview with Mandel Kramer - recorded for a radio station in Hartford of all places - in which he gives a concise summary of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Using this as the first "expense account item" might seem a bit obvious, but obvious isn't necessarily the enemy of right and proper. You be the judge.

The By Any Other Name Matter

Before Johnny Dollar, there was Lloyd London. Even if Dick Powell had continued in the title role beyond the first audition show, I'm not sure that "Yours Truly, Lloyd London" would have gained the same purchase in radio fans' hearts.