RAS #686 – Dick Powell

On Ron’s Amazing Stories we journey back to the captivating era of the Golden Age of Radio. This period was marked by the extraordinary talents of character actors who brought stories to life through the power of their voices. Last week, we explored the remarkable career of William Conrad and his significant contributions. This time we shift our focus to another versatile icon of that era—Dick Powell.

Dick Powell - Singer, Actor, and Producer

Known for his dynamic range, Powell seamlessly transitioned from being a charming crooner in musical films to embodying the quintessential hard-boiled detective in radio dramas. His career spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s, leaving an indelible mark not just as an actor, but also as a singer, musician, producer, director, and even a studio head. In this episode we will talk about that career and play two stories from his radio series “Richard Diamond, Private Detective” and “Rogue’s Gallery.”

Join us as we celebrate Dick Powell’s legacy, listen to some of his iconic performances, and appreciate the lasting impact he had on radio storytelling.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you’re from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron’s Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron’s Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
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Contact Links:
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RAS #685 – William Conrad

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we explore one of radio’s most legendary figures: William Conrad. We will uncover the remarkable career of a man whose resonant baritone and versatile talent left an indelible mark on the golden age of radio.

Born John William Cann Jr. in 1920, Conrad’s journey into the world of radio began in the late 1930s. His compelling voice quickly captured attention showcasing his range across numerous genres.

From his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke” to his chilling performances in “Suspense” and “The CBS Radio Workshop,” Conrad’s contributions were vast and influential. We’ll listen to two of his most memorable performances, including “Sundown,” which he wrote and directed, and “The Wax Works,” a testament to his ability to captivate audiences single-handedly.

Join us as we celebrate William Conrad’s legacy, exploring the depth of his talent and the enduring impact of his work on both radio and television.

Show Links:

On the show today Ron talked about two additional stories. From CBS Radio Work shop, 1489 Words with William Conrad and Backseat Driver a story staring Fiber McGee on Suspense.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

RAS #672 – Suspense Double Feature

This time on Ron’s Amazing Stories we delve into two stories from the OTR series Suspense. The first story, titled Slow Burn, stars Dick Powell as a boxer navigating the dangerous world of the sport. The second story, The Death of Alexander Jordan, explores the chilling tale of a man consumed by the fear of being buried alive.

Suspense aired from 1942 to 1962, captivating audiences with its thrilling stories and unexpected twists. Originally broadcast on CBS Radio, the show was known for its high-quality production and was often described as “radio’s outstanding theater of thrills.” Initially orchestrated by the esteemed director William Spier, it featured a wide array of stories, usually focusing on characters in perilous or mysterious situations, often ending with a surprising or sinister twist.

One of the most famous episodes, Sorry, Wrong Number, starred Agnes Moorehead and became so popular it was made into a film. Over its two-decade run, Suspense became a staple on radio, influencing future generations of storytelling both in radio and television.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you’re from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron’s Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron’s Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

Rediscovering the Magic: Ron’s Amazing Stories Returns To Old-Time Radio Treasures

Hello, friends of Ron’s Amazing Stories! As I dive into exciting new projects this year, I’m thrilled to share a shift in the focus of our storytelling journey. We’ll be leaning more heavily on the timeless charm of old-time radio stories, a treasure trove of classic entertainment that still captivates and inspires.

For those who are new here, Ron’s Amazing Stories has always been about celebrating the power of a good tale. Whether it’s sci-fi, mystery, or strange accounts from everyday folks, stories have a way of connecting us across time and space. Lately, I’ve been drawn back to the golden age of radio—those evenings when families gathered around to tune into thrilling adventures, hilarious comedies, and gripping dramas.

Old-time radio isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a window into how storytelling has evolved and a reminder of how great narratives transcend trends and eras. Shows like Suspense, The Shadow, and Lights Out didn’t just entertain—they set the standard for imagination and creativity. By revisiting these gems, I hope to bring their magic into a modern context, blending their influence with new ideas and thoughts.

What can you expect moving forward? More episodes that feature the finest old-time radio classics, alongside discussions about their cultural impact and why they still matter today. I’ll also continue to explore fresh stories from listeners and other sources, always keeping the spirit of discovery alive.

I’m excited to take this journey with you. Your support, feedback, and love for storytelling have made Ron’s Amazing Stories what it is today. Together, we’ll keep the art of storytelling thriving, one amazing tale at a time.

Stay tuned, and as always, keep those stories coming!

Ron

This Week’s Podcast: On the show this week we have a Suspense double feature. A washed-up boxer tries to find his way back into the lime light, but with dire consequences. Our second feature tells the story of a man and his fear of being buried alive in a tale called The Death Of Alexander Jordan. You can listen to this podcast on Thursday at Ron’s Amazing Stories, download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listings or find the station closest to you at this link