Voting Station

Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts

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TV Series

The Resume

    (December 6, 1948-July 21, 1956)
    Variety show on CBS
    Talent scouts brought in their discoveries where they would be rated by studio audience applause with the one who provoked the loudest response winning
    Famous contestants included Pat Boone, The Chordettes, Carmel Quinn, The McGuire Sisters, Vic Damone, Eddie Fisher, Johnathan Winters, Don Knotts, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Connie Francis, Steve Lawrence, Al Martino, Lenny Bruce, Marian McPartland, Leslie Uggams, The Diamonds, Roy Clark, Johnny Nash and Patsy Cline
    Hosted by Arthur Godfrey

Why Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts might be annoying:

    Lipton's Tea was advertised ad nauseam by host Arthur Godfrey.
    Godfrey would sometimes toss away the prepared scripts his sponsors would send him live on the air and then just ad-lib.
    He also talked as long as he wanted about a product, so his audience was treated to rambling rants about Lipton's Tea.
    The owner of CBS William S. Paley hated the show but because it was so cheap to produce and drew high ratings, he signed off on it.
    It turned down appearances from Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley because it was terrified of rock and roll.
    It was basically the radio show of the same name, only filmed.
    It would have vastly different acts compete against each other, with comedians often up against musicians and singers.
    Its huge success turned Arthur Godfrey into an arrogant blow-hard who would inform his subordinates, 'I made you all and I can break you at any time.'
    Of course, none of this arrogance was apparent on television, where he was a friendly, affable tea drinker.
    Godfrey demanded utmost loyalty and control over the careers of the entertainers that appeared on the show. When singer Julius LaRosa hired an agent, Godfrey fired him on the air of his other TV show 'Arthur Godfrey and His Friends.'
    After this incident, it started a ratings decline and Godfrey's public image never recovered.

Why Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts might not be annoying:

    Godfrey would on occasion play the ukulele between acts. This sent ukulele sales skyrocketing, with many manufacturers reporting that they could not meet the overwhelming demand.
    It was the first show that developed an effective way to sell products through advertising.
    It showed radio stars the success and advancement of the new television medium, causing many to start developing television shows.
    It gave many up-and-coming talents, some who would later become big names, their first television experience.
    It would only advertise products that Arthur Godfrey personalty liked. His TV advertisements seemed to be a recommendation from a friend.
    It allowed little known vulgar comedian Lenny Bruce to make his first television appearance.

Credit: Captain Howdy


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 71 Votes: 47.89% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 10 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 12 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 10 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 19 Votes: 78.95% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 16 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 29 Votes: 62.07% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 64 Votes: 78.12% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 96 Votes: 68.75% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 82 Votes: 64.63% Annoying