Product ID: CPVA
Control Number: 7534634
Command Performance 323 Episodes
Command Performance was one of the most extraordinary and star-studded radio programs ever produced, created during World War II to entertain American servicemen and women stationed around the world. First airing in 1942 and continuing through 1949, the show was presented by the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) and became legendary for its dazzling array of Hollywood talent. Each episode was built around listener requests from U.S. military personnel serving overseas — “commands” for songs, skits, and comedy routines — which the biggest names in show business eagerly fulfilled.
What made Command Performance unique was its ability to gather the entertainment industry’s top performers in one place, often doing things they never did anywhere else. Movie stars, comedians, orchestras, and singers all volunteered their time, creating a one-of-a-kind mix of music, humor, and heartfelt messages from home. The show had no commercials and no censorship by sponsors, giving its stars a freedom that resulted in some of the most spontaneous and lively performances of the era. For countless servicemen, Command Performance was a cherished link to home — a reminder of what they were fighting for.
The Stars
Virtually every major entertainer of the 1940s appeared on Command Performance. Regular hosts and performers included Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Betty Grable, The Andrews Sisters, and Red Skelton, among many others. Each week’s host would read letters from servicemen and women and “grant their requests,” whether that meant hearing a favorite song, a comedy sketch, or even a mock date with a movie star.
Behind the scenes, the show benefited from top-tier production talent, with Vick Knight and later Charles Vanda serving as producers. The music was provided by leading orchestras of the day, including Paul Whiteman, Meredith Willson, and Harry James.
Key Dates
Aired: 1942 1949
Network: Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS); distributed to over 500 stations worldwide
Producers: Vick Knight and Charles Vanda
Format: Variety and musical entertainment requested by U.S. troops
Runtime: 30 to 60 minutes
Tagline: “The greatest entertainers in America, answering the personal requests of our armed forces overseas.”
Other Information
Command Performance was more than a radio show — it was a cultural event and a morale lifeline during one of the darkest times in modern history. It represented the best of Hollywood’s wartime spirit, uniting artists across studios and networks to serve a common purpose. Because it was produced exclusively for the Armed Forces, the show was never aired commercially in the United States, but its recordings were distributed worldwide through the military network.
The program’s legacy is immense: it captured the voices and humor of an era, preserved the unity of the home front, and set a new standard for radio variety shows. Its format inspired other AFRS programs such as Mail Call and G.I. Journal, and many of its performances survive today as priceless historical documents.
Command Performance remains a shining example of radio’s power to connect, comfort, and entertain — a timeless testament to the generosity and patriotism of America’s greatest stars.
This collection comes preloaded on a USB stick, allowing you to easily transfer all episodes to the device of your choice. Enjoy seamless playback a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99
Mice Price: $23.29
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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