First Song Im Gonna Love That Guy, Guest Jo Stafford, Curt Massey

Step into the warm glow of Studio 8-H at NBC's Rockefeller Center on this winter evening in 1945, where the orchestra tunes their instruments and the nation tunes in. Tonight's Kraft Music Hall brings you a sparkling hour of sophisticated entertainment featuring the luminous Jo Stafford, whose smoky contralto has captivated America throughout the war years, performing alongside the charming Curt Massey. The theme swells—that unmistakable "A Rhapsody in Blue" fanfare—and listeners across the country settle in for an evening of standards, comedy sketches, and the kind of polished variety that has made this program a Thursday night institution. Stafford's interpretation of "First Song I'm Gonna Love That Guy" crackles with post-war optimism and romantic promise, while Massey's presence adds a touch of cowboy charm to the proceedings. Between musical numbers, you'll encounter the witty banter and surprise comedic moments that keep families gathered around their sets, never quite sure what delightful interruption might break into the next crooning ballad.

By 1945, Kraft Music Hall had become America's most reliable destination for quality entertainment, broadcasting live from New York to millions of eager listeners seeking respite from wartime anxieties. The show's format—mixing big-name guest stars with the house orchestra under the baton of a notable conductor—represented the gold standard of radio variety. Jo Stafford herself embodied the sophisticated artistry the program championed, bridging the gap between classical sensibility and popular appeal. These broadcasts captured a pivotal moment in American entertainment, when radio was still the undisputed king of home entertainment and live performance meant genuine spontaneity and risk.

Tune in to experience the magic of Radio's Golden Age in full bloom—a glimpse of how Americans once gathered together through the airways for an unforgettable evening of song and laughter.