This prime-time ABC game show came to television a year after it began on the radio.
Broadcast from the barn-like Ritz Theater on West 48th Street in New York, which had been converted into a television studio, Stop The Music was hosted by the ubiquitous Bert Parks (though Dennis James filled in occasionally), who gave away Cadillacs, mink coats, trips to Paris and 12-year supplies of shaving cream.
The game involved identifying songs by members of the studio audience for cash prizes (in bonds) and by home viewers, who were telephoned during the broadcast by three beautiful girls (including Virginia McDavid, Pat White and Connie Carroll).
The three girls called viewers at home as the Harry Sosnick Orchestra played a song.
When a call was connected, Parks picked up the telephone, and if the player at home could identify the song’s name, they won the $10,000 jackpot in bonds and prizes.
Featured vocalists over the years included Jaye P. Morgan, Kay Armen, Jimmy Blaine, Betty Ann Grove, Estelle Loring and June Valli.
For most of its run, the show aired at 9.00 pm on Thursdays (except for the 1954/55 season when it was broadcast at 10:30 pm on Tuesday nights).
The game involved identifying songs by members of the studio audience for cash prizes (in bonds) and by home viewers, who were telephoned during the broadcast by three beautiful girls (including Virginia McDavid, Pat White and Connie Carroll).
