Make Believe Ballroom

Home
Make Believe Ballroom

The show, hosted by Jeff Bressler, can also be heard on your favorite podcast provider.

Each week the Make Believe Ballroom brings the greatest hits of the 1930s and 1940s to over 30 public, community, and university radio stations across the country.

09/04/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 4/9/23 Edition"

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom Duke Ellington serves as a second banana, some notes on the song Dipsy Doodle, more music from the 1944 War Bonds fundraiser the Esquire All American Jazz concert, a few great emails from our...

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom Duke Ellington serves as a second banana, some notes on the song Dipsy Doodle, more music from the 19…

03/04/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 4/2/23 Edition"

On today's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a look at how a radio show got the word out about a brand new Broadway hit, Benny Goodman on the radio, a long look at a classical concert as well as a host of additional great tunes and stories about...

On today's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a look at how a radio show got the word out about a brand new Broadway hit, Benny Goodman on the radio, a…

27/03/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 3/27/23 Edition"

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we tell a Sinatra story and read a wonderful listener email about autographs along with our usual assortment of fantastic tales and music from the beloved big band era.

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we tell a Sinatra story and read a wonderful listener email about autographs along with o…

20/03/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 3/20/23 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, a look at Billy May, some tremendous British swing and dance band music, a comedian songwriter, and a plethora of additional stories and music from the wonderful big band era.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, a look at Billy May, some tremendous British swing and dance band music, a comedian songwriter, and …

13/03/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 3/12/23 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM the first time ever heard on record, or seen on film for two legendary celebrities, a look at something heard in the background for decades that we don't think much about plus other great music and...

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM the first time ever heard on record, or seen on film for two legendary celebrities, a look at somethi…

06/03/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 3/5/23 edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a little remembered band, some British dance band music, a Benny Goodman question, a cowboy tune, a state song plus a wide array of great music from the big band era of the 1930s and 40s.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a little remembered band, some British dance band music, a Benny Goodman question, a cowboy tune, a s…

27/02/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 2/26/23 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a look at combining talent to produce some wonderful records at Brunswick and Decca, a Bing Crosby duet partner, a look at a singer who walked away from fame as well as our usual assortment of...

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a look at combining talent to produce some wonderful records at Brunswick and Decca, a Bing Crosby du…

20/02/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 2/19/23 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, Fletcher Henderson arrangments led to Benny Goodman's success, a listen to a couple of "all girl" big bands of the 40s, two new Artie Shaw stories, a singer turned actor, as well as more great tunes...

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, Fletcher Henderson arrangments led to Benny Goodman's success, a listen to a couple of "all girl" bi…

12/02/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 2/12/23 Edition"

This week is a very special 88th Anniversary Edition of the Make Believe Ballroom. Join Jeff Bressler as he takes us back to present the history of the show which began its broadcast odyssey in February of 1935 via WNEW 1130 AM in New York.

This week is a very special 88th Anniversary Edition of the Make Believe Ballroom. Join Jeff Bressler as he takes us back to present the history of the s…

06/02/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 2/5/23 Edition"

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we hear some music that made the Depression less depressing, so lesser known Glenn Miller recordings, an autographed photo listeners request as well as a whole lot more great music from...

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we hear some music that made the Depression less depressing, so lesser known Glenn Miller…

30/01/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 1/30/23 Edition"

On today's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a few tough trivia questions, we continue to play some artists we haven't heard over the past year, a similar story with 2 different endings, plus much more music and tales from the revered big band era.

On today's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a few tough trivia questions, we continue to play some artists we haven't heard over the past year, a sim…

22/01/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 1/23/23 edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a look at songwriting due, how a celebrity got her stage name, tunes you didn't think had lyrics, plus a program bursting with more music from the treasured big band era.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a look at songwriting due, how a celebrity got her stage name, tunes you didn't think had lyrics, plu…

15/01/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 1/16/23 Edition"

Join us for another edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we pay tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of all time, take a look at some novelty tunes and play a host of classic hits and stories from the big band era.

