The Bell Telephone Hour

• 1959-1968
• NBC
• Music

• Watchlist

A classy, fondly remembered music showcase that includes classical, jazz and pop. The series had a long run on radio before successfully transferring to TV in 1959 where it flourished for nearly another decade, garnering three Emmys and two Peabody Awards. Rudolf Nureyev made his U.S. TV debut on 'Bell Telephone,' and other notable performers included Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, Van Cliburn, Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington. Donald Voorhees was the conductor on both radio and TV.