After researching the "Grand Ole Opry" for an article, Keillor became interested in doing a variety show on the radio. On July 6, 1974, the first live broadcast of "A Prairie Home Companion" took place on Minnesota Public Radio. That show was broadcast from St. Paul in the Janet Wallace Auditorium of Macalester College. Twelve audience members turned out, mostly children. The second episode featured the first performance on the show by Butch Thompson, who became house pianist. Thompson stayed with the program until 1986 and frequently performed on the show until its 2016 conclusion.