JOE FRANKLIN

We lost an American icon today. Joe Franklin passed at the age of 88. Joe and i  had been friends for quite a while. We met at one of the Al Jolson Society's annual get together in Oceanside, N.Y.  Recently, Joe and I were at work on a new book Joe named " Star Maker" about the people who made other people famous by exposing one of those he had interviewed on one of his shows. Joe started his career at radio station WNEW in New York where he was the record picker and music librarian for the great Martin Block for his famous"Make Believe Ballroom"radio show. There he met Al Jolson , who told him to throw away the record selection "Movin Man', Don't Take My Baby Grand" but he refused.

Joe has claimed he interviewed some 300,000 guests from Barbra Streisand to Bing Crosby,  and Frank Sinatra three times. His radio named Memory Lane lasted longer than any other show. The television show began in 1950  and ran 43 consecutive years.  His favorite was Bing and Kathryn Crosby. Read it word for word in my book prize-winning book  "Bing Crosby - Crooner of the Century."

Joe and I were getting together this upcoming Spring to work on the book.

I will miss Joe and the many radio discussions we had over the years. We did a one hour interview on Bloomberg Radio not too long ago.

The King of Nostalgia was truly the King with his many books and endless radio and television shows that helped many a aspiring show business hopeful get started. I will continue to finish the book was started"Star Maker." Look for it Sping 2015.

Kay Starr (Kathryn LaVerne Starks)

Kay Starr is the wonderful, born American Indian,who had the commanding voice on such recordings as "Rock and Roll Waltz" and "Wheel of Fortune," as well as a few earlier recordings with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, with Glenn himself, when he hired her to take the place of Marion Hutton when she was ill. The two recordings were "Love with a Capitol You" and "Baby Me"which I played in my old Mercedes back in 1979 while I was on my way to meet Kay for the first time. She was performing live at the Harry Chapin Theater in Huntington, New York. Her voice was sweet and soft, not like the voice she wound up with after singing for years with Charlie Barnet, who kept telling her to "keep going," no matter how it eventually ruined her voice and she had to start learning to sing all over again.It is now 2013 and Kay is 91 and dealing with dementia. But when I called her this day, July 25th, she somehow remembered me as I reminded her, after our interview, but before the show, that my son, Jimmy and I walked down to the nearby Burger King and brought her a few hamburgers. Who, even with dementia, who could forget that occasion. She was very hungry and those burgers revived her.Kay was also famous for "Bonaparte's Retreat " and  "Side by Side, every one a hit. "Wheel of Fortune" sold 5 million, and still sells today. Kay always says this about singing: "A good singer tells a story to music as people like to hear things they can identify with, and that's the story." It was just a pleasure talking with Kay Starr on her birthday. This child of the great depression had dreams and they were fulfilled. She sang with the Mills Brothers, and Helen O'Connell, Rosemary Clooney, and Margaret Whiting as one of Four Girls Four. Pick up one of her recorded albums and sit back and enjoy the music of Kay Starr.   


          

DR. GRUDENS, at last

Today, May 25, the Five Towns Music College conferred the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters upon Richard Grudens attested to by the Trustees of the College, its Chairman,President and Provost and Dean. So it's Dr. Grudens from now on.  Hey that's me! So, if it wasn't for those hundreds of interviews, fourteen books and myriads of magazine articles, this event today would never have happened. My wonderful wife, Madeline, was there to cheer me on and snap a few photos. This was a day of days. Without Madeline's fine editing and formatting, and books cover designs, those books would probably have remained unpublished. It's true that you can tell a book by its cover. So I thank Five Towns College President Stanley G. Cohen for his generosity and belief in my works. Hopefully those students who read them will be enriched by their content. 5

