Bert Pearl (born Bert Shapira; 2 February 1913 – 17 June 1986) was a Canadian radio entertainer, singer, pianist and writer. He was best known as the founder, pianist and master of ceremonies of the CBC Radio variety program The Happy Gang.^[1][2] The program was broadcast for more than 20 years and Pearl was described by United Press International as one of Canada's major radio stars from the 1930s to the 1950s.^[3] He later moved to Hollywood, where he worked as a musical co-ordinator and writer of special material for television programs associated with Jimmy Durante and Gisele MacKenzie.^[1]

Pearl was born Bert Shapira in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on 2 February 1913^[4][1] to Boruch and Dina.^[4] He attended Aberdeen School and St. John’s High School before enrolling in pre-medical studies at the University of Manitoba on an Isbister scholarship.^[4] He moved to Toronto during the Great Depression, intending to earn money to continue his medical education, but instead found work in broadcasting with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.^[4]

Pearl began his broadcasting career in Winnipeg at CKY, where he was hired for a variety program featuring local performers.^[1] In 1935, he moved to Toronto, which was becoming a centre for Canadian network broadcasting.^[1] His work as a pianist and performer led to regular CBC employment.^[1]

In 1937, CBC regional program director George Taggart was assigned to develop a weekday half-hour variety program. Pearl was chosen to lead the group and serve as master of ceremonies; the original musicians included Pearl, trumpeter Robert Farnon, violinist Blain Mathé and organist Kathleen Stokes.^[1] Herb May became the program’s first regular announcer, and George Temple was appointed producer.^[1] The program debuted on 14 June 1937 and became known as The Happy Gang.^[1][2]

Pearl’s on-air introduction described him as “that slap-happy chappy, the Happy Gang’s own pappy”.^[1] The program combined light music, comedy, sentimental songs and audience-friendly banter, and was broadcast across Canada by CBC and private stations on the network.^[1] The Canadian Communications Foundation states that the program reached about two million listeners and led the national ratings for much of its run.^[1]

The program’s opening and closing theme, originally a parody of the 1917 song “Smiles”, was later replaced by the original song “Keep Happy With the Happy Gang”.^[1] The Canadian Encyclopedia and a later article by Alan Redway state that Pearl wrote the theme.^[2][5]

Although the program projected cheerfulness, Pearl took a serious approach to planning and presenting the show, including programs geared to holidays, seasons and special events.^[1] He was described as the driving force behind the program.^[1] The Happy Gang remained on the air for 22 years.^[1][2]

The Happy Gang was also heard in the United States.^[4] A 1949 article in Radio Showmanship listed the program’s United States first broadcast as 15 March 1948 and stated that it aired on the Mutual Broadcasting System from Monday to Friday, 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.^[6]

Pearl later moved to California.^[1] In Hollywood, he worked as a musical co-ordinator and writer of special material for The Jimmy Durante Show and The Gisele MacKenzie Show.^[1] He also wrote lyrics for guest performers including Bobby Darin, Jimmie Rodgers, Jane Powell, Ray Bolger, The Diamonds and cast members of Bonanza.^[1][4]

Pearl continued to perform as a pianist, including appearances in Hollywood clubs, nightclubs and with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.^[1][4] He also returned to Canada for special appearances, including a 1975 Happy Gang reunion concert at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, a 1978 tour of Saskatoon, Regina and Lethbridge, and a final performance by the group at the ACTRA Awards in Toronto.^[1]

In 1982, Pearl was made a member of the Order of the Buffalo Hunt by the Province of Manitoba.^[1][4] He was also named an honorary citizen of Winnipeg.^[1] The Blood Indian Band named him “Chief Happy Voice in the Sky”.^[1]

Pearl died in Los Angeles, California, on 17 June 1986, at the age of 73,^[4][3] after a long illness with cancer and had lived in Los Angeles for several years before his death.^[3] He was survived by his sister, Frances Isaacs Pearl of Hollywood, three nephews and a niece.^[3]

Pearl is remembered as a figure in mid-20th-century Canadian radio entertainment. Through The Happy Gang, he helped create one of CBC Radio’s best-known variety programs, associated especially with Depression-era, wartime and postwar Canadian broadcasting.^[1][2][3]