Big Band Blog - Richard Grudens

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.