Mike Men

Charles Chumley... Youngest member of WLAC staff, Born in Yuma, Colorado, March 25, 1918. Gained initial radio experience in dramatic bits stations KOA, KLZ, KFEL all in Denver. Determined to carve niche as microphone artist. When not on duty, hustles back to classes at David Lipscomb college, second year. Plans to enter Vanderbilt on graduation. In spare time, studies voice as part of announcer-training. Pet peeve is unruly cowlick. Modest, unassuming, has not attempted to raise a mustache. Friends call him "Chum." Studies lessons between accounting shifts. Noted for punctuality. Arises daily 5 a.m.

For the Younger Set . . . A telephone bell jangles in WLAC studios along about the midnight hour. There's a party in progress at Mr Smith's house and they'd appreciate a little special dedication. That's where Charlie Chumley and "The Dance Hour" come in. The requested selection is available instantly from WLAC's extensive musical files and in a few minutes the airwaves are carrying musical best wishes to Mr. Smith and party. It's a gay "good-night" hour, designed particularly for dance-lovers and the younger set and its success was so pronounced that its original half-hour time couldn't handle the traffic. Just the right amount of Chumley personality flavors the musical highlight.

Paul Oliphant . . . Debuted in radio with Hopkinsville quartet, 1932, specializing old tunes. Quartet faltered and Oliphant turned soloist, self-taught guitar to play own accompaniment. Reads and plays music, never had a music lesson, yet music instructor sponsored first commercial program, 1934. Born Nashville, August 27, 1914; graduated high school at 16 started work as rivet man in car shops. Transferred to office ending three years as "railroader." Joined WLAC announcing staff, July, 1937. Announces, writes, sings, reads drama lines and poetry. Frequently works 16-hour day. Likes all kinds of sports. Went hunting with 6 shells, killed 4 rabbits. Keeps time with feet when announcing. Married. Has cocker spaniel named "Buzz."

Laboratory Subject . . . They wanted to check the contention that radio audiences ebb and flow according to the hours of the day. They chose 4 o'clock as the "ebb" hour. Musical Memories drew the short straw. Buy it didn't succumb to theory. Instead it flourished -- even more effectively than before. Today, it's around WLAC's most popular programs; draws 150 to 200 cards and letters daily from listeners in 9 states. The only "material inspiration" is 5 theater tickets to a Nashville theater. Paul Oliphant, conductor of the program, is shown with some of the old and new tunes heard on this title guessing get-together.

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