Jack Berch

Early years

Berch was born in Sigel, Illinois, where his father ran a general store. Following his father's death, Berch began working after school as a stock boy in a dry goods store when he was "about 11 years old." His primary and secondary education came in Effingham, Illinois.

Berch graduated from St. Viator College. During his college years, he was a was a dishwasher and played drums for a dance band. He later worked as a door-to-door coffee salesman who sang as he approached the door of a house. When one potential customer in Youngstown, Ohio, turned out to be the wife of the manager of radio station WKBN, that led to an audition.

Radio

Berch's first job on radio was at WKBN. He had dual roles as a singer and an announcer, "introducing himself in one voice and singing in another. Then he would thank himself for the performance."

He also worked at WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio; WTAM in Cleveland, Ohio; and WOAI in San Antonio, Texas.

Berch was the star of The Jack Berch Show, a variety/talk program that was broadcast on ABC, CBS, Mutual, and NBC at various times 1935-1954. His programs at times went by other names, including The Kitchen Pirate (1935–36) and The Sweetheart Serenader (1939-1941). A comment published in the trade publication Radio Daily said, "The singing of Berch is particularly well designed to give the day a sunny sendoff."

At times, he also wrote scripts and worked as an announcer and producer on other people's programs.

Recording

In 1950, Berch signed a contract with RCA Victor to make recordings in both children's and popular music genres.

Personal life

Berch was married to the former Margo Orwig. They had a son, Jon, and daughters Carol, Shirley, and Mollie.

Death

Berch died December 10, 1992, in Jamaica, New York.

Partial discography