He is best known for his pioneer late-1940s network television show, Small Fry Club, and for his long career as a local broadcaster in Boston before and after that.

[5] Emery began performing on radio as part of the all-male Gilchrist Quartet, made up of department store employees.

[3] On radio, Emery invited the children who listened to become members of his "club": those who did so received a membership card and a pin.

[8] WGI was undergoing financial difficulties (it folded in 1925), so in late September 1924 Emery moved to a new Boston station, WEEI, owned by the Edison Electric Illuminating Company.

Emery ran a show that was both entertaining and educational, with segments about current events, literature, travel, music, and ethics (good manners, being respectful to others, etc.).

He sang and played the ukulele or the banjo and had guest performers, as well as interesting speakers who were doing things kids might find exciting.

WEEI would also sponsor events that Big Brother Club members could attend, including a day at the zoo or a picnic.

His closing song was "So Long Small Fry", written by Bill Wirges[1][better source needed] Emery died on July 18, 1982, in Newton, Massachusetts.