Jean Shepherd

Don't Be a Leaf

By: Jean Shepherd

Humorist Jean Shepherd 1921-1999, perhaps now best known as the creator/narrator of the perennial holiday movie favorite "A Christmas Story", had a long career on radio which culminated during the period of 1956-1977 when he was heard most days on WOR radio in New York, a clear-channel station heard along the Eastern seaboard and points west. Shepherd's radio work was both unique and transitional in the development of today's talk radio. Shepherd could talk, and talk he did, touching his listeners intimately as if speaking to an audience of one. Shepherd was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2005. In "Don't Be a Leaf", Jean Shepherd muses on the impact of dirty glasses, shopping for cars with the old man, flyswatters, growing up with the White Sox and the great divide between Southside and Northside baseball fans. Shepherd asks the questions: Are you the rider or the ridden? What is the Master Plan Illusion and what is your Master Plan? So, friends, sit back and enjoy this collection. Keep smiling, keep your knees loose, and don't give them a sitting target!©2005 Choice Ventures, LLC (P)2005 Hartwest Productions, Inc.

Flick Lives! The classic radio Shep

Would you listen to Jean Shepherd again? Why?

Though the 'Christmas Story' is Shepheds most recognized work, this is a great way for folks to listen to the shows that defined this talented story weaver.

What did you like best about this story?

I have many years of his shows and this collection is a great addition containing his best.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Unique Artist

I was a kid growing up in Queens, NY and I bought a staticky radio at a garage sale for $1. When the Mets weren't on - there was this guy who would just sit there and talk for an hour. Tell jokes and stories. I don't know if there's ever been freeform commercial radio like this before or since. The guy is unique. To really appreciate the work you've got to realize that he did one of these 5 nights a week for years and years.