SiriusXM To Launch Bob Hope Radio

Bob Hope

SiriusXM Radio announced Tuesday that it will launch "Bob Hope Radio," a four-day channel devoted to the legendary entertainer and showman's USO tours of the military during World War II, for Memorial Day weekend beginning Friday, May 24 at 12:01 am ET.

"Bob Hope Radio" will feature episodes of "The Bob Hope Show" performed at Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines bases during the Second World and Korean Wars. The famous entertainer was unwavering in his commitment to the morale of the troops and traveled extensively performing for millions of American soldiers.

"Bob Hope Radio" will take over Laugh USA channel 98, from Friday, May 24 at 12:01 am ET through Tuesday, May 28 at 12:01 am ET in celebration of Memorial Day weekend.

"On this weekend when we honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, "Bob Hope Radio" celebrates our national holiday with a special channel devoted to one of the greatest entertainers of all time, " said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. "Bob Hope brought joy and comfort to millions of men and women who put themselves in harm's way during some of our nation's most trying times. We are proud to now entertain a new generation with his signature humor and the talent of top singers and stars Hope assembled for these performances."

"I am delighted that during this Memorial Day weekend SiriusXM Radio will honor my dad and the men and women that he entertained by presenting some of the amazing Bob Hope USO radio shows recorded during World War II," said Linda Hope, daughter of the comedian and President of the Bob Hope Legacy. "What a treat and what memories! This is a great opportunity for young people to get to know about that war and the courage and humor of that period."

The twenty six episodes airing, which span from 1942 through 1953, include vintage and rarely heard performances by some of the era's biggest singers and screen sirens including 1945's Command Performance starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland. Other notable Hollywood stars featured in "Bob Hope Radio" include Jane Russell, Ava Gardner, Claudette Colbert, Esther Williams, Orson Wells, Babe Ruth, stage, film, and television actress June Allyson and many more. The performances were taped at different military bases throughout the United States.

Highlights of "Bob Hope Radio" includes "The Cavalcade Of America," originally taped on October 11, 1943, featuring Bob Hope's memories of his trip to England, Algiers, Sicily, and Iceland. The broadcast, which originated from Hollywood, marks the start of the program's ninth year on the air and includes the participation of Paul Hilton; director and producer Homer Fickett; Gayne Whitman; Georgia Backus; Jim Bannon; Virginia Gordon, Jack Mather; William Johnstone; Robert Armbruster; Edward Marr; Tom Collins; Howard McNear; Beverly Brown, Elliott Reid, Wally Maher; Frank Graham; and Glenn Wheaton.