BARRY GRAY - AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED 11/03/1947 - HFSID 19782

BARRY GRAY
A very rare signature from "The Father of Talk Radio" on a guest roster, writing "All my life I've wanted to have dinner with Beatrice Kay"
Autograph note signed: "All my life/I've wanted to/have dinner/with Beatrice/Kay/Barry Gray", in green ink, 6x9¼. Barry Gray (1916-1996) was an American radio personality, known for popularizing talk radio. Gray worked as a disc jockey for New York's WMCA in 1945, when during a telephone conversation with bandleader Woody Herman, Gray held the microphone up to the receiver of the phone and broadcasted the conversation, subsequently holding one of the first live radio interviews. His popularity grew after the incident, working for multiple radio stations through the 1940's ad 1950's, bringing a higher brow culture to late night broadcasting that had ultimately been dominated by youth jockeys and dance music. The radio talk show host was also notable for his controversial topics, including his opposition to McCarthyism, bigotry, and his views on other political topics. Gray worked in radio close to his passing, and after his death, has been commonly rated as one of the greatest radio talk show hosts of all time. Beatrice Kay (1907-1986) was a stage and film actress, nightclub headliner and recording artist who often performed as Honey Kuper or Honey Day. She appeared on several TV series in the 1950s and early 1960s. In retirement she operated a holiday resort dude ranch. Several unidentified signatures on front and verso. Toned. Right edge worn and frayed. Corners slightly worn. Irregularly cut. Otherwise, fine condition.