Who was the lonesome gal with the mask?

In 1947, WING, a Dayton, Ohio broadcasting company began a disc jockey syndication program called Lonesome Gal. It was heard in that area for two years and then syndicated and heard nationally from 1949 throughout the mid-1950s.

Jean King was the lonesome gal, who went from rags to riches with the show. King had a sexy voice that was perfect for the role – and especially for its male audience. She began the show with a sultry solo, Sweetie, no matter what anybody says, I love you better than anybody in the whooooole world. Then, she sang and told her listeners to shake off their shoes and get ready to relax.

The musical interludes were interspersed with her own brand of chatter – sexy and intimate. The audience loved it and wanted to know more about her. But, her identity was kept a secret until 1953 – before that King wore a mask to all events – which only served to heighten the anticipation of her identity.

Once a poor girl in Dayton, Ohio, King rose to a six-figure income during the height of her popularity and after Phillip Morris picked up the sponsorship. King was married to radio producer, Bill Rousseau, who produced the highly popular Dragnet series.

While men loved the sweet, sultry voice of the Lonesome Gal, her monologues were appealing to everyone. They had just the right amount of comedy and teasing to make it interesting to everyone. King referred to her listeners lovingly as Baby and Muffin, but was never inappropriate or risqué in her dialog.

She was also a hit with the commercials on the show and she eventually headed to California when the show became successful and Phillip Morris became the sponsor.

King had initially moved to California from her home state of Texas, but was only able to secure some bit parts. The Midwest proved to be good for King, but after two years, she thought it was time to head back to California.

Lonesome Gal ended with a soft goodbye, a salute to the sponsor and an invitation to her next program. It was a truly inspired radio show with an inspiring disc jockey to spin the records and make her audience feel very special.

Jean King was 76 when she passed away in 1993 and had written a book called Tune In Yesterday.

There are at least 27 of the fifteen-minute programs available to listen to today perfect for the forthcoming Valentines Day!

Happy listening my friends,

Click the link for a list of shows for Valentines Day!