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Danny Thomas Collection

One of the funniest actors to work in Radio and TV, Danny Thomas's greatest contribution was founding the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Danny Thomas

37 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 22 hours, 36 min)
available in the following formats:

1 MP3 CD
or
17 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from February 09, 1947:

"Drene Time with Danny Thomas"



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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Danny Thomas
(1912 – 1991)

Danny ThomasThe story of many actors begins in tough circumstances which can only be overcome with hard work and a lucky break or two. Sometimes the lucky break turns out to be the important part of the story. Sometimes it really is just dumb luck which puts them in the right place at the right time, and others can claim to have made their own luck. What makes Danny Thomas's story so inspirational is that it unabashedly demonstrates the power of prayer as well as hard work and dedication.

Danny Thomas

Thomas was a struggling nightclub performer with a young wife and a newborn baby girl in the winter of 1937. Down to his last few dollars, he went into a Detroit church, perhaps seeking inspiration perhaps simply desperate to get out of the cold Michigan winter. When the collection plate was passed, he reached into his pocket and placed seven dollars on the tray. As he passed the tray on he realized that it was the last seven dollars he had in the world. Even though he knew he had medical bills for his daughter to pay, he chose to believe that his contribution was going to someone who needed it more than he did. The next day, he got a call offering a radio job which would more than pay the medical bills.

This sudden good fortune did not last, however, and two years later he was still struggling, now with two daughters to feed. Having experienced the power of prayer, he invoked St Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes. His prayer was simply for direction with a promise, "help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." The next day the phone rang again, and the young family was moving to Chicago for a new job in radio.

He was born one of ten children to Lebanese Maronite Catholic immigrants in Deerfield, Michigan, 1912, and given the name Amos Muzyad Yakhoob Kairouz. He spent most of his youth in Toledo, Ohio, attending St. Francis de Sales church, Woodward High School, and the University of Toledo. He sold snacks in a burlesque hall and teamed with his brother Raymond to form a vaudeville act as kids. After high school, he began performing on WMBC Detroit's The Happy Hour amateur program in 1932 and anglicized his name to Amos Jacobs for work. He met a pretty Italian girl, Rose Marie Mantell, who had a singing program on the station, and they married in 1936. Their first daughter, Marlo, was born in November 1937, and he needed to pay $75 before mother and child could be released from the hospital when he placed his last seven dollars in the church collection basket.

Danny Thomas and Lucille Ball

When the young family moved to Chicago in 1940, he borrowed his oldest and youngest brother's names to create the stage name, Danny Thomas, trying to hide the fact that he had returned to the nightclub circuit. Because nightclub work kept him on the road so much, Rose Marie had her daughters move into her room so when he got a break in his travels the girls had to "make room for Daddy", which, later, would become the title of the TV show which made him a star. He hosted The Danny Thomas Show, a 30-minute variety program on ABC Radio in 1942, and supported Don Ameche and Frances Langford on Drene Time beginning in 1946. Thomas began to gain national attention as "The Bickersons" shifty brother-in-law in the sketch portion of Drene Time and created the postman Jerry Dingle.

After co-starring with child actress Margaret O'Brien in The Unfinished Dance (1947) and Big City (1948), Thomas began considering how to fulfill the promise he had made to St. Jude. After much thought and discussions with influential friends, the idea of a children's hospital began to take shape. Thomas's longtime spiritual advisor, Monsignor Samuel Stritch, brought him into contact with a  group of businessmen in Memphis, Tennessee (Stritch's hometown) who agreed to support the idea of a hospital dedicated to the premise that "no child should die at the dawn of life".

St Jude and Danny Thomas

Make Room For Daddy premiered on ABC-TV in the 1953 season. The show was made at Desilu Studios, and since it was shot in parallel with I Love Lucy, both programs often shared guest stars. Thomas's character became a widower off-season in its third year, a risky move for a sitcom at the time. It was retitled The Danny Thomas Show for its fourth season, but ABC decided to cancel it. Since I Love Lucy was coming to an end, CBS picked up The Danny Thomas Show from 1957 to 1964.

Danny Thomas succumbed to heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on February 6, 1991. He was 79. Thomas was interred on the grounds of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Although named for St. Jude, the facility is not a Catholic hospital and accepts patients from any faith and every state in the Union. Researchers at the hospital have made significant discoveries in the treatment of childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The survival rate for the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, was just 4 in 100 cases in 1962 and is now 94%.

