The Downtown Show (1957)

Music based format with top recording stars in the "Downtowners" band. The program was designed as a syndicated program in association with local chambers of commerce to help bring back customers to the downtown areas of cities around the country. The show was one of the first integrated television shows featuring popular radio and television star Jimmie Jackson who hosted the show as well as played the guitar and sang. The show also featured Capitol Records top recording artist Jimmy Bryant. Black Jazz violinist and recording star, "Stuffy" Smith along with Black jazz percussionist and recording star, George Jenkins rounded out the "Downtowners" sound. A highlight of the show was television's Hollywood Hostess, Anita Coleman who offered the latest Hollywood gossip and guest stars. "The Downtown show" featured custom commercial loops that incorporated each local downtown spot so that the viewer had the feeling that these top artist were broadcasting right from their very own local Downtown.