Christmas 1943

Kay Kyser and his Orchestra perform "St. James Infirmary Blues" in this extended Christmas special that was recorded on November 6, 1943.

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From Hollywood comes this special Christmas edition of "Command Performance." Bob Hope opens the show, delivers light-hearted remarks on Christmas, Hollywood, and the holiday spirit, and presents Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, and the Andrews Sisters. Paul Whiteman conducts the orchestra and Johnny Mercer is in charge of music.

This Christmas special episode of "Command Performance" comes from Hollywood. Bob Hope starts the program with cheerful jokes about Christmas, Hollywood, and holiday cheer, then introduces Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, and the Andrews Sisters. Paul Whiteman leads the orchestra while Johnny Mercer handles the music.

Command Performance was a radio program which originally aired between 1942 and 1949. The program was broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS) and transmitted by shortwave to overseas troops — but with few exceptions, it was not broadcast over domestic U.S. radio stations.

Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 4.0. Updated May 11, 2026.

“Christmas 1943.” Command Performance. Radio broadcast, December 25, 1943.

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