What is a "Hoot'Navy"?
The Hoot'Navy Program is a Hootenanny that has gone to sea!
Okay. But what on earth is a Hootenanny?
"Hootenanny" is a Scottish word that refers to a celebration or party. The largest group of immigrants to settle in the Appalachian region of North America were the Scottish and they brought along with them their tradition of distilling. This imported practice led in time to the honorable tradition of moonshining. So it shouldn't surprise anyone that the word 'Hootenanny' became synonymous with get-togethers where folk and country singers could be found performing before an open mic and a crowd of rootin', tootin', drinkin' folk.
This radio show was created to help recruit new Navy sailors and entertain those already enlisted. It featured the music of Cliffie Stone, Rex Allen, Miriam Hall, The Sons of the Pioneers and many more. The country western music community has always held a close relationship with Navy recruiting and has used cowboys to get their message out since before WWII. During the post-WWII period, Navy ships, aircraft, and weapon systems were all updated and became more sophisticated which then required better-educated sailors to operate and maintain them. The Hoot'Navy Program helped the efforts made by the Recruiting Command to help fill this need for more sailors.
The Hoot'Navy Program was broadcast from the studios of KXLA in Los Angeles and was hosted by country DJ Ralph Emery.