Join us for another edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we pay tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of all time, take a look at some novelty t…

08/01/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 1/9/23 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM we vow to play music of artists we have not heard on the show in over a year, the story behind the story of the song In the Mood, an email letter for an old listener plus many more stories and songs...

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM we vow to play music of artists we have not heard on the show in over a year, the story behind the st…

02/01/2023

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 1/2/23 Edition"

For our first program of 2023 a look at some of the songs composed by the legendary Harry Warren, a new listeners email, some tunes from an obscure record label plus a bountiful number of additional recordings and stories from the big band era.

For our first program of 2023 a look at some of the songs composed by the legendary Harry Warren, a new listeners email, some tunes from an obscure recor…

25/12/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 12/26/22 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a few Sinatra tunes attributed to him but first recorded by others, some songs dedicated to a listener born in 1938, and a treasure trove of additional records and stories from the big band era.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a few Sinatra tunes attributed to him but first recorded by others, some songs dedicated to a listene…

19/12/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 12/19/22 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a look at a novelty singer of the '60s and 70s who molded his career after an old time crooner, a songstress who for a while was more popular than her uber famous husband, the Mills Brothers' unique...

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a look at a novelty singer of the '60s and 70s who molded his career after an old time crooner, a son…

11/12/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 12/12/22 Edition"

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM. Lenny and his wife are away on vacation so that gives Jeff Bressler the opportunity to play a few songs from the 50s and 20s. A few great listener's emails and a whole lot more music and...

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM. Lenny and his wife are away on vacation so that gives Jeff Bressler the opportunity to play…

05/12/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 12/5/22 Edition"

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, where we reminisce about stories that appeared in 1930s and 1940s copies of both Billboard and Down Beat magazines. Great music and tales from the Big Band Era.

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, where we reminisce about stories that appeared in 1930s and 1940s copies of both Billboard …

27/11/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 11/28/22 Edition"

A look at a famous Copywrite dispute, a stroll past a historic music building, a talented female lyricist plus a bunch of great music from the big band era.

A look at a famous Copywrite dispute, a stroll past a historic music building, a talented female lyricist plus a bunch of great music from the big band e…

20/11/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 11/21/22 Edition"

Join us for another great episode of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM. On today's show a look at songs with female names in the title, a Lenny from Down the Block on Broadway story, a look at an email that asks for a request that has nothing to do with music...

13/11/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 11/14/22 Edition"

On today's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, a numerical email from a listener, songs about food and beverage, Jeff Bressler's tale of visiting the dairy case, and a whole lot more music and history of the big band era.

On today's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, a numerical email from a listener, songs about food and beverage, Jeff Bressler's tale of visiting the d…

07/11/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 11/7/22 Edition"

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, a look at one of the greatest female lyricists of all time, an email from a listener with a pretty strange name, some music by a Benny Goodman small group, then some individual music from its...

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, a look at one of the greatest female lyricists of all time, an email from a listener with a pretty s…

30/10/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 10/31/22 Edition"

Join us for this week's MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we continue to delve into the Ralphie from Canarsie, Brooklyn record club list, Bing Crosby duets, a bizarre Artie Shaw magazine piece, and spin a few novelty songs.

Join us for this week's MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we continue to delve into the Ralphie from Canarsie, Brooklyn record club list, Bing Crosby duets, a biz…

24/10/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 10/24/22 Edition"

On this week's MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM via a raffle drum, some random music selections from our famous Ralphie for Canarsie Brooklyn's list of his and his neighbor's record clubs close to 800 ranked songs from the big band era.

On this week's MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM via a raffle drum, some random music selections from our famous Ralphie for Canarsie Brooklyn's list of his and his …

16/10/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 10/17/22 Edition"

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a long look at a long-a-go ballroom in the keystone state that is still in operation today!

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a long look at a long-a-go ballroom in the keystone state that is still in operation today!

10/10/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 10/10/22 Edition"

Join us for this week's MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we take a look at some tunes that were featured in movie musicals during the 1940s. Over 100 films in the 30s and 40s featured big band music.

