Coke Time

NBC presented a fifteen-minute program of music at 6:30 week nights, featuring on Wednesdays and Fridays Eddie Fisher and on Tuesdays and Thursdays Dinah Shore as a prelude to John Cameron Swayze's "Camel News Caravan," which also lasted fifteen minutes. At the time, Eddie was one of the most popular singers in the nation. His theme was, "May I Sing To You." Freddy Robbins was host and would introduce the guests which included many of the top entertainers of the day. Eddie had hit after hit in those days and he sang them on his show. His big ones were "Oh! My Papa," "I'm Walking Behind You," and the Eddie Arnold standard, "Anytime." This show was designed mainly for Eddie's legion of fans. Popular music has changed so drastically since "Coke Time" that few of the younger generations would enjoy the program today. Eddie, himself, found his music out of date as rock 'n' roll took over in 1956. Though he attempted to adjust with songs such as "Dungaree Doll," he never again had a nation-wide best seller. He found temporary romance with Liz Taylor, but, alas, that too was fleeting. Richard Burton was waiting in the wings.