A RADIO GREAT - Long before there were viral videos, TikTok parodies, or Mad Men on TV, there was Stan Freberg—a master of satire, a pioneer in advert
A RADIO GREAT – Long before there were viral videos, TikTok parodies, or Mad Men on TV, there was Stan Freberg—a master of satire, a pioneer in advertising, and a creative force who shaped the sound and style of mid-20th century American comedy. With a career that spanned radio, television, records, and advertising, Freberg left a legacy that still echoes through pop culture today.
🎙️ The Voice That Made Radio Smarter—and Funnier
Born August 7, 1926, in Pasadena, California, Stan Freberg began his career at age 18 as a voice actor for Warner Bros. cartoons, lending his talents to characters in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. He worked alongside legends like Mel Blanc, holding his own in a golden age of animation.
In the 1950s, Freberg became known for his wildly clever comedy records, lampooning everything from rock ‘n’ roll to politics with pitch-perfect wit. His 1951 record “John and Marsha”, a soap opera parody using only two words, became a nationwide hit. His iconic 1953 spoof of “Dragnet,” titled “St. George and the Dragonet”, sold over a million copies.
He brought that same sharp humor to radio with the “Stan Freberg Show” on CBS in 1957. Though it lasted only 15 episodes, the show was a cult favorite—sly, sophisticated, and miles ahead of its time. It broke ground with absurdist sketches, sharp social commentary, and a cast that included Daws Butler and June Foray.
📺 Advertising’s Madcap Maverick
Freberg didn’t just mock commercials—he reinvented them. In the 1960s and 1970s, he became one of the most influential advertising creators in America. His belief? Ads should entertain, not just sell.
His campaigns for clients like Jeno’s Pizza Rolls, Sun-Maid Raisins, and the United States Census Bureau were groundbreaking. He famously turned down a cigarette ad, stating he wouldn’t promote something he didn’t believe in—a move nearly unheard of in the era of tobacco-drenched airwaves.
One of his most famous commercials? A musical battle between Jeno’s Pizza Rolls and the William Tell Overture, complete with a Lone Ranger parody and a twist ending. It aired during the Super Bowl and became legendary for its production value and humor.
He called his agency “Freberg Ltd. (but not very)”—a nod to his self-deprecating wit.
📚 Author, Cultural Critic, and Voice for the Ridiculous
In 1988, Freberg published “It Only Hurts When I Laugh,” a memoir filled with showbiz tales and pointed observations. He also narrated the syndicated radio retrospective “When Radio Was,” celebrating the golden age of radio with loving irreverence.
He remained active into the 1990s and early 2000s, voicing characters, appearing on stage, and continuing to fight for creativity in advertising and entertainment.
🏆 Legacy
Stan Freberg passed away in 2015 at age 88, but his influence endures:
- He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
- His work is preserved in the Library of Congress, the Paley Center for Media, and in the DNA of every smart, funny ad you’ve ever heard.
Comedians, copywriters, voice actors, and satirists all owe a nod to Freberg. He didn’t just push boundaries—he redrew them entirely, often with a punchline.
🎤 Stan Said It Best:
“Radio was the theater of the mind. Television is the theater of the mindless.”
That’s pure Freberg: funny, biting, and true.
Here’s a curated discography of Stan Freberg, focusing on his most notable comedy records, albums, and satirical singles. His work spanned from the early 1950s into the 1970s, often poking fun at pop culture, politics, history, and advertising itself.
🎵 Key Singles (1950s–1960s)
These are the iconic comedy 45s and 78s that made Stan Freberg a household name:
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1951 | “John and Marsha” | Soap opera spoof using only the words “John” and “Marsha” |
| 1952 | “Ragtime Dan” / “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” | Early musical parody |
| 1953 | “St. George and the Dragonet” | Parody of Dragnet; huge hit |
| 1953 | “Little Blue Riding Hood” | Fairy tale parody |
| 1953 | “Sh-Boom” (Parody) | Satire of doo-wop and pop vocals |
| 1955 | “The Yellow Rose of Texas” | Marching band satire; climbed to #16 on Billboard |
| 1956 | “Heartbreak Hotel” (Parody) | Elvis-style spoof |
| 1956 | “Rock Around Stephen Foster” | Mashup of rock ‘n’ roll and folk tunes |
| 1957 | “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” | Parody of Harry Belafonte’s calypso hit with bickering sound effects man |
| 1958 | “Tele-Vee-Shun” | Spoof of early television |
| 1960 | “The Old Payola Roll Blues” | Commentary on the radio payola scandal |
💿 Albums
🎙️ That’s Not the Way It’s Done (1951)
Collection of musical parodies, very early Freberg work.
🎙️ A Child’s Garden of Freberg (1957)
Classic collection of his early comedy records including “St. George and the Dragonet” and “John and Marsha.”
🎙️ The Best of Stan Freberg (1958)
Great introduction to his most famous parodies and skits.
🎙️ Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America: Volume One – The Early Years (1961)
His masterpiece. A full-length satirical musical album about American history featuring performances by June Foray, Paul Frees, and others.
Tracks include:
- “Columbus Discovers America”
- “Declaration of Independence”
- “Yankee Doodle Go Home”
🎙️ Stan Freberg with the Original Cast (1962)
Live album with bits from his radio show and stage routines.
🎙️ Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America: Volume Two – The Middle Years (1996)
Sequel album released decades later. Not as iconic as Volume One but still full of sharp writing.
📻 Radio & Compilation Releases
- The Stan Freberg Show (1957) – All 15 episodes of his CBS radio show have been released in various formats, including CD and streaming.
- Tip of the Freberg (1995) – 4-CD box set featuring his records, radio show clips, commercials, and interviews.
📀 Reissues & Anthologies (Highly Recommended)
- The United States of America Vol. 1 has been reissued on CD and streaming.
- The Best of Stan Freberg and Capitol Collector’s Series: Stan Freberg feature excellent remastered versions of his 1950s hits.
A youtube video of his tributes to Radio.
