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Arthur Godfrey an Unlikely Early American Idol During television's first decade, Arthur Godfrey was the most omnipresent, watched, listened-to, and talked about personality in America. He was on TV five days a week for nine hours, eight of them simulcast on radio. But his only real talent was a folksy, laid-back, unpredictable charm.

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Arthur Godfrey an Unlikely Early American Idol

Heard on All Things Considered

By 

John McDonough

Arthur Godfrey an Unlikely Early American Idol

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Radio broadcaster Arthur Godfrey was an unlikely star of his day. During television's first decade, he was the most omnipresent, watched, listened-to, and talked about personality in America. He was on television five days a week for nine hours, eight of them simulcast on radio. His theme song was played up to 70 times a week. But his only real talent was a folksy, laid-back, and unpredictable charm. One of his top shows on TV was Talent Scouts, the grandfather of American Idol.