Got Talent?
by Tom Nakashima
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posted Oct 26 2011 7:18PM
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 This week in history, March 24, 1934... marks the debut of a radio program that launches a national craze. It's Major Bowes' Original Amateur Hour, which featured amateur performers competing against each other.. yes, the original American Idol. The show became an instant hit, drawing enormous audiences and attracting wannabe stars from around the country. Families sold their homes, and youngsters ran away to audition in New York, hoping to hit it big and pull themselves out of Depression-era poverty - but of some 10,000 performers a week who applied, only 20 were chosen for each broadcast. Many who arrived penniless were turned away and forced to seek assistance: In one month in 1935, some 1,200 people rejected by the show had to apply for emergency food and shelter.... And this was before Simon Cowell....
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