Network: CBC Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1959 to 1960
Broadcast Medium: Television
Aired Monday nights at 9:30PM from October 1959 to July 1960.
One of the most popular programs on CBC was Cross Canada Hit Parade. It aired from 1955 to 1960.
In an effort to cut back on large budget variety shows, the CBC introduced Music ’60, an umbrella title for two-one hour variety programs that aired in alternate weeks. These programs were also known as Music 60 Presents the Hit Parade and Music ’60 Cross Canada Hit Parade. The goal of the show was to direct more money to Canadian talent while cutting back on elaborate sets and production values. Producer Norm Sedawie streteched the musical forms a little, but essentially the shows were not far removed from their orginal formats.
The Hit Parade shows starred Wally Koster and Joyce Hahn, with Bert Niosi leading a band. They also featured the Gino Silvi Singers, a choir and the Hit Parade dancers, with choreography by Maggie St. Clair.
Music 60 Presents the Jack Kane Show featured the bandleader with vocalist Sylvia Murphy. And to add variety, classical music was included in the series, with Sir Ernest MacMillan conducting the Toronto Symphony for one program, as well as appearances by Glenn Gould and Lois Marshall. [See Musicmakers 59]
Producer: Norm Sedawie
Writers: Frank Peppiatt, John Aylesworth, Saul Ilson
Director: Bill Davis
Host: Bill Walker
Written by John Corcelli – May, 2005