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Dick Haymes in Old Time Radio

Of all the crooners who were recording in the 40s and 50s, Dick Haymes had perhaps the greatest musical talent, but a series of unsuccessful marriages (including one to Rita Hayworth) and debt derailed what should have been a successful career.

Dick Haymes

32 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 14 hours, 2898 min)
available in the following formats:

1 MP3 CD
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17 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from March 26, 1951:

"I Fly Anything - Destination Tahiti"



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

Dick Haymes
(1918 – 1980)

The 1700 block of Vine St is the northernmost end of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On the west side of the street is another of Hollywood's important landmarks at 1750 Vine St, the Capitol Records Building. Hollywood is a town built on movies and later, television, and OTR fans remember that it was the center of the Golden Age of Radio, but the iconic round structure of the Capitol Records Building, designed to resemble a stack of LP records, reminds us of another very important element of showbiz, the recording industry.

Dick Haymes and Helen Forest 1944

Like radio and movies, recording is an expression of technology that was first developed around the beginning of the Twentieth Century and is in danger of being swallowed by the technology of the Twenty-First. Also like radio and movies, the exciting part of the recording industry was not the technology, but the personalities who used it. The imposing presence of the Capitol Records Building notwithstanding, the recording industry was much less centralized than film or broadcasting, and, therefore, had a completely different take on scandals involving its stars. Instead of a studio publicity machine spinning the news of a celebrity's foible, the recording industry largely left it to the fans to decide whether a scandal would torpedo a career or raise it to new heights.

During the 1940s and 50s, before the dawn of Rock and Roll, the music industry was turning away from the Big Band sound in favor of the Crooners. Crooning had been around for decades, of course, beginning with girls swooning when the caught a glimpse of Rudy Vallee's lips moving through his megaphone. The kings of crooning included Bing Crosby and Sinatra, but most fans would agree that Dick Haymes had the most musical talent of anyone trying to make a living as a crooner.

Haymes was the product of Scots-Irish ancestry and born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1918, and brought to the U.S. as an infant. His mother taught vocal technique and gave singing lessons to make ends meet during the Great Depression, which helped Dick to appear as a seasoned performer when he began auditioning to sing for outfits like the Harry James Orchestra, and the Tommy Dorsey Band. In fact, it was Sinatra himself who introduced Haymes as his replacement with the Tommy Dorsey Band in September 1942. Musicals were becoming an important escape at the movies, and Twentieth Century Fox saw Haymes as a good-looking leading man who could do his own songs without having to be dubbed.

In spite of his good looks and talented baritone voice, Haymes was sometimes his own worst enemy. He had trouble with alcohol throughout his career, and also with the institution of marriage. He would have six wives, beginning with Edith Harper in 1939, after she claimed to be pregnant with Dick's baby. He had the marriage annulled when he discovered that she was not pregnant. He married actress Joanne Dru in 1941, before her film career took off, and had three children with her.

The first scandal which had the potential to derail Haymes career came when he received his draft notice in 1944. Since he had never gained U.S. Citizenship, he asserted his status as a non-belligerent Argentine. He was examined by the Selective Service and found to be hypertensive, and, therefore, classified 4F, but both Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper wrote columns questioning his patriotism, however, the small scandal never caught traction.

In 1951, he starred on ABC radio's adventure program, I Fly Anything.

Dick Haymes 1966

The scandal which nearly did him in was his tumultuous marriage to his fourth wife, Rita Hayworth. He was still married to third wife Nora Eddington, who was also Errol Flynn's ex, when Hayworth set up a temporary household in Nevada so she could get a divorce from her third husband, Prince Aly Khan. Haymes had a nightclub engagement and noticed that he attracted a larger crowd when Rita was in the audience. At the time, he was deeply in debt for back alimony and child support, and he convinced Hayworth to pay most of his debts. They were married in 1953, over the strong objections of Columbia Pictures head Harry Cohn who was desperate to recoup the studio's investment in Hayworth after she left to marry Khan.

The studio sent Rita to Hawaii to film Miss Sadie Thompson (1953), and Haymes went with her. Hawaii was still a territory at the time, which Cohn allegedly pointed out to the Immigration authorities, who threatened to deport him to Argentina when he came back to the Mainland. He eventually won his bid to stay in the country, but after a public argument at the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub in Los Angeles, Haymes struck her in the face. In light of the public humiliation and the fact that she had nearly gone broke paying his debts (Khan had refused to pay child support and they were locked in a bitter custody battle), Rita walked out on Dick.

