The Reddy Record for Boys

Perhaps some Easter morning, say 50-55 years ago, some lucky little boy awoke to find that the Easter Bunny had not only left all sorts of chocolates and other sweets, but that the bunny had also left a copy of something called "The Reddy Record for Boys".

I don't actually know if what I've imagined here is possible, because I've been unable to determine anything regarding the story of this record, including whether or not it was ever released. The only things that pop up on an internet search are links to the auction where I bought this acetate.

Yes, this is not the actual record, but rather, an acetate of the Reddy Record, featuring a young woman interviewing (and hopefully, interacting with) the young boy who would be listening to the record.

Based on the content of the script, it sounds like this was directed at 4-6 year olds. Beyond that, the references to TV cowboys, and just the general feel of the thing, causes me to think it probably dates from no later than the very early '60's, probably a bit earlier. 

There are a couple of questions that stand out for me, including: isn't this sort of a weird length for a record? It's too short to be an album, and much too long for a 78 - seven minutes on the first side, eleven on the second. Was there a "Reddy Record for Girls"? And of course, who IS this, and who was behind it?

Oh, and be sure to listen for the guy in the booth, who gives the performer a glowing one word review at the end of part one.  

Reddy Record for Boys, Part One (MP3)

Reddy Record for Boys, Part Two (MP3)

Writing on Side One of the Acetate (JPG)

Comments

[Jessi]

"Our special secret game..." Eeccch! This would have been phony, condescending and creepy to me even when I was a kid in the 60s. There were some really good records for young kids then, but this was not one of them!

I loved our Pete Seeger, Oscar Brand, and other Folkways records. I would have loved Ella Jenkins if we had any of her records.

My favorite of all was a record called Come and See the Peppermint Tree. Have not been able to find hide nor hair of it now. It was a story told mostly in song and very expressive piano accompaniment. Wish I could track it down!

[Robot Monkey]

This is exactly the sort of odd recording that makes this website so much fun to visit everyday. Thanks the posting! Keep'em coming.

[BENBENEK]

Bob,

The history of vinyl is awash with such oddities.
This may have been some sort of test pressing
or a future part of a larger format LP

To me, seven minutes on each side sounds just right for a 78 rpm record

I'm not a big fan of investigating too much when it
comes to something like this - obviously more information will
only ruin the mysterious and innocent charm of the record

At this point, it's just a cute children's record
with some somewhat strange undetrones.
I doubt if it's anything more than that

Nice find! Keep em spinning our way!

[purplecow]

this is so entertaining and bizarre. thanks thanks always

[Colin the Culture Hunter]

Bob - this is incredible. 2 questions haunt me. What on earth would possess a company to think this was a good idea.

And 2- What parent would think this sort of thing healthy?

I bow to your collection.