The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

Wayne Cody (Uncle WIP)
WIP Radio
circa 1943

The first known kid's host in Philadelphia broadcasting is Christopher Graham. Better known as "Uncle WIP," Graham passed away in 1929. While there has been several people portraying "Uncle WIP," the second best known is Wayne Cody.

In a radio listing dating from Tuesday, June 28, 1932, we found a WCAU Radio program called "The Jolly Man" airing from 5 pm to 5:15. It was probably a daily program, but we haven't yet confirmed this. However, there was a 1935 book issue called The Jolly Man's Juvenile Jingles. It was written by "your radio friend, Wayne Cody, The Jolly Man." The book was paperbound and measured six by 9 inches. Each page had one poem with a small drawing. The cover had a pig dancing with a bunny under a tree. Some of the poems were: "Carefulness on The Fourth Of July", "Evolution of Heat," "Easter Time" and "The Roadside Stand."

We know as a fact that Wayne Cody played "Uncle WIP" in 1943. Was Wayne "The Jolly Man" on WCAU in 1932? Another question is was The Jolly Man and Captain Jolly the same person?

In 1935, "The Jolly Man" was broadcast on WFIL Radio. It was a children's show sponsored by Strawbridge and Clothier, a local department store. The store was also owner of WFI that merged with WLIT (owned by Lit Brothers' Department Store) to form WFIL in January of 1935, just months before.

In an article in "Band Leaders Magazine," dated January 1946, it said: "Wayne Cody, who doubles as 'Uncle WIP,' puts on his "Start the Day Right" program six mornings a week from 6:55 am to 8:15 am, at WIP, Philadelphia's Pioneer Voice, the Mutual (radio network) station."

While on WIP radio, Wayne Cody wrote and published several songs. "Care of My Heart" was written by Cody, Victor Mojnar and Abner Silver. Cody also penned, "Clancy's Gone and Joined the Army" and "Daddy's Little Girl."

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com