NEW YORK, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it will launch "Bob Hope Radio," a four-day channel devoted to the legendary entertainer and showman's USO tours of the military during World War II, for Memorial Day weekend beginning Friday, May 24 at 12:01 am ET.
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"Bob Hope Radio" will feature episodes of "The Bob Hope Show" performed at Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines bases during the Second World and Korean Wars. The famous entertainer was unwavering in his commitment to the morale of the troops and traveled extensively performing for millions of American soldiers.
"Bob Hope Radio" will take over Laugh USA channel 98, from Friday, May 24 at 12:01 am ET through Tuesday, May 28 at 12:01 am ET in celebration of Memorial Day weekend.
"On this weekend when we honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, "Bob Hope Radio" celebrates our national holiday with a special channel devoted to one of the greatest entertainers of all time," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. "Bob Hope brought joy and comfort to millions of men and women who put themselves in harm's way during some of our nation's most trying times. We are proud to now entertain a new generation with his signature humor and the talent of top singers and stars Hope assembled for these performances."
"I am delighted that during this Memorial Day weekend SiriusXM Radio will honor my dad and the men and women that he entertained by presenting some of the amazing Bob Hope USO radio shows recorded during World War II," said Linda Hope, daughter of the comedian and President of the Bob Hope Legacy. "What a treat and what memories! This is a great opportunity for young people to get to know about that war and the courage and humor of that period."
The twenty six episodes airing, which span from 1942 through 1953, include vintage and rarely heard performances by some of the era's biggest singers and screen sirens including 1945's Command Performance starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland. Other notable Hollywood stars featured in "Bob Hope Radio" include Jane Russell, Ava Gardner, Claudette Colbert, Esther Williams, Orson Wells, Babe Ruth, stage, film, and television actress June Allyson and many more. The performances were taped at different military bases throughout the United States.
Highlights of "Bob Hope Radio" includes "The Cavalcade Of America," originally taped on October 11, 1943, featuring Bob Hope's memories of his trip to England, Algiers, Sicily, and Iceland. The broadcast, which originated from Hollywood, marks the start of the program's ninth year on the air and includes the participation of Paul Hilton; director and producer Homer Fickett; Gayne Whitman; Georgia Backus; Jim Bannon; Virginia Gordon, Jack Mather; William Johnstone; Robert Armbruster; Edward Marr; Tom Collins; Howard McNear; Beverly Brown, Elliott Reid, Wally Maher; Frank Graham; and Glenn Wheaton.
The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) is a nonprofit organization that provides programs, services and live entertainment to United States troops and their families. During World War II, the USO began the tradition and became particularly famous for its live performances called Camp Shows, to help boost the morale of its servicemen and women.
Bob Hope was a comedian, actor, singer, dancer, and author noted for his dedication to the United States' troops having made 57 tours for the USO between 1942 and 1988. His signature shows included comedians, singers, actors and actresses and led the way for celebrities of every kind to commit to giving their time and talent to troops and families around the world. Over a career spanning 60 years, Hope appeared in over 70 films, hosted the Academy Awards fourteen times, and was the author of fourteen books. The legendary entertainer passed on July 27, 2003.
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About Sirius XM Radio
Sirius XM Radio Inc. is the world's largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has 24.4 million subscribers. SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S., from retailers nationwide, and online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is also available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for Android, Apple, and BlackBerry smartphones and other connected devices. SiriusXM also holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers.
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