BOWES, EDWARD

known as Major Bowes

born June 14, 1874, San Francisco, Calif., U.S.

died June 14, 1946, Rumson, N.J.

U.S. radio personality.

He promoted attendance at New York City's Capitol Theatre by starting a variety show, the Major Bowes Capitol Family , which became the radio program Original Amateur Hour (1935–46). The show (later revived for television as The Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour [1948–60]) gave aspiring singers and comedians, including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope , a chance to perform before a national radio audience.