Haymes declared bankruptcy in the early 1960's ($500,000 in debt) and moved to Europe where he began to make a comeback. His last marriage, to British fashion model Wendy Smith, would be his longest, lasting 14 years until his death. His voice was still strong, and he returned to America in the early 70s to continue his comeback. He made several guest appearances on popular TV programs and was in place to take advantage of a resurgence on big Band music, touring with Harry James and Helen Forrest.

Just as his life was coming back together, Haymes was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died on March 28, 1980. Two Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are dedicated honoring Dick Haymes, one at 6841 for his work in Radio, and one at 1724 Vine St for his contributions to the Recording Industry, which is just a few steps away from the entry to the Capitol Records Building.

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

    The Dick Haymes Show was on NBC and then CBS from 1944-1948 (for AutoLite.) Dick was first heard as vocalist with the Harry James Orchestra (1940 to late 1941); joined the Benny Goodman Orchestra in 1942 (March to July); succeeded Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey band in late 1942, touring with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra most of 1943. He ended up in Hollywood and was seen in films from 1944-1953. He was also heard on THE LUCKY STRIKE HIT PARADE. He died in 1980 at the age of 64.

    Lou

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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.



    32 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00. Total playtime 14 hours, 2898 min
    32 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00
    total playtime 14 hours, 2898 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. 32 shows – total playtime 14 hours, 48 minutes
    2. Club Fifteen 490923 Song Of Grinder.mp3
    3. CP 440226 108 Dorothy Lamour Virginia Obrien Dick Haymes.mp3
    4. CP 440527 121 Dinah Shore Dick Haymes Virginia Obrien.mp3
    5. CP 440730 131 Barbara Stanwyck Dick Haymes June Allyson.mp3
    6. CP 450222 163 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms.mp3
    7. Dick Haymes Show 22 Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe.mp3
    8. Dick Haymes Show 480000 Audition.mp3
    9. Ft 470911 031 Stopwatch Finale.mp3
    10. Guest Star 481002 0080 Liza. Dick Haymes.mp3
    11. Guest Star 491127 0140 Roumanian Rapsody.mp3
    12. Guest Star 500108 0146 Twentyfour Hours Of Sunshine.mp3
    13. Guest Star 500319 0156 Club Fifteen.mp3
    14. Guest Star 530118 0304 Dick Haymes.mp3
    15. Hollywood Star Playhouse 510115 039 Statement In Full.mp3
    16. I Fly Anything 510130 Date With Death.mp3
    17. I Fly Anything 510327 Destination Tahiti.mp3
    18. Jack Benny 440430 514 Dick Haymes Subs For Dennis.mp3
    19. Jack Benny 440507 515 Making Of Horn Blows At Midnight.mp3
    20. Jack Benny 470316 613 Sportsmen Replacement.mp3
    21. Jubilee 450924 149 Dick Haymes Count Basie.mp3
    22. Lux Radio 460624 533 State Fair.mp3
    23. Lux Radio 461223 551 Do You Love Me.mp3
    24. Lux Radio 470407 566 Alexanders Ragtime Band Repeat.mp3
    25. Mail Call 450228 134 Dick Haymes King Sisters Jimmy Durante.mp3
    26. People Are Funny 530310 Dick Haymes.mp3
    27. Philco Radio Time4649 480204 055 Jimmy Durante Dick Haymes.mp3
    28. Radio Hall Of Fame 450107 058 Now And Then.mp3
    29. Screen Guild Theater 460311 288 Irish Eyes Are Smiling.mp3
    30. Screen Guild Theater 480628 394 Up In Central Park.mp3
    31. Suspense 530525 Pigeon In Cage.mp3
    32. Treasury Star Parade 430000 227 It Cant Be Wrong.mp3
    33. Treasury Star Parade 430000 228 In My Arms.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    32 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00. Total playtime 14 hours, 2898 min
    32 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00
    433 MB – total playtime 14 hours, 48 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. 32 shows – 433 MB – total playtime 14 hours, 48 minutes
    2. Club Fifteen 490923 Song Of Grinder.mp3
    3. CP 440226 108 Dorothy Lamour Virginia Obrien Dick Haymes.mp3
    4. CP 440527 121 Dinah Shore Dick Haymes Virginia Obrien.mp3
    5. CP 440730 131 Barbara Stanwyck Dick Haymes June Allyson.mp3
    6. CP 450222 163 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms.mp3
    7. Dick Haymes Show 22 Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe.mp3
    8. Dick Haymes Show 480000 Audition.mp3
    9. Ft 470911 031 Stopwatch Finale.mp3
    10. Guest Star 481002 0080 Liza. Dick Haymes.mp3
    11. Guest Star 491127 0140 Roumanian Rapsody.mp3
    12. Guest Star 500108 0146 Twentyfour Hours Of Sunshine.mp3
    13. Guest Star 500319 0156 Club Fifteen.mp3
    14. Guest Star 530118 0304 Dick Haymes.mp3
    15. Hollywood Star Playhouse 510115 039 Statement In Full.mp3
    16. I Fly Anything 510130 Date With Death.mp3
    17. I Fly Anything 510327 Destination Tahiti.mp3
    18. Jack Benny 440430 514 Dick Haymes Subs For Dennis.mp3
    19. Jack Benny 440507 515 Making Of Horn Blows At Midnight.mp3
    20. Jack Benny 470316 613 Sportsmen Replacement.mp3
    21. Jubilee 450924 149 Dick Haymes Count Basie.mp3
    22. Lux Radio 460624 533 State Fair.mp3
    23. Lux Radio 461223 551 Do You Love Me.mp3
    24. Lux Radio 470407 566 Alexanders Ragtime Band Repeat.mp3
    25. Mail Call 450228 134 Dick Haymes King Sisters Jimmy Durante.mp3
    26. People Are Funny 530310 Dick Haymes.mp3
    27. Philco Radio Time4649 480204 055 Jimmy Durante Dick Haymes.mp3
    28. Radio Hall Of Fame 450107 058 Now And Then.mp3
    29. Screen Guild Theater 460311 288 Irish Eyes Are Smiling.mp3
    30. Screen Guild Theater 480628 394 Up In Central Park.mp3
    31. Suspense 530525 Pigeon In Cage.mp3
    32. Treasury Star Parade 430000 227 It Cant Be Wrong.mp3
    33. Treasury Star Parade 430000 228 In My Arms.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



