John L. Grimes Introducing the Steel Sisters, Performing With The Musical Steelmakers Band at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.
Identifier:
048548
Collection Number:
A&M 3470
Title:
John L. Grimes Introducing the Steel Sisters, Performing With The Musical Steelmakers Band at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
John L. Grimes was advertising executive of Wheeling Steel Corporation and was responsible for the creation of the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast in 1936. In 1941 the show was picked up by the National Broadcasting Company's Blue Network, as it grew in popularity. The Steel Sisters and The Musical Steelmakers were regulars on the broadcast. The Steel Sisters became so popular that they eventually left the show to tour with Horace Heidt and his orchestra. In 1943 the show took to the road throughout several cities in West Virginia to put on "Buy a Bomber" themed shows, where the host cities were challenged to buy enough enough Defense Bonds to purchase a medium or large sized bomber. Cities who accomplished the challenge would get their name placed on the plane as it flew to battle.
