Major Al Reilly (now a retired Colonel) created the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest in 1953 to recognize talented airmen in various categories ranging from comedy, drama, vocals, gospel, vocal and instrumental groups, country and western, and several others. His idea was to discover the highest caliber of entertainment and provide it for Air Force families throughout the world, thus the phrase "family entertaining family" was first adopted in the new Air Force talent program. Furthermore, Maj. Reilly knew there were many athletic competitions, there was nothing for those who were not athletic.

The Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest provided an excellent setting for the up and coming Air Force entertainers to display their talents.

Major Reilly then selected the top talent from the competition and produced a show with a troupe of the best Air Force entertainers which ultimately became known as TOPS IN BLUE. The debut tour traveled on a grueling trek, giving 230 shows in 235 days. (That breakneck pace continues today. What made that so amazing then is still true today: most shows are not performed at the same location twice. The cast must unpack, setup, do the show, tear down, pack it up and drive/fly to the next place each time.) The first cast entertained over 320,000 active duty military members and their families, firmly planting the TOPS IN BLUE seed and cultivating the deepest dedication by this initial group of performers.