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

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    COMMENTS

    , I want to "thank you" for your dedication to old time radio. I, too, am part of a family-owned business (since 1979). I recognize the issues (and fun) of working with family. Best wishes to all! I've ordered many of your mp3 and will continue to do so. Thanks again and take care.

    Dan Verified Purchase

    I recently thought it would be fun to watch the old Danny Thomas show that I grew up with again. I found many episodes on line and thoroughly enjoyed them. I also bought a copy of Danny's book, "Make Room for Danny", and found out about his work in radio. I am an old customer here, so I knew where to go to get Danny's radio work! Sure glad you're here. Thanks!

    Martha Verified Purchase

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  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    37 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00. Total playtime 22 hours, 36 min
    37 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00
    total playtime 22 hours, 36 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. 37 shows - total playtime 22 hours 36 minutes
    2. A Salute To Heart Sunday 570000 Salute To Heart Sunday.mp3
    3. Big Show 501105 Guests Fred Allen And Jimmy Durante.mp3
    4. Big Show 510107 Guests Fred Allen And Danny Thomas.mp3
    5. Bing Crosby 471231 Danny Thomas.mp3
    6. Bloopers 511109 Danny Thomas.mp3
    7. CP 450222 163 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms.mp3
    8. CP 460321 216 Lets Sing Song About Susie.mp3
    9. CP 470708 E280 Esther Williams Andy Russell Danny Thomas.mp3
    10. CP 490329 368 Lina Romay Ed Gardner Danny Thomas.mp3
    11. Doris Day Show 520328 Danny Thomas.mp3
    12. Doris Day Show 520328 Who Who Who Danny Thomas.mp3
    13. Drene Time 470209 Danny Thomas.mp3
    14. Elgin Holiday Specials 451225 4th Annual.mp3
    15. Elgin Holiday Specials 481225 7th Annual.mp3
    16. Ft 480318 058 Talent For Living.mp3
    17. Ft 490817 131 Story Of Joyce Kilmer.mp3
    18. Ft 520116 253 Juggler Of Our Lady.mp3
    19. Ft 540310 361 Its Gift.mp3
    20. Ft 540811 382 Early Bird.mp3
    21. Ft 570821 535 It Cant Happen Here.mp3
    22. GI Journal 163 John Garfield Ginny Simms Danny Thomas.mp3
    23. Guest Star 550619 430 Autumn In Rome.mp3
    24. Guest Star 560304 467 Silver Fizz.mp3
    25. Hail And Farewell 480110 Farewell Tribute To USO Camp Shows.mp3
    26. Happy Birthday Bob Hope Show 630529.mp3
    27. Hedda Hopper Show 510211 Carolina Cotton.mp3
    28. Heres To Veterans 1420 Bickersons.mp3
    29. Iptbm 540225 Is Danny Thomas.mp3
    30. Jack Benny 531115 860 Jack Prepares For His Tv Show.mp3
    31. Mail Call 450131 129 June Allyson Harriet Hilliard Ozzie.mp3
    32. Mail Call 470122 Gloria Dehaven Groucho Marx Bing Crosby.mp3
    33. Mail Call 490425 340 Frances Gifford JStafford Danny Thomas.mp3
    34. Martin And Lewis Show 511109 046 Danny Thomas.mp3
    35. Philco Radio Time 4649 471231 050 Danny Thomas.mp3
    36. Radio Hall Of Fame 440305 014 Take It Easy.mp3
    37. Smokey Visits Stars 590000 001 Danny Thomas.mp3
    38. Uso On With Show.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    37 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00. Total playtime 22 hours, 36 min
    37 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00
    total playtime 22 hours, 36 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. 37 shows - total playtime 22 hours 36 minutes
    2. A Salute To Heart Sunday 570000 Salute To Heart Sunday.mp3
    3. Big Show 501105 Guests Fred Allen And Jimmy Durante.mp3
    4. Big Show 510107 Guests Fred Allen And Danny Thomas.mp3
    5. Bing Crosby 471231 Danny Thomas.mp3
    6. Bloopers 511109 Danny Thomas.mp3
    7. CP 450222 163 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms.mp3
    8. CP 460321 216 Lets Sing Song About Susie.mp3
    9. CP 470708 E280 Esther Williams Andy Russell Danny Thomas.mp3
    10. CP 490329 368 Lina Romay Ed Gardner Danny Thomas.mp3
    11. Doris Day Show 520328 Danny Thomas.mp3
    12. Doris Day Show 520328 Who Who Who Danny Thomas.mp3
    13. Drene Time 470209 Danny Thomas.mp3
    14. Elgin Holiday Specials 451225 4th Annual.mp3
    15. Elgin Holiday Specials 481225 7th Annual.mp3
    16. Ft 480318 058 Talent For Living.mp3
    17. Ft 490817 131 Story Of Joyce Kilmer.mp3
    18. Ft 520116 253 Juggler Of Our Lady.mp3
    19. Ft 540310 361 Its Gift.mp3
    20. Ft 540811 382 Early Bird.mp3
    21. Ft 570821 535 It Cant Happen Here.mp3
    22. GI Journal 163 John Garfield Ginny Simms Danny Thomas.mp3
    23. Guest Star 550619 430 Autumn In Rome.mp3
    24. Guest Star 560304 467 Silver Fizz.mp3
    25. Hail And Farewell 480110 Farewell Tribute To USO Camp Shows.mp3
    26. Happy Birthday Bob Hope Show 630529.mp3
    27. Hedda Hopper Show 510211 Carolina Cotton.mp3
    28. Heres To Veterans 1420 Bickersons.mp3
    29. Iptbm 540225 Is Danny Thomas.mp3
    30. Jack Benny 531115 860 Jack Prepares For His Tv Show.mp3
    31. Mail Call 450131 129 June Allyson Harriet Hilliard Ozzie.mp3
    32. Mail Call 470122 Gloria Dehaven Groucho Marx Bing Crosby.mp3
    33. Mail Call 490425 340 Frances Gifford JStafford Danny Thomas.mp3
    34. Martin And Lewis Show 511109 046 Danny Thomas.mp3
    35. Philco Radio Time 4649 471231 050 Danny Thomas.mp3
    36. Radio Hall Of Fame 440305 014 Take It Easy.mp3
    37. Smokey Visits Stars 590000 001 Danny Thomas.mp3
    38. Uso On With Show.mp3
  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    37 recordings on 17 Audio CDs. Total playtime 15 hours, 47 min
    37 recordings on 17 Audio CDs
    total playtime 15 hours, 47 min

    Danny Thomas Disc A001

    1. GI Journal 163 John Garfield Ginny Simms Danny Thomas
    2. Heres To Veterans 1420 Bickersons

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A002

    1. Uso On With Show

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A003

    1. Radio Hall Of Fame 440305 014 Take It Easy

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A004

    1. Mail Call 450131 129 June Allyson Harriet Hilliard Ozzie
    2. CP 450222 163 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A005

    1. CP 460321 216 Lets Sing Song About Susie
    2. Mail Call 470122 Gloria Dehaven Groucho Marx Bing Crosby

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A006

    1. Drene Time 470209 Danny Thomas
    2. CP 470708 E280 Esther Williams Andy Russell Danny Thomas

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A007

    1. Bing Crosby 471231 Danny Thomas
    2. Philco Radio Time 4649 471231 050 Danny Thomas

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A008

    1. Hail And Farewell 480110 Farewell Tribute To USO Camp Shows
    2. Ft 480318 058 Talent For Living

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A009

    1. CP 490329 368 Lina Romay Ed Gardner Danny Thomas
    2. Mail Call 490425 340 Frances Gifford JStafford Danny Thomas

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A010

    1. Ft 490817 131 Story Of Joyce Kilmer
    2. Hedda Hopper Show 510211 Carolina Cotton

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    Danny Thomas Disc A011

    1. Bloopers 511109 Danny Thomas

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    Danny Thomas Disc A012

    1. Martin And Lewis Show 511109 046 Danny Thomas
    2. Ft 520116 253 Juggler Of Our Lady

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A013

    1. Doris Day Show 520328 Danny Thomas
    2. Doris Day Show 520328 Who Who Who Danny Thomas

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A014

    1. Jack Benny 531115 860 Jack Prepares For His Tv Show
    2. Iptbm 540225 Is Danny Thomas

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A015

    1. Ft 540310 361 Its Gift
    2. Ft 540811 382 Early Bird

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A016

    1. Guest Star 550619 430 Autumn In Rome
    2. Guest Star 560304 467 Silver Fizz
    3. A Salute To Heart Sunday 570000 Salute To Heart Sunday
    4. Ft 570821 535 It Cant Happen Here

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Danny Thomas Disc A017

    1. Smokey Visits Stars 590000 001 Danny Thomas
    2. Happy Birthday Bob Hope Show 630529

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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