Enrolled at Yale University in 1924 and soon became tenor soloist with the Yale Glee Club. Started singing on radio on NBC broadcasts from 1928. Continued his affiliation with music after his graduation, even after pursuing further law studies at Columbia University. Completed his law degree in 1931, but never practiced, instead signing a contract with NBC as star of his own radio show at a salary five times that offered by a law firm. His most popular radio shows were "Show Boat" (1931-37) and "The Lanny Ross Show". In addition, he was one of the stars of radio's "Your Hit Parade" in 1938 and 1939.