Vaudeville was an important stepping stone for many early radio performers.

Although Adelaide Hawley did not make as big a splash as stars like Jim and Marian Jordan (Fibber McGee and Molly), Jack Benny or Fred Allen, the Adelaide Hawley Program with its 13 year run was hardly a flash in the pan. The show originated from WEAF in New York, and featured daily talk and commentary along with variety fair.

Ms. Hawley graduated from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester before stepping into Vaudeville with a pair of friends. The trio took their name from their dye jobs- “Red, Black and Gold”.