The Hoot'Navy Program

What is a "Hoot'Navy"? In simple terms, "a Hoot'Navy is a Hootenanny that has gone to sea".

That's just fine, but what the heck is a Hootenanny? Hootenanny is a Scottish word that means celebration or party. They were also the largest group of immigrants to settle in the Appalachian region of North America and brought with them their tradition of whiskey distilling. This led in time to the honorable tradition of moonshining, so it is not surprising that Hootenanny became a colloquialism for a get-together where folk or country singers are welcome to perform before an open mic.

The Country and Western Music community has always had a close relationship with Navy recruiting. Recruiters have used cowboy hats and steel guitars to get their message out since before the Second World War. The Hoot'Navy program originated from the studios of KXLA with Country DJ Ralph Emery as host and often featuring Cliffie Stone, Capitol Records A & R man and a pioneer of the Los Angeles Country Music Scene. The Sons of the Pioneers frequently lent their talents as well.

During the post-WWII period, Navy ships, aircraft, and weapon systems became steadily more sophisticated, requiring better-educated sailors to operate and maintain them. The efforts of the Recruiting Command reflect the effort to fill the need. Steel guitars and yodeling cowboys were benefits everyone could enjoy.

See also: Old Time Radio Navy Broadcasts