RETRO FRIDAY: NATIONAL LAMPOON RADIO HOUR

Here is a radio program I truly miss: The National Lampoon Radio Hour.

The National Lampoon Radio Hour was created by Michael O’Donoghue and Bob Tischier. It was written, produced and self-distributed by National Lampoon magazine from November 1973 until December 1974.  At its peak, it was aired on over 600 stations. Writers and performers included John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Harold Ramis, Richard Belzer, Anne Beatts and Christopher Guest.

Give a listen to one of the program's best clips: Deteriorata, a parody  of Desiderata, an up-with-people 1971 Top 40 hit by Les Crane. Deteriorata written by Tony Hendra and voiced by Norman Rose.  Melissa Manchester sang the haunting vocal track.

 

The National Lampoon Radio Hour ceased production when many of the writers and performers left to start Saturday Night Live on NBC.

The National Lampoon Radio Hour 1973 - 1974	Michael O’Donoghue, Creator The National Lampoon Radio Hour