Marilyn Maxwell Johnny Mercer Frank Sinatra
Description
Gene Norman puts together a half-hour program for American soldiers overseas. The show features Marilyn Maxwell performing "Basin Street Blues," Johnny Mercer singing "Hugging and Chalking," and the Benny Goodman Sextet playing jazz music for military personnel stationed in Japan. Frank Sinatra makes an unexpected appearance to perform the final song. The entertainment includes a comedy routine by Dave Bar and a humorous musical number. The program concludes with a special tribute to Seaman First Class Jack Henderson.
Gene Norman hosts a 30-minute show for U.S. troops, featuring Marilyn Maxwell singing "Basin Street Blues," Johnny Mercer with "Hugging and Chalking," and Benny Goodman Sextet's jazz for troops in Japan. Frank Sinatra surprises with the closing number. Comedy includes Dave Bar's monologue and a parody song. The show ends with a dedication to Seaman First Class Jack Henderson.
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.
Sound Recordings
30m47s
-:-- savedSaved position
30m47s
-:-- savedSaved position
30m47s
-:-- savedSaved position




