Background:

The Hindenburg was a Nazi zeppelin filled with seven million cubic feet of hydrogen gas. Helium was not used largely because the United States, the only source of helium in the world, priced a fillup at $600,000. On May 6, 1937 the Hindenburg was approaching its mooring station in Lakehurst, New Jersey, on its 11th round trip between Germany and The United States. Friends and family of passengers were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their loved ones. They were using a Presto recorder with a 16 inch platter and a lathe that cut the sound directly into the record, extremely delicate equipment.

The first part of the recording is Herb Morrison explaining some basic concepts about the ship and the mooring process. When the Hindenburg was only a few feet from its destination, it suddenly burst into flames and exploded. Morrison was obviously shocked, but he continued to talk, and Nehlsen continued to record. If you listen carefully, you can "hear" the shock of the explosion as the ensuing vibration cut deep grooves into the transcription disc.

Morrison excused himself several times as his emotions overwhelmed him. Later, he interviewed survivors and aided in the recovery effort.

The Hindenburg disaster did not air live. Later that day Morrison and Nehlsen went back to Chicago with the transcriptions. Portions of the recordings were played over WLS airwaves the next morning and in New York as well.