More than 700 uncredited scriptwriters who created the memorable characters and thrilling stories of radio's Golden Age receive due recognition in this encyclopedia. For some, radio was a stepping stone on the way to greater achievements in film or television, on the stage or in literature. For others, it was the culmination of a life spent writing newspaper copy. Established authors dabbled in radio as a new medium, while working writers saw it as another opportunity to earn a paycheck. When these men and women came to broadcasting, they crafted a body of work still appreciated by modern...

This volume profiles about 300 African American (and a few white) performers, organizations and series broadcast during radio's "Golden Age"--the years 1921 through 1955. Many of these personalities and programs are chronicled in more depth here than in any previous publication, while several are covered here for the first time. The entries reveal the rich diversity in radio programming created by black talent and intended for black audiences during a time that has often been portrayed as nearly devoid of a black presence. There are two appendices: a chronology of debuts and notable events,...