 Out of WLW in Cincinnati, Moon River was a local old time radio show that was heard worldwide due to WLW's powerful transmitter (500,000 watts). During the broadcast of Moon River in the 1930s, WLW earned its nickname, "The Nation's Station".
During the Great Depression, Powel Crosley, Jr., owner of WLW had his producers sign-off program that would be relaxing and induce sleep (it still works). Moon River program included a hypnotic narrator (sometimes yawning), soothing female vocal trio, violin, and the Moon River organ. Rumor has it that the Moon River organ and original transmitter still exist.
A late night old time radio show, dreamy and relaxing, the poems often seem nonsensical perhaps drifting listeners further into the kingdom of sleep. Fittingly sponsored by Southern Cross Spring Mattress Company, the advertisement blend seamlessly into the show.
The opening and closing song for each show follows:
(Opening)
Moon River...
A lazy stream of dreams,
Where vain desires forget themselves
In the loveliness of sleep
Moon River...
Enchanged white ribbon
Twined in the hair of night
Where nothing is but sleep.
Dream on... sleep on...
Care will not seek for thee.
Float on.... drift on...
Moon River, to the sea. |
(Closing)
Down the valley of a thousand yesterdays
Flow the bright waters of Moon River.
On and down forever flowing...forever waiting
To carry you down to the land of forgetfulness,
To the kingdom of sleep... to the realms of...
Moon River...
A lazy stream of dreams,
Where vain desires forget themselves
In the loveliness of sleep.
Moon River
Enchanted white ribbon
Twined in the hair of night,
Where nothing is but sleep.
Dream on... sleep on... |
For more dreamy music see also: Sammy Kaye Sunday Serenade.
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