While watching Bing and Bob's film "Road to Morocco" on Turner Movies today, January 24, 2013, I recall back in 2001 when Universal Studios called and asked me to come to their L.A. studios to record my participation in their reissuance of The Tribute Collection featuring of most of the Bing Crosby and Bob Hope Road pictures. They wanted me to preview the introduction of each film with background material of both Bob and Bing. I had written both Bob Hope's and Bing Crosby' biographical books. I explained that due to personal problems that it would not be practical at the time, so they sent a crew to me to film the previews. They filmed it in a studio in Hampton Bays out on Long Island. They sat me down before a fireplace and filmed the required features. I also had recommened Ann Jillian and Phyllis Diller to participate in the previews which were filmed in L.A. Phyllis, of course, was always appearing with Bob, and Ann Jillian toured with Bob Hope during the War in Vietnam to entertain American troops. So, when you purchase Universal's Tribute Collection of the Road pictures of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby-- look for the three of us: Ann Jillian, Phyllis Diller and Me talking about our favorite entertainers. We'll be seeing you.
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Welcome to Richard Grudens' Big Band Blog
As a Big Band author, I have written 14 books about the subject that covers the vocalists, musicians, band leaders, arrangers, and associates, including my new best seller Star Dust - The Bible of the Big Bands, a book with over 700 pages and 650 terrific photographs. We will be putting together weekly articles about those folks who made up the Big Band era - many of whom I have personally interviewed.
You'll find never before seen photographs and articles that have not appeared in any of my books as yet. You will find many of them here for your personal enjoyment - mostly current stories and some about the past that include the greats like Benny Goodman, Harry James, Glenn Miller, and all of the other great band leaders.
Try to follow me each week to learn about these people and perhaps you may want to contribute comments and facts of your own.
For instance, did you know that Kitty Kallen who lives in NJ has taken up permanent residence in her long time villa in Mexico where she used to Summer only.
Did you know that Doris Day continues to nurture her four-leggers at her Carmel, CA ranch and has pretty much put her career behind her? Why she won't even answer the phone anymore.
Stay tuned, as they used to say on the radio -- but don't turn that dial, keep it focused on my blog and I'll be seeing you.
You'll find never before seen photographs and articles that have not appeared in any of my books as yet. You will find many of them here for your personal enjoyment - mostly current stories and some about the past that include the greats like Benny Goodman, Harry James, Glenn Miller, and all of the other great band leaders.
Try to follow me each week to learn about these people and perhaps you may want to contribute comments and facts of your own.
For instance, did you know that Kitty Kallen who lives in NJ has taken up permanent residence in her long time villa in Mexico where she used to Summer only.
Did you know that Doris Day continues to nurture her four-leggers at her Carmel, CA ranch and has pretty much put her career behind her? Why she won't even answer the phone anymore.
Stay tuned, as they used to say on the radio -- but don't turn that dial, keep it focused on my blog and I'll be seeing you.
Bio
- of Richard Grudens
- Richard Grudens worked his way up from a studio page at NBC’s studio in New York to writing for the news shows of H.V. Kaltenborn, John Cameron Swayze, News of the World, and the “Today” show. Feature writing for Long Island P.M. Magazine led him to his first book “The Best Damn Trumpet Player - Memories of the Big Band Era. He has written countless magazine articles on such diverse subjects as industrialist Henry Ford, VE Day, Motorcycle Helmet Safety, DNA history and many other interesting subjects. Some of his credits include: - Wild West Magazine: Interview with legendary cowboy star Gene Autry (1995); - California Highway Patrol Magazine, a treatise on The Beach Boys; - World War II Magazine: Cover Story about Bob Hope’s famous USO tours; - Many articles on Bing Crosby and Bob Hope and much more. Richard and wife Madeline enjoy life on Long Island and look forward to bringing you many more books on the Big Band era and beyond.
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