Well, time marches on-it has been said. The loss of both Fran Warren and Patty Andrews proves that to be true. Not too long ago I would be sitting and talking with these two icons more than a number of times over the years.   Fran and I snacked on some fast food backstage in the Glen Cove Theater on Long Island one evening before she hit the stage singing one of her favorites-"Mame." Of course, Fran is most famous for her rendition of "A Sunday Kind of Love" recorded originally with the Claude Thornhill orchestra a long time ago. She performed on Broadway in Mame, Pajama Game and Frank Loesser's  Broadway masterpiece Guys and Dolls, as well as many other gigs, as they say in the trade. Fran and I were both members of the Society of Singers, an organization of other singers who helped down and out singers. That's where we first met. Fran was also a member of the Friars Club. This Bronx, New York girl,  Fran Warren,  was a very peppy singer and she loved the music business. She was 87.
Patty Andrews and I were another story. This terrific singer, the lead singer of the iconic Andrews Sisters, was indeed a great friend. After our intitial meeting back in the early eighties, Patty asked me to write up her promotionals when she became a single and was working gigs in California with the Tex Beneke Orchestra and other bands. I also worked with her when she signed with Storyville Records, a European studio, collecting and issuing only her singles. When fellow singer Rosemary Clooney passed away, Patty wrote me in despair, fearful of her own mortality, to which I replied: " You will outlast them all," Sez I, and she did. Patty was to be 95 just before she passed on. My pals Lee Hale and Van Alexander kept an eye on her and after their traditional lunch get togethers, would stop at Patty's place in Northridge, California to check up on her. The Andrews Sisters have surpassed both Elvis and the Beatles combined with more records made and more charted hits than any other singer or group of singers.  I'm certain Father God will be glad to add her to his favorite singers list. I will miss her, and Madeline and I now have no flowers to send her on her birthday, but like millions of her fans, we will never forget her great musical moments which we still can enjoy.

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.

Well, The Three Belles are going strong in England and driving their act to a full gig schedule. And now, we are negotiating to bring them to the U.S. this upcoming Spring 2013 for a tour so the Amerian audience may relive the legacy of The Andrews Sisters, the greatest singing group America has ever produced. So, hang on to your hats, and we will keep you posted. And, "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anybody Else But The Three Belles until  they come Marching Home."

The Three Belles, those great singing girls from Britain, and whom we intrduced to Amerian Audiences in our latest book Perfect Harmony,  has listed their "gig" schedule that takes them into December. As you may know,Patty Andrews has passed the legacy of the Andrews Sisters to those three singing beauties. There is also a short feature about the girls covering their career highlights. They are headed for the big time for sure. Write to Pete King and subscibe to Big Band Buddies Magazine-Pete King, 5, St. Ambrusca Road, Crantock, Cornwall TR8 5SF, U.K. You'll love that terrific little magazine.

Sheldon Harnick was amazed that Tony B. Babino sang exactly like Jolson and even put a spin on Harnick's song "Sunrise, Sunset" and sang it as if he were Jolson himself and it was perfect. Sheldon's eyes welled up and so did mine. That song is sensational and will always be thrilling when applied to the right event. Sheldon is 88 and you would think he was but 65. His dad, a dentist, loved Jolson, always thrilled by his music. Of course, Sheldon has written for the Broadway stage for many years and has collected 10 Emmy's, 9 for Fiddler, and one Pulitzer Prize ( for the drama of Fiorello, a musical he did with Jerry Bock, the composer of both Fiorello and Fiddler.) And, he is still at it, recently composed a new musical not yet released, but soon it will be known and performed on off Broadway. I spent the day with Sheldon and he spent some slow moments reading through my book "When Jolson Was King," and took home a copy. The man is humble and gracious in his manner and has become a true friend. Incidentally he also wrote the song " Artificial Flowers" which helped make Bobby Darin a recording star.

Today, August 18th 2012 at the Al Jolson festival in Oceanside, NY,  have had the privilege of introducing Sheldon Harnick a true icon of Broadway. A man who has become one of the leading lyricists in a class with Oscar Hammerstein II, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Frank Loesser, and Irving Berlin. His lyrics written for the great Broadway musical “Fiddler on the Roof” will be performed forever over and over and,  all over the world.  The song “ Sunrise, Sunset” will be performed forever wherever music is cherished. 

This man has earned the coveted Pulitzer Prize for  drama for his work in the musical “Fiorello” as well as an Emmy---- and nine Emmy’s for Fiddler,  shared with his partner,  the late composer Jerry Bock.

O'Shaughnessy Accolade

The great William O'Shaughnessy, author of many books including his newest Vox Populi, the O'Shaughnessy Files has complimented my writings in his new book. He autographed it " For Richard Grudens-America's great historian of all the great music makers of our time."  Well I'm genuinely honored by someone who has succeeded in radio and the press. In every O'Saughnessy book, there is stunning and powerful wisdom and brilliant observations from Governor Mario Cuomo whom he so admires. Howard Stern calls him the white-haired mogul and Brooke Astor says his writings are marvelous.

