Description

• "Camel Caravan" was a long-running and popular musical variety radio program in the United States, sponsored by Camel cigarettes. It aired on both NBC Radio and CBS Radio from 1933 to 1954, a remarkable 21-year run.
  Throughout its history, "Camel Caravan" featured a wide array of musical and comedic talent. Here's a summary of its key aspects:
  Evolution and Format:
  • Early Years (1933-1936): The show debuted on CBS on December 7, 1933, primarily as a showcase for Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, with vocalist Deane Janis and comedians Walter O'Keefe, Stoopnagle and Budd.
    
  • Swing Era (1936-1939): In 1936, the show was significantly reformatted, featuring Benny Goodman and his swing band, along with Nathaniel Shilkret's orchestra. Vocalists like Martha Tilton and Johnny Mercer were prominent. This period was instrumental in popularizing swing music.
    
    
  • Later Years (1939-1954): Over the years, the show saw various stars and formats. It often adapted to popular trends, including comedy. When it was known as "Camel Comedy Caravan," it featured acts like Abbott and Costello, Jimmy Durante, and Garry Moore. Other notable personalities and bands included Eddie Cantor, Bob Crosby, Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra, and Vaughn Monroe.
    
    
    
  Notable Performers: The "Camel Caravan" was a platform for many iconic artists of its time, including:
  • Benny Goodman (and his various ensembles: trio, quartet, sextet)
    
  • Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra
    
  • Martha Tilton
    
  • Johnny Mercer
    
  • Georgia Gibbs
    
  • Anita O'Day
    
  • Vaughn Monroe
    
  • Abbott and Costello
    
  • Jimmy Durante
    
  • Garry Moore
    
  • Eddie Cantor
    
  • Bob Crosby
    
  • Xavier Cugat
    
  • Herb Shriner
    
  • Jack Carson
    
  • Mel Blanc
  • Bob Hawk
  Sponsorship: As the name suggests, the program was heavily sponsored by Camel cigarettes, produced by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Commercials for Camel cigarettes were an integral part of the broadcasts, as was common for radio programs of that era.
  Impact: "Camel Caravan" played a significant role in American popular culture, particularly in the 1930s and 40s. It helped to introduce swing music to a wider audience and provided a consistent platform for top-tier entertainers, contributing to the "golden age of radio."
  While specific theme songs varied over the years, the show often opened with musical intros and jingles that promoted Camel cigarettes. For instance, Benny Goodman's run often featured "Let's Dance" as an introductory piece.
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