Eleanor Roosevelt as a disc jockey for WNYC

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

As part of a fundraising effort for the March of Dimes, Eleanor Roosevelt reveals her "hidden talent" as a disc jockey. Several New York City teenagers suffering from polio attend the session and make requests for Mrs. Roosevelt to play. Roosevelt discusses the children's conditions and plays popular music, including Elvis Presley, Harry Belafonte and others. Martin Bush is the WNYC announcer with ER.

After the requests, Eleanor Roosevelt talks to the listening audience. She says her sponsor is the warm-hearted American public. The March of Dimes theme this January is "Let's Finish the Job." There are not enough people who have had their complete series of three shots. Means vaccination for everyone under 40 and reducing new cases to a minimum. "I hope this inspires everyone who has been listening to give and give generously to the 1957 March of Dimes."

There is a 2:58 excerpt on a 7" reel with Dolby SR.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 2316
Municipal archives id: LT687