John B. Gambling

John Bradley Gambling (April 9, 1897 – November 21, 1974) was an American radio personality. He was a member of the Gambling family, 3 generations of whom—John B., John A. and John R.—were hosts of WOR Radio's (New York City, 710 AM) morning show Rambling with Gambling (now known as The John Gambling Show) over the course of over 75 years (1925–2000 and 2008–present).

Early years

As an adolescent in Cambridge, England, Gambling studied horticulture, planning to make a career in that field. Later, he joined the merchant marine and "became chief operator on the big passenger ships."^[1]

Radio

John B. was the host from 1925 to 1959, when he retired in favor of his son, John A. Gambling. With his Musical Clock, his all-in-fun setting-up exercises, cheerio music, wheezy gags, weather information and news scraps, John B. Gambling was a WOR fixture. Once he was a British seaman on a World War I mine sweeper.^[2]

John Gambling had a band, and provided live music, including the "March of the Seven Dwarfs," every morning at 7 am sharp.

Gambling bought a home in Teaneck, New Jersey in 1929.^[3][4]

References

1. "Getting Up in the Morning" (PDF). Radio Guide. December 5, 1931. p. 11. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
2. Time, March 18, 1940
3. Staff. "MANY HOMES ARE SOLD IN TEANECK SECTION; $3,000,000 Palisades Acreage Reported Acquired by Syndicate.", The New York Times, July 1, 1929. Accessed December 13, 2011.
4. Taylor, Mildred. "Spiritual Comforts Take Root", History of Teaneck, pp. 98-103 via Teaneck Public Library. Accessed December 13, 2011. "Mane [sic] good people came to live in the township, among them Ferde Grofe, composer of "The Grand Canyon Suite" and other fine music. The senior John Gambling of Radio Station WOR lived in Teaneck with his wife and his son John, who now heads the program that keeps the area posted each morning. Jim Bishop, syndicated columnist, built a fine home in Teaneck."