Jack Berch | |
---|---|
Born | August 26, 1907 or August 26, 1911 |
Died | December 10, 1992 |
Alma mater | St. Viator College |
Occupation | Singer |
Known for | Radio programs |
Spouse | Margo Orwig |
Children | 4 |
Jack Berch (August 26, 1907 or 1911[1] – December 10, 1992) was an American baritone singer best known for his radio variety/talk programs[2] from 1935 to 1954.[3]
Berch was born in Sigel, Illinois, where his father ran a general store.[4] Following his father's death, Berch began working after school as a stock boy in a dry goods store when he was "about 11 years old".[5] His primary and secondary education came in Effingham, Illinois.[6]
Berch graduated from St. Viator College.[6] During his college years, he was a dishwasher and played drums for a dance band.[4] He later worked as a door-to-door coffee salesman who sang as he approached the door of a house. When one potential customer in Youngstown, Ohio, turned out to be the wife of the manager of radio station WKBN, that led to an audition.[2]
Berch's first job on radio was at WKBN. He had dual roles as a singer and an announcer, "introducing himself in one voice and singing in another. Then he would thank himself for the performance."[7]
He also worked at WLW in Cincinnati, WTAM in Cleveland[1] and WOAI in San Antonio.[8]
Berch was the star of The Jack Berch Show, a variety/talk program that was broadcast on ABC, CBS, Mutual and NBC at various times from 1935 to 1954.[3] His programs at times went by other names, including The Kitchen Pirate (1935–36) and The Sweetheart Serenader (1939–1941).[2] A comment published in the trade publication Radio Daily said, "The singing of Berch is particularly well designed to give the day a sunny sendoff."[9]
At times, he also wrote scripts and worked as an announcer and producer on other people's programs.[1]
In 1950, Berch signed a contract with RCA Victor to make recordings in both children's and popular music genres.[10]
Berch was married to the former Margo Orwig.[11] They had a son, Jon, and daughters Carol, Shirley,[12] and Mollie.[13]
Berch died on December 10, 1992, in Jamaica, New York.[2]