Shortly after Sinatra left Tommy Dorsey's orchestra in 1942, an executive at Columbia Records arranged for him to appear on Reflections, a sustaining (unsponsored) program on CBS.

[6] Previously scheduled from 11:30 to midnight (Eastern Time) on Fridays,[7] Broadway Bandbox replaced the second half-hour of Lux Radio Theatre on CBS July 19, 1943 - September 13, 1943.

[10] Sinatra was described as "a genial, half-shy, completely solid gent" as master of ceremonies in addition to his abilities as a singer.

[11] While starring on Broadway Bandbox, Sinatra continued as one of the singers on Your Hit Parade, performing on the latter on Saturdays and the former on Mondays.

It described the show as a "melody-packed program," Sinatra as "most popular baritone of the day," and Scott as "master of jive.

"[13] When its fall run began October 10, 1943,[14] comedian Bert Wheeler was added to the cast[15] and Axel Stordahl led the orchestra.

"[12] One newspaper article observed, "In the studio they cheer, they scream, they applaud, or they sigh audibly every time Sinatra is at the microphone.

A newspaper announcement said, "This should give Sinatra opportunity to concentrate fully on the microphone without unasked-for assistance from teenage enthusiasts.

[18] He was later classified 4-F,[19] and The Frank Sinatra Show debuted January 5, 1944, on CBS, with Ginger Rogers as its first guest star.

[18] Comedian Bert Wheeler was a regular member of the cast, while Axel Stordahl and his orchestra and the Vimms Vocalists provided additional music.

1 wholesaler of Max Factor's romantic products ..."[29] Earl Ebi was the initial producer; he was succeeded by Robert Brewster.

The 30-minute program had what a trade publication called "a flexible production format which will be changed each week as events, material or talent demand.

"[33] Sponsored by Old Gold cigarettes, the program also featured The Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and his orchestra,[6] and, in the latter part of its run, Jane Powell.

"[43] The two singers co-starred in Sinatra's Light-Up Time, the title of which came from an advertising slogan for sponsor Lucky Strike cigarettes.

"[43] In the summer of 1949, Sinatra talked with representatives of the Mutual Broadcasting System about starring in a celebrity disc jockey program on that network, but it never materialized.

In addition to singing with a rhythm section, Sinatra gave members of his studio audience the mike and exchanged snappy You Bet Your Life-style dialogue with them as well as with occasional guests.

"[46] In addition to Sinatra, personnel included announcer Hal Simms, writer Paul Dudley, and producer Gordon Auchincloss.