Join us for this week's MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we take a look at some tunes that were featured in movie musicals during the 1940s. Over 100 films in th…

01/10/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 10/3/22 Edition"

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom Jack Teagarden's some may say strange obsession, we go back to 1935 to learn about a historic radio program and in between some of the great tunes and stories from the big band era.

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom Jack Teagarden's some may say strange obsession, we go back to 1935 to learn about a historic radio p…

25/09/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 9/26/22 Edition"

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom, a look at a singer who you might not recognize..and perhaps neither did he, a tribute to a songwriter who we, unfortunately, gave short shrift to last week, a listeners email, and a show filled with...

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom, a look at a singer who you might not recognize..and perhaps neither did he, a tribute to a songwrite…

19/09/2022

New Episode! "Make Believe Ballroom - 9/19/22 Edition"

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a whole lot of listeners emails, wrapped around some great music and stories from the big band era.

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a whole lot of listeners emails, wrapped around some great music and stories from the big band era.

Address

Website

http://makebelieveballroompodcast.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Make Believe Ballroom posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Make Believe Ballroom:

Videos

The oh so cool Gene Krupa with his Orchestra and the 1945 rendition of Leave us Leap. Listen to this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom on many Public, Community, and University radio stations nationwide, or hear the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-believe-ballroom-7-11-22-edition/id1524072588?i=1000569449531

Here’s some wonderful big band, swing dance newsreel footage from the iconic Hollywood Canteen filmed in 1942. Open to members of the armed forces during WWII, the Canteen was a voluntary project staffed by some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Everything was offered free of charge from food to the sounds of some of the era’s biggest dance bands. At a time of segregation, the Canteen was fully integrated. The actress Linda Darnell can be seen about halfway through the video dancing with a service member. She is also at the end of the video getting ready to speak to the crowd. For swing and big band music tune into this weeks Make Believe Ballroom https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-believe-ballroom-7-11-22-edition/id1524072588?i=1000569449531

Bob Crosby and the Band swings on the train in the 1941 film Sis Hopkins Listen to this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom on many Public, Community, and University radio stations nationwide, or hear the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-believe-ballroom-6-27-22-edition/id1524072588?i=1000567776024

Listen to this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom on many Public, Community, and University radio stations nationwide, or hear the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-believe-ballroom-5-30-22-edition/id1524072588?i=1000564398989 Here's a super swinging number presented by Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra from Hollywood Canteen released in 1944.

Louis Armstrong in Demark

Listen to this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom on many Public, Community, and University radio stations nationwide, or hear the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-believe-ballroom-5-23-22-edition/id1524072588?i=1000563181722 Here's an extremely rare clip of Louis Armstrong and the “Harlem Hot Band” filmed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1934. Louis was touring Europe and he and the Harlem Hot Band just grand slam it with "I Cover the Waterfront", "Dinah" and "Tiger Rag".

Listen to this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom on many Public, Community, and University radio stations nationwide, or hear the podcast version now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-believe-ballroom-5-2-22-edition/id1524072588?i=1000559245900 Get ready to be amazed!! Here is a song and dance routine from the highly panned 1944 movie Greenwich Village. The critics might have disliked the movie, but you had to be negligent as a reviewer if you didn’t find this scene to be wonderful, exuberant, and joyful. “It Goes to your Toes” was written by Nacio Herb Brown, with lyrics by Leo Robin. The scene features The Four Step Brothers: Maceo Anderson, Freddy James, Sylvester Johnson, and Ernest Morrison. The musicians: Les Hite - piano, Tiny "Bam" Brown - double bass, Alton Redd -drums, Buddy Banks – clarinet, Teddy Buckner - trumpet

Listen to this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom on many Public, Community, and University radio stations nationwide, or hear the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-believe-ballroom-4-25-22-edition/id1524072588?i=1000558554471 Here is a film version of the popular CBS radio program Saturday Night Swing which was broadcast on the network between 1936 and 1938

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Country:

City: