Jack Berch
American baritone singer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jack Berch (August 26, 1907 or 1911[1] – December 10, 1992) was an American baritone singer best known for his radio variety/talk programs[2] from 1935 to 1954.[3]
or August 26, 1911
Jack Berch | |
|---|---|
Berch and family in 1949 | |
| Born | August 26, 1907 or August 26, 1911 |
| Died | December 10, 1992 |
| Alma mater | St. Viator College |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Known for | Radio programs |
| Spouse | Margo Orwig |
| Children | 4 |
Early years
Berch was born in Sigel, Illinois, where his father ran a general store.[4] Following his father's death, Berch began working after school as a stock boy in a dry goods store when he was "about 11 years old".[5] His primary and secondary education came in Effingham, Illinois.[6]
Berch graduated from St. Viator College.[6] During his college years, he was a dishwasher and played drums for a dance band.[4] He later worked as a door-to-door coffee salesman who sang as he approached the door of a house. When one potential customer in Youngstown, Ohio, turned out to be the wife of the manager of radio station WKBN, that led to an audition.[2]
Radio
Berch's first job on radio was at WKBN. He had dual roles as a singer and an announcer, "introducing himself in one voice and singing in another. Then he would thank himself for the performance."[7]
He also worked at WLW in Cincinnati, WTAM in Cleveland[1] and WOAI in San Antonio.[8]
Berch was the star of The Jack Berch Show, a variety/talk program that was broadcast on ABC, CBS, Mutual and NBC at various times from 1935 to 1954.[3] His programs at times went by other names, including The Kitchen Pirate (1935–36) and The Sweetheart Serenader (1939–1941).[2] A comment published in the trade publication Radio Daily said, "The singing of Berch is particularly well designed to give the day a sunny sendoff."[9]
At times, he also wrote scripts and worked as an announcer and producer on other people's programs.[1]
Recording
In 1950, Berch signed a contract with RCA Victor to make recordings in both children's and popular music genres.[10]
Personal life
Death
Berch died on December 10, 1992, in Jamaica, New York.[2]
Partial discography
- Shenanigans/The Greatest Mistake of My Life - 1949 with The Charlie Magnante Trio (London 559)[14]
- The Letter I Forgot to Mail/Kemo Kimo - 1949 with The Charlie Magnante Trio (Regent 144)[15]
- Bibbi-Di Bobba-Di Boo/Cinderella - 1950 with The Mullen Sisters and The Charlie Magnante Trio (London 20012)[16]
- Sunday School Songs (Parts I & II) - 1950 (Victor 470222)[17]
- The Teddy Bear's Picnic/Me and My Teddy Bear - 1950 with the Henri René Orchestra (Victor 47–0225)[18]
- The Little Lost Sheep - 1952 (Bibletone KL 221)[19]
