Biography

Radio executive. Born January 11, 1899. Died March 19, 1989. Began radio career in 1924 at Chicago radio station WLS, where he was an important contributor to the development of the National Barn Dance. Career also included work at WLW in Cincinnati, WSB in Atlanta, and WLBK in DeKalb, Illinois. Retired from radio in 1964.

Interview Summary

1968 July 17
(46 minutes)
Radio executive George C. Biggar gives an overview of his career. Discussion includes his childhood; his start at Chicago radio station WLS in 1924; his work as producer of the National Barn Dance radio show; his move to Atlanta radio station WSB; the career start for Arkie the Arkansas Woodchopper; his return to WLS, 1929-1938; memories of different WLS performers, including Gene Autry, Red Foley, George Gobel, Henry Burr, and Lulu Belle & Scotty; his move to WLW in Cincinnati in 1938; memories of WLW performers, including Merle Travis, Natchee the Indian, and Chet Atkins; his return to WLS, 1948-1953; and the circumstances that contributed to the end of the National Barn Dance.