Magic Key, The

The Magic Key (of RCA) was a fun and star-packed hour-long variety program that aired on NBC radio on Saturday nights from 1935 to 1939. Sponsored by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), the show was dedicated to showcasing the company’s innovations and products, particularly its radios. While you didn’t need an RCA radio to listen, the program did an excellent job of convincing the audience that RCA was a leader in quality and technology.

The Magic Key featured a wide array of entertainment, including classical and popular music, comedy sketches, dramatic vignettes, and remote broadcasts from locations around the world. The show boasted a veritable “Who’s Who” of 1930s entertainment, with appearances by radio favorites like Fibber McGee and Molly, Rudy Vallee, Irving Berlin, Tommy Dorsey, Amos ‘n’ Andy, Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, Fred MacMurray, and Walt Disney. The NBC house orchestra, led by Frank Black and later Nathaniel Shilkret, provided the musical accompaniment.

The Magic Key was broadcast live and often featured remote segments, with roving reporter John B. Kennedy bringing listeners to diverse locations, from the Bronx Zoo to the RCA overseas broadcast center. The program also showcased RCA’s technical capabilities, with transmissions from ships at sea, submarines, and international destinations like China, New Orleans, and Rio de Janeiro.

The Stars

The Magic Key did not have a regular cast of stars, but rather featured a rotating lineup of top entertainers and personalities of the era. Some of the notable performers who appeared on the program included:

Fibber McGee and Molly: The popular husband-and-wife comedy duo were frequent guests on The Magic Key. Rudy Vallee: The crooner and bandleader was a protégé of the show’s producer, Bertha Brainard, and made regular appearances. Irving Berlin: The legendary composer contributed his music and appeared on the program. Tommy Dorsey: The acclaimed trombonist and bandleader performed on The Magic Key. Amos ‘n’ Andy: The pioneering African-American comedy team were featured on the show. Benny Goodman: The “King of Swing” and his orchestra were showcased on the program. Guy Lombardo: The bandleader and his Royal Canadians were regular performers on The Magic Key. Fred MacMurray: The film actor appeared in dramatic sketches on the program. Walt Disney: The animation pioneer and his cartoon characters, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, were featured on the show.

Key Dates

• September 29, 1935: The Magic Key of RCA premiered on NBC, with the first show titled “Welcome To The Magic Key of RCA.”
• 1935-1939: The series ran for four seasons, airing on Saturday nights.
• 1939: Nathaniel Shilkret took over as the conductor of the NBC house orchestra, replacing Frank Black.
• September 18, 1939: The Magic Key aired its final episode, ending its run.

Other Information

The Magic Key was a unique program that blended entertainment, technology, and advertising in a way that captivated audiences. The show’s remote broadcasts and demonstrations of RCA’s technical capabilities were particularly impressive, showcasing the company’s innovations in areas like shortwave radio, motion picture sound, and international communications.

The program’s producer, Bertha Brainard, was a pioneering woman in the radio industry, having risen through the ranks at NBC to become one of the network’s highest-ranking female executives. Brainard was instrumental in shaping the format and content of The Magic Key, ensuring that it remained a must-listen for radio audiences throughout its four-year run.

While The Magic Key was primarily a vehicle for promoting RCA and its products, the show’s high production values, star-studded lineup, and innovative approach to radio programming made it a beloved and memorable part of the Golden Age of Radio.