RICHARD GRUDENS-INTERVIEWS OVER THE YEARS

115 COUNT AS OF 4/23/12 

GUY MITCHELL FRAN WARREN BEA WAIN

RED NORVO LARRY ELGART HERB JEFFRIES

BENNY GOODMAN W.B. WILLIAMS CLINT EASTWOOD

WOODY HERMAN CONNIE HAINES BILLY GRAHAM

COUNT BASIE JANE RUSSELL SHIRLEY JONES

ANN JILLIAN RHONDA FLEMING PAT BOONE

BOB HOPE KATHRYN CROSBY FRANCES LANGFORD

LIONEL  HAMPTON JOHNNY MINCE LARRY GELBART

TEDDY WILSON JOHNNY MATHIS ED MCMAHON

HARRY JAMES ARTIE SHAW SID CAESAR

BILL CHALLIS LES BROWN BUDDY HACKETT

JOE FRANKLIN JOE WILLIAMS DIZZY GILLESPIE

MARGARET WHITING TONY B. BABINO SARAH VAUGHAN

HELEN O’CONNELL DORIS DAY KITTY KALLEN

FRANKIE LAINE KAY STARR HELEN FORREST

LENNON SISTERS ROSEMARY CLOONEY TERESA BREWER

BRIAN SISTERS BILLY ECKSTINE LYNN ROBERTS

WARREN COVINGTON BUDDY MORROW EDDY ARNOLD

CHARLES DURNING MITCH MILLER PHILIP CROSBY

LOIS HUNT PATRICE MUNSEL DICK CLARK

EARL WRIGHTSON BEVERLY ROBERTS JANET CANTOR

JO STAFFORD AL MARTINO DIANA KRALL

PATTY ANDREWS TONY BENNETT AL COLLINS (JAZZB)

MILLS BROTHERS JIMMY ROSELLI DOLLY DAWN

LARRY O’BRIEN JULIUS LA ROSA ANITA O’DAY

RAY ANTHONY CARMEL QUINN GLORIA JEAN

JERRY VALE VIC DAMONE LES PAUL

DON CORNELL DOM DE LUISE JOHN MILLER

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN CHARLTON HESTON WILLARD ALEXANDER

SKITCH HENDERSON TOM POSTILIO BUDDY RICH

PHYLLIS DILLER SALLY BENNETT DARYL SHERMAN

RICHARD SUDHALTER PEGGY LEE CY COLEMAN

TEX BENEKE JAY LEONHART JULIA RICH

ERVIN DRAKE JACK LAWRENCE BILLY MAY

VAN ALEXANDER LEE HALE DON RICKLES

TONY MARTIN BUDDY GRECO MEL TORME

SYBIL JASON JACK JONES HUGH HEFNER

CRISTINA FONTANELLI GIA PRIMA DIANA ROSS

The O'Shaughnessy Touch

Well another honor has crossed my desk, and since life is really short, honors are always appreciated, especially coming from William O'Shaughnessy, recent author of Vox Populi. Bill has dubbed me "America's great historian of all the great music-makers of our time..." He should talk. He is the greatest of all that and more being one of the best known broadcasters in America. He has written 5 books about all the people he has interviewed and they are the greats in politics, media, the arts and people in the popular culture. Even author David McCullough says that he always looks forward to reading Bill's newest book. Boy,that is an honor. In Vox Populi he talks about departed friends Tim Russert, Robert Merrill, and Ossie Davis, among many others who are still with us.  You'd love his books. They are vast and interesting.

Dick Clark is gone. Unhappy new year.

I knew Dick Clark, as he appeared in several of my books for one reason or another. He was always among the first to order my newest book, usually three of them. He always called his order in, unlike most who mailed in solicitations sent to my regulars on the mailing list. Once he sent back a signed and addressed photo that I cherish. I first was introduced to him when we talked by phone about bandleader Larry Elgart who wrote the American Bandstand theme. Dick was always a nice guy in every sense of the word. I wish I would have known him better which is hard to do when you are 3000 miles apart and both busy with different projects.Dick Clark will appear in my next book in a full chapter. The book will be about those people who were always behind the scenes promoting and building careers of singers and musicians, people like Dick, Ed Sullivan, Major Bowes, Ted Mack Martin Block, MItch Miller, John Hammond, Arthur Godfrey, Steve Allen, William B. Williams, Willard Alexander, Alan Freed, Jan Murray and others who advanced the performers. It will be caled THE MUSIC MAKERS. See you then. And may God bless Dick Clark.

The Wonderful Brian Sisters

Recently, we discovered three singing sisters who sang mostly in the movies, in fact they sang in 15 movies and their voices were extraordinary. From the earliest time the girls had God-given talents and were able to sing in Perfect Harmony. They appear in my new book Perfect Harmony along with over 50 other groups that are profiled. The girls are Doris, Betty and Gwen. The girls began singing at the of 4, 6 and 8 being guided and tutored by their young mother, Meda, who drove them to Hollywood in their 1929 Model T Ford. She brought them to radio and film studios and landed work for them. Lately I have talking with Doris, now in her late 70s. she has contributed information and photos for the book and I urge you not to miss this book. Everybody is in it. Patty Andrews wrote the foreword, and she is 94. You will meet the Lennon Sisters, The Boswell Sisters, The Four Freshmen, the Pied Pipers, the Beatles, the Temptations, the Beach Boys, and so much more. See you in Perfect Harmony.

In our quest for current talent with respect to singing groups, we ran across three wonderful girls from England. They call themselved THE THREE BELLES. They are ike the reincarnation of the great Andrews Sisters. They make no bones about it. They are the new Andrews Sisters. I spoke to Anneka Wass, the group leader on the phone while they were traveling by car to a singing gig and learned of their sincere singing tributes to the Andrews girls. The Three Belles  even sing the very tunes that made the Andrews girls world-famous and still the biggest record selling singers of all time. Some of their tunes were "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," " The Boogie, Woogie, Bugle Boy of Company 'B'." and many other great Andrews Sisters songs.

The Three Belles are very young, Anneka (Betty) is 22, Gail (Sally) who is 21 and Dorothy ( Isabelle), "Who is also 21 and sings aout love and scolds the others when we get carried away," she says.

The girls got started in college as part of their project for their Creative and Performing Arts Course.

They are booked into 2012 and will attend and perform at the commemoration of "D" Day Landings in Normandy this Summer.

The girls are a feature alongside the Andrews Sisters story in my new book "Perfect Harmony," due out by April 2012 and celebrates the singing groups from the 1920' to the present. If you like  singing groups you'll love this book.

Patty Andrews has written the foreword for this book and is excited about the entry of The Three Belles, who will coninue the Andrews Sisters legacy. Patty Andrews and I have been friends since 1982 when I wrote press releases for her when she was performing solo in California with the Tex Beneke Orchestra and other musical venues.

Patty will be 94 in February. Hope she likes the bouquet if flowers me and my wife Madeline will send her.

Welcome to America Three Belles. We'll be listening!!!

Goodbye Beryl

I received word from Melinda Moore that her mom, known to the world of entertainment and song,  passed away today. peacefully and without pain. Beryl Davis sang with her father's band in England, and later with Glenn Miller's Army Air Force Band before his fatal trip to France in 1944.  Beryl came to America and hooked up with Frank Sinatra,  singing with him shoulder to shoulder on the radio show Your Hit Parade. Later, Beryl, my friend Connie Haines, Jane Russell ( who helped me with Bob Hope's book), Rhonda Fleming formed a quartet and sang Bible songs ( Included "Do, Lord") from coast to coast on every important radio show of the time. ( Andy Russell's wife Della, also sang with this group when they first started). They sang on Ed Sullivan's show, Abbott & Costello's show, Bob Hope's show, Red Skelton's, Milton Berle's and even Arthur Murray's show. Beryl Davis appeared many times in my books and deservedly so. I lost track of her after her husband passed away, and her friend Connie Haines passed, but we reunited together a few years ago.

Comments on my books

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About Richard Grudens' Background

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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The Voice Of The People

Hudson Daily Sun Columnist: Rosemary Rimkus    Thanks to all...Vic and I are really enjoying the book (it is from our era, of course)Rosemary Rimkus From Hudson, Massachusetts Alan Brown on Richard Grudens    Isn't it strange that although you have never met someone you know that they are a decent person. I soon realized this when i discovered Richard Grudens book "STARