First Song - Magic Is the Moonlight

10-2-4 Ranch

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First Song - Magic Is the Moonlight

10-2-4 Ranch • Episode 480

16 minutes

Part of a 85-episode series

Episode Description

The program features musical highlights broadcast to American soldiers, including performances by Martha Mears, Bob Nolan, and the Sons of the Pioneers. Various songs are presented, such as "Magic is the Moonlight" and "Are You From Dixie," with lively banter among the hosts. Don Fawkes promotes Dr. Pepper as a refreshing drink that provides energy and pleasure at designated times throughout the day. Musical interludes continue with themes of love and longing, alongside humorous exchanges about cultural references. The show concludes with reminders to enjoy Dr. Pepper regularly and to support the war effort by buying war bonds.

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10-2-4 Ranch

10-2-4 Ranch is a classic 1940s Old Time Radio western-themed musical variety program, created as part of a nationwide advertising campaign for Dr Pepper. Rather than telling ongoing cowboy stories, the show used a friendly “ranch” setting as a backdrop for music, light banter, and sponsor messaging built around Dr Pepper’s famous slogan: “Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2, and 4.” Airing in short, approximately 15-minute episodes, 10-2-4 Ranch featured popular western and contemporary music performances, often by well-known acts of the era such as Sons of the Pioneers, alongside announcer segments that seamlessly folded advertising into the entertainment. The tone was upbeat, informal, and family-friendly—designed to be easy listening during daytime hours while reinforcing the idea of Dr Pepper as a mid-day energy pick-me-up. The program was sometimes billed under related titles such as 10-2-4 Time, reflecting slight format shifts, and is occasionally confused with other Dr Pepper–sponsored radio shows from the same era. Today, 10-2-4 Ranch stands as a clear example of mid-century branded radio at its best—where western music, variety entertainment, and advertising blended together into a uniquely nostalgic listening experience.

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