There could not have been a greater contrast than with the program that followed – “ The Amos and Andy Show“, a comedy series set in Harlem, New York, centering on the misadventures of Amos and Andy and two other main characters, Kingfish and his wife Sapphire. It was highly popular but very controversial as the voices were white actors stereotyping black dialogue and voice inflections, and generally featured “get rich quick schemes” orchestrated by Kingfish.
These shows and their depiction of black actors were condemned for promoting negative racial stereotypes and continue to be a significant part of historical discussion even today and the subject of much criticism and debate.
It was sponsored by Pepsodent toothpaste.
“You wonder where the yellow went,
When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!“
I no longer cared what the origin was of this station, I loved the music and the memories it brought back. They were magical.
After this came “The Shadow“ with its famous opening line;
“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men,
The shadow knows.“
Hearing it gave me the same shivers as when I was a kid.
After listening to the episode, I’d had enough nostalgia for one day and turned the radio off. I made sure all the doors in the house were locked, and the outside lights turned on. Can’t be too cautious!
The next evening, I decided to try tuning into the other stations marked on the dial: WEAF, WTW, WAC, CBM, CHLP. Nothing. Not a hint of reception. Just a great deal of static.
Back I went to CFCF, which now had much more static and interference than previously. There was a news report revolving around celebrations across Canada about the victory in Europe and Prime Minister McKenzie King’s Liberals appearing poised to win their third consecutive majority government. Future baseball legend Jackie Robinson had signed a contract with the Montreal Royals, a pivotal moment in black history in Canada.
The news was sponsored by Ponds Cold Cream, advertised as “a simple skincare solution for removing makeup and cleansing your skin“.
“She uses Ponds,
You can use it too.“
Yes, I remembered this one as well!
Next came “Boston Blackie”, a detective series about a reformed jewel thief and safecracker with a heart of gold who solved crimes. It featured his girlfriend, Mary, and Police Inspector Faraday, both of whom helped him out of trouble when he was framed. Which was practically every episode.
“Boston Blackie”
Enemy to those who make him an enemy,
Friend to those who have no friends“.
It was sponsored by Renso soap.
“With Renso you can soak and clean in 12 minutes,
Renso white, Renso blue,
Both wash white and bright like new
Soap, detergent, it’s up to you.“
Boston Blackie was not just any program, it was my all-time favorite. Not only for its content, but because I would listen to it each Tuesday night with my father. He worked evenings and Tuesday was the only night I’ve got to be with him. And that night just happened to be Tuesday! Coincidence? There are no coincidences – everything happens for a reason and a purpose.
