Hi folks, I’m Jeff Bressler turning on the lights of the Make Believe Ballroom and welcoming you into my crystal studio for a very special new season of programs that we’re calling Ralphie’s list. We received an email here at the ballroom a few years ago from Angelo a longtime listener from Naples FL by way of Canarsie Brooklyn whose Parents Ralphie and Rose started a record club, inviting neighbors to their home every other Saturday night from 1935 to the mid 1970’s to share pot luck suppers and listen and dance to the greatest big band hits of the 1930s and ’40s. Ralphie and the club painstakingly compiled over the decades a list of over 750 of their favorite ranked tunes. So, sit back and listen as we bring you selections each week from the legendary Ralphie’s list.

Hi folks, I’m Jeff Bressler turning on the lights of the Make Believe Ballroom and welcoming you into my crystal studio for a very special new season of programs that we’re calling Ralphie’s list. We received an email here at the ballroom a few years ago from Angelo a longtime listener from Naples FL by way of Canarsie Brooklyn whose Parents Ralphie and Rose started a record club, inviting neighbors to their home every other Saturday night from 1935 to the mid 1970’s to share pot luck suppers and listen and dance to the greatest big band hits of the 1930s and ’40s. Ralphie and the club painstakingly compiled over the decades a list of over 750 of their favorite ranked tunes. So, sit back and listen as we bring you selections each week from the legendary Ralphie’s list.

On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom Duke Ellington serves as a second banana, some notes on the song Dipsy Doodle, more music from the 1944 War Bonds fundraiser the Esquire All American Jazz concert, a few great emails from our listeners as well as other great music from the big band era of the 1930s and 40s.

On today's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom a look at how a radio show got the word out about a brand new Broadway hit, Benny Goodman on the radio, a long look at a classical concert as well as a host of additional great tunes and stories about the fabulous Big Band Era.

Join us for this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM as we tell a Sinatra story and read a wonderful listener email about autographs along with our usual assortment of fantastic tales and music from the beloved big band era.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM, a look at Billy May, some tremendous British swing and dance band music, a comedian songwriter, and a plethora of additional stories and music from the wonderful big band era.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM the first time ever heard on record, or seen on film for two legendary celebrities, a look at something heard in the background for decades that we don't think much about plus other great music and stories.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a little remembered band, some British dance band music, a Benny Goodman question, a cowboy tune, a state song plus a wide array of great music from the big band era of the 1930s and 40s.

On this week's edition of the MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM a look at combining talent to produce some wonderful records at Brunswick and Decca, a Bing Crosby duet partner, a look at a singer who walked away from fame as well as our usual assortment of amazing music from the 1930s and 1940s.