Talent competition for teenagers.

Something of an indirect predecessor to "American Bandstand" (Like "Bandstand," it originated in Philadelphia and had many of the same technical crew), this teen-oriented music-variety program was hosted by veteran bandleader/performer Paul Whiteman. Whiteman, a fixture on the American pop music scene since the early 1920's, genuinely enjoyed doing this show, wearing loud sport clothes, using the kids' catch phrases of that period ("Real gone, man!"), and handing the sponsors' Tootsie Rolls and chewing gum out of a paper bag. A good judge of talent (Bing Crosby got his start with Whiteman's band in the late-1920's), Whiteman gave both Dick Clark and Bobby Rydell major early breaks on this program, as well as future recording company executive Bernie Lowe.—Bob Sorrentino

The show featured young talented contestants who would win prizes. It was broadcast nationally from WFIL-TV, Channel 6 in Philadelphia. The person in charge of talent was Skipper Dawes. He would later discover and manage Eddie Fisher. 8 year old Leslie Uggams, was one discovery as well as a young drummer Bobbie Rydell, who would later rise as a singer, as well as future pop star Dion. When Tootsie Rolls first came on as a sponsor he hired New York teenager John Bravo (Dick Brooks) after auditions in New York, to come in each week to do the Tootsie Roll commercials. He was replaced over time by 23 year old Dick Clark. By: Dick Brooks, The Houdini Museum, Scranton, PA.—John Bravo

Teenagers would perform each week and would be judged. Winner each week would get a cash prize in the range of $100. After several weeks the winners of several shows would then compete against each other for a grand prize. This would often be in the form or an expensive appliance probably donated in return for promotion. The show was headed up by musician-celebrity Paul Whiteman—Dick Brookz