Much has been written about this program and its complicated legacy in Media Studies circles. Though undoubtedly dealing in stereotypes and “vocal blackface,” the program was also of note for creating a radio community of African American business owners, doctors, lawyers, ministers, teachers, reporters, public officials and yes, conmen and scalawags. The appearance of “white” characters was infrequent. The program, as written and performed by Gosden and Correll, achieved actual depth of character over the show’s long run, sometimes veering strongly into more dramatic plotlines and downplaying the comedy. It was highly influential in the development of both radio and television storytelling techniques and holds a position of importance in broadcasting history akin to that of THE BIRTH OF A NATION in film - hard to partake of today, but still impossible to ignore for its role in the development of its medium.
