Cavalcade Of Music Music Of Don Voorhees

Originally Aired: September 22, 1937 Cavalcade of America #101, "Cavalcade Of Music Music Of Don Voorhees," This special musical episode takes a unique turn as Don Voorhees, the show's musical director, takes full control to curate and present his vision of a well-balanced orchestral program. The episode opens with Mrs. William H. Corwith of the American Legion Auxiliary presenting DuPont with an award for Radio Program Excellence, recognizing Cavalcade of America as the most acceptable and worthwhile family program. Voorhees then guides listeners through an eclectic musical journey that challenges traditional boundaries between classical and popular music. Assisted by guest baritone Conrad Thibault, Voorhees presents a diverse program ranging from Paul Whiteman's "Whispering" to Massenet's operatic aria "Vision Fugitive" from Herodiade, showcasing how the saxophone can enhance classical works. The centerpiece becomes a powerful performance of the spiritual "Standing in the Need of Prayer," which Thibault performs twice: first in its simple form with Voorhees at piano, then dramatically reimagined within Louis Gruenberg's operatic setting from "Emperor Jones," depicting a murderer's desperate flight through a tropical jungle while pursued by vengeful natives invoking voodoo spirits.