American Armed Forces Radio No 33
Lu par Martha Wilkerson
American Armed Forces Radio No 33 features the program GI JIVE Part 4, a 15-minute radio show transmitted by the Armed Forces Radio Service for the entertainment of soldiers during World War II. Initially broadcast five days a week, the program later expanded to six days. Unlike other AFRS programs, GI Jive utilized a disc jockey format, playing popular recordings of the day.
The show initially featured a guest DJ for each broadcast, including civilian celebrities and servicemen. However, in May 1943, Martha Wilkerson, known on air as "GI Jill," became the regular host. Her warm and affectionate personality resonated with troops, making her one of the most popular performers on AFRS. She was known for her cheerful banter, record requests, and occasional celebrity interviews, which helped boost the morale of soldiers far from home.
Wilkerson's personal touch extended to replying to fan mail, and she was reported to have received a significant amount of correspondence from soldiers. Her closing line, "Good morning to some of you, good afternoon to some more of you, and to the rest of you — good night," became a comforting farewell for many listeners.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.