Biografia
Ruth Lyons, a celebrated composer, author, pianist, and organist, is a Cincinnati icon renowned for her pioneering broadcasting career during the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, as well as for founding the Ruth Lyons Children's Fund. She studied at the University of Cincinnati, where she created musical productions, and at the Conservatory of Music. In 1929, Ruth began her radio career at Cincinnati's WKRC as a pianist, organist, and music librarian, eventually rising to music director. In 1942, she transitioned to WLW and WSAI to host "Petticoat Partyline," an afternoon program aimed at women. She then co-hosted "The WLW Consumer's Foundation" with Frazier Thomas and organist Arthur Chandler, which was later renamed "Morning Matinee." In 1949, while continuing with "Morning Matinee," Ruth launched the "50 Club" on WLW, the show that would become her signature. Named for its daily studio audience of 50 people, the 90-minute weekday program evolved into the "50-50 Club" when it began simulcasting on WLW radio and WLWT television. By 1951, Ruth Lyons had gained national recognition as NBC broadcast the "50-50 Club" across the country for eleven months, one of several Cincinnati-produced programs aired by the network. In 1957, the show became Cincinnati’s first color TV broadcast. Throughout her tenure, Ruth co-hosted with Paul Jones, Willie Thall, Peter Grant, and Bob Braun, who succeeded her upon her retirement in 1967. Joining ASCAP in 1957, Ruth composed several popular songs, including "Wasn't the Summer Short?", "The Ten Tunes of Christmas," "Let's Light the Christmas Tree," "This Is Christmas," and "Christmas Is a Birthday Time.