    32 recordings on 17 Audio CDs. Total playtime 14 hours, 48 min
    32 recordings on 17 Audio CDs
    total playtime 14 hours, 48 min

    Dick Haymes Disc A001

    1. Dick Haymes Show 22 Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe
    2. Treasury Star Parade 430000 227 It Cant Be Wrong
    3. Treasury Star Parade 430000 228 In My Arms

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A002

    1. CP 440226 108 Dorothy Lamour Virginia Obrien Dick Haymes
    2. Jack Benny 440430 514 Dick Haymes Subs For Dennis

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A003

    1. Jack Benny 440507 515 Making Of Horn Blows At Midnight
    2. CP 440527 121 Dinah Shore Dick Haymes Virginia Obrien

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A004

    1. CP 440730 131 Barbara Stanwyck Dick Haymes June Allyson

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A005

    1. Radio Hall Of Fame 450107 058 Now And Then

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A006

    1. CP 450222 163 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms
    2. Mail Call 450228 134 Dick Haymes King Sisters Jimmy Durante

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A007

    1. Jubilee 450924 149 Dick Haymes Count Basie
    2. Screen Guild Theater 460311 288 Irish Eyes Are Smiling

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A008

    1. Lux Radio 460624 533 State Fair

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A009

    1. Lux Radio 461223 551 Do You Love Me

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A010

    1. Jack Benny 470316 613 Sportsmen Replacement

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A011

    1. Lux Radio 470407 566 Alexanders Ragtime Band Repeat

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A012

    1. Ft 470911 031 Stopwatch Finale
    2. Dick Haymes Show 480000 Audition

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A013

    1. Philco Radio Time4649 480204 055 Jimmy Durante Dick Haymes
    2. Screen Guild Theater 480628 394 Up In Central Park

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A014

    1. Guest Star 481002 0080 Liza. Dick Haymes
    2. Club Fifteen 490923 Song Of Grinder
    3. Guest Star 491127 0140 Roumanian Rapsody
    4. Guest Star 500108 0146 Twentyfour Hours Of Sunshine

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A015

    1. Guest Star 500319 0156 Club Fifteen
    2. Hollywood Star Playhouse 510115 039 Statement In Full

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A016

    1. I Fly Anything 510130 Date With Death
    2. I Fly Anything 510327 Destination Tahiti
    3. Guest Star 530118 0304 Dick Haymes

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Dick Haymes Disc A017

    1. People Are Funny 530310 Dick Haymes
    2. Suspense 530525 Pigeon In Cage

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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