Dive into Music's Rich Past
Make Believe Ballroom
On the air since 1935 and the nation's third-oldest broadcast music radio program, the show features treasured 78rpm recordings, fascinating stories of legendary bandleaders, musicians, composers, and vocalists, listener requests, and special segments that bring the era’s music and history vividly to life.
Recent Episodes
Sept. 4, 2026
Make Believe Ballroom - 9/4/26 Edition
On this week's edition of the Make Believe Ballroom, hosted by Jeff Bressler, Glenn Miller's greatest trombone solo, trombones of Teagarden and Dorsey, train songs, a short-lived Charlie Barnet vocalist, and more records and reminiscences from the big band and jazz era.
Aug. 28, 2026
Make Believe Ballroom - 8/28/26 Edition
On this week's show: Two hits of the same song recorded 30 years apart, the battle for the title of "First Lady of Radio," British Bandleaders, two great drummers, and much more on this week's program.
Aug. 21, 2026
Make Believe Ballroom - 8/21/26 Edition
On this week’s show: A look at “Hard Luck” Amy, a vocalist whose mishaps paid off in the end —did old fogeys listen to swing music? Plus many more great songs and tales to cherish and enjoy on the program.
Aug. 14, 2026
Make Believe Ballroom - 8/14/26 Edition
On this week’s show: why Kansas City was a jazz hub, a song that brings a memory back to Jeff Bressler—this and many more great songs and tales to cherish and enjoy on the program.
Aug. 7, 2026
Make Believe Ballroom - 8/7/26 Edition
On this week’s show: the "Mayor of Harlem," a song about a profession that helped bring black Americans into the middle class, and three crooners who caused swooning—this and many more great songs and tales to cherish and enjoy on the program.
July 31, 2026
Make Believe Ballroom - 7/31/26 Edition
On this week’s show: a sneaky marketing ploy involving a popular songstress, a great Bing Crosby story —this and many more great songs and tales to cherish and enjoy on the program. On the air since 1935 and the nation's third-oldest broadcast music radio program, the show features treasured 78rpm recordings, fascinating stories of legendary bandleaders, musicians, composers, and vocalists, listener requests, and special segments that bring the era’s music and history vividly to life.