Some people are aware that Chicago was once a national capital of country music, most notably because of the National Barn Dance radio program that was produced in Chicago from the mid-1920’s until the very end of the 1950’s. Most, however, are unaware that there were several television programs in the country format similar to the national barn dance. One of these was the Old American Barn Dance that was produced at Kleig Studios, which preceded Oprah’s Harpo Studios and is today Ronald McDonald’s corporate headquarters. For a taste of the genre and the program, view the old video.
For more on the history of Chicago’s radio and television production industry read Chicago’s Radio & Television Industry History available in our Bookstore or on Amazon in print or digital.