I have been listening to the old scout since I was a boomer kid. Prairie Home has been a part of my life. Well, a big part of my radio listening life. In the early 1970’s I listened to the King Biscuit Flour Hour and National Lampoon’s short-lived radio program. Then a family member told me about a new radio show coming down from the prairie, and the newly created public radio station in Minnesota. I tuned in and have been a fan ever since.  A popular theme on the Home on the Prairie show in the early days was: Cats, cats, and more cats. The mythical Bertha’s Kitty Boutique was an early sponsor of the program. Cat-themed skits were a weekly favorite. Humorous cat songs were plentiful.

As a fan, I collected many LPs of the show as well as early tape cassettes. A keeper from my collection is, Songs of the Cat by Garrison Keillor, with Frederica von Stade (20 songs, one hour and three minutes; lyrics and booklet included). It’s now available, of course, on compact disc, and via download from HighBridge Audio.  I don’t have a working turntable any longer. So, when I break out the milk crate full of Prairie Home cds, I always start with the early compilations. Songs of the Cat is a collection of some funny, heartwarming, and beautiful tunes that were good when they were first broadcast on Keillor’s show, and they continue to entertain me and my friends every time we listen in. 

Frederica Von Stade sings sweetly about ‘Oy Chuck and Katie’, GK brings back the humorous ‘My Grandmother’s Cat’, and tells the familiar tale of the ‘Cat that Came Back.’ Philip Brunelle conducts, Randall Davidson does sound effects. It’s a winner!

To be honest, I am a dog lover. I have never owned a cat. I have known some cats in my life who just don’t care for me, but I am amused and amazed by all things of cat culture. I own the NPR Driveway Moments Cat Tales (5 stars in my book), and I am a big fan of Minneapolis’ Walker Art Center and their Cat Film/Video Festival. I love the idea of people cherishing their cats, and cats, well, just being…. better than dogs. 

So, from a shameless dog lover, consider joining me and listen to Songs of the Cat. Sit back and enjoy Ms. Von Stade singing ‘Cats May Safely Sleep’. It’s a public radio treasure.