The Electric Hour

Nelson Eddy starred in The Electric Hour, and each episode featured a guest star who sang duets with him.^[2] Genres featured included music from films, folk songs, and "ballads from many lands".^[1] Gail Lulay, Eddy's biographer, wrote in Nelson Eddy, America's Favorite Baritone: An Authorized Biographical Tribute, "This was Nelson's dream show because it had a musical format."^[2] Lulay added that the program contained "some of Nelson's best music".^[2]

The program initially originated from CBS Columbia Square in Hollywood, California. Effective with the September 16, 1945, installment, it moved to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. A report in the trade publication Billboard said that the change was caused by "acute studio space shortage at CBS".^[3]

Eddy was the only regular featured performer on The Electric Hour. Guests included Jeanette MacDonald, who performed with Eddy in films.^[4] Instrumental music was provided by Robert Armbruster's orchestra,^[5] and Armbruster's chorus provided vocal support.^[6] Frank Graham was the announcer, and Charles Herbert was the producer.^[1]

The program's title came from its sponsor, a group of electric utilities across the United States. The organization had the slogan "local electric companies — all producing power for America under American business management."^[5] The number of participating utilities was 167 in 1945.^[5]

In 1945, 1946, and 1947, the same sponsors presented The Electric Hour Summer Series as replacements for regular programs. Dates and featured artists, which varied from year to year, are listed below:

• July 8, 1945 - September 9, 1945 — Francia White and Felix Knight^[1]
• June 9, 1946 - September 22, 1946 — Anne Jamison, Bob Shanley, and the Sportsmen Quartet^[1]
• July 13, 1947 - August 31, 1947 — Woody Herman, Peggy Lee, and Dave Barbour's orchestra^[1]