Singing telegram

A Day In The Life Of A NYC Singing Telegram screenshot

Singing Telegrams are a form of message delivery in which the message is sung to the recipient. Originating in the 1930s, singing telegrams were a novelty service provided by telegraph companies as a humorous alternative to the standard delivery of telegrams. Over the years, singing telegrams have evolved and are now used to celebrate various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and Valentine's Day, among others.

History

The concept of the singing telegram is believed to have been introduced by the Western Union telegraph company in 1933. The idea was to add a personal touch to the telegram service, which was widely used at the time for quick communication over long distances before the advent of modern telecommunications. The first singing telegram is often credited to George P. Oslin, the Public Relations Director for Western Union, who wanted to create a unique way to deliver birthday greetings. The service gained popularity quickly, becoming a memorable way to convey messages with a personal and entertaining twist.

Types of Singing Telegrams

Singing telegrams can vary widely in their presentation and performance. Some common types include:

• Costumed Telegrams: The performer wears a costume relevant to the message or the recipient's interests. Popular costumes include gorillas, chickens, grim reapers, and famous characters.
• Personalized Songs: The lyrics of the song are customized to include personal details about the recipient, making the experience more special and memorable.
• Celebrity Impersonators: Performers impersonate celebrities or famous characters while delivering the singing telegram.
• Virtual Singing Telegrams: With the advent of digital communication, singing telegrams can also be delivered virtually through video calls or recorded messages, allowing for a global reach.

Occasions

Singing telegrams are popular for a variety of occasions, including but not limited to:

• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Weddings
• Graduations
• Valentine's Day
• Mother's Day
• Retirement
• Apologies or romantic gestures

Cultural Impact

The singing telegram has made its mark on popular culture, being featured in films, television shows, and literature as a humorous or heartfelt element. Despite the decline in traditional telegram services, the singing telegram has endured as a unique and entertaining way to convey messages, adapting to changes in technology and communication preferences.

Modern Day Singing Telegrams

Today, singing telegrams continue to thrive, with companies and independent performers offering a wide range of styles and options. The advent of the internet and social media has made it easier for performers to market their services and for customers to book singing telegrams for their loved ones, regardless of geographical distances.

Conclusion

Singing telegrams represent a blend of tradition, humor, and personal touch in message delivery. They offer a memorable and entertaining way to celebrate life's special moments, proving that even in an age of instant digital communication, the human touch still holds a special place.