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Kate Smith Henny Youngman

This April 1942 episode from New York City opens with "How About You?" and features Ed Gardner as Archie from Duffy's Tavern recounting the tale of Two-Top Gruskin, followed by comedian Henny Youngman's jokes and a recorded segment about Queenie, a soldier's dog. Robert Benchley delivers a humorous lecture on facts of life for sailors.

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This CBS show for American military troops lets viewers ask for their favorite songs and performances from the stars. This week's entertainment features Kate Smith, Barry Wood, Johnny McCarthy, Henny Youngman, and Ed Gardner. Smith performs 'How About You?' and gets everyone to sing along with 'Keep the Home Fires Burning.'

The CBS staff program, dedicated to entertaining the U.S. armed forces, gives its audience a chance to request the songs and shows of its stars. Kate Smith, Barry Wood, Johnny McCarthy, Henny Youngman, and Ed Gardner headline this week's variety program. Smith sings 'How About You?' and leads the audience in 'Keep the Home Fires Burning.'

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.

“Kate Smith Henny Youngman.” Command Performance. Radio broadcast, March 13, 1942.

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