'On a Note of Triumph' On May 8, 1945, 60 million Americans tuned in to hear On A Note of Triumph, Norman Corwin's radio masterpiece marking the end of World War II in Europe. It was the most listened-to radio drama in American history.

'On a Note of Triumph'

Norman Corwin's Radio Classic, 60 Years Later

Hear 'On a Note of Triumph'

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Hear a One-Hour Documentary on the Life and Work of Corwin

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Radio writer, director and producer Norman Corwin hide caption

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On May 8, 1945, 60 million Americans tuned in to hear On A Note of Triumph, Norman Corwin's radio masterpiece marking the end of World War II in Europe. Lauded by Carl Sandburg as "one of the all-time great American poems," it was the most listened-to radio drama in U.S. history.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the historic broadcast, NPR offers the original presentation as it was first heard and a 1995 documentary produced by Mary Beth Kirchner along with Corwin -- now 95 -- to commemorate the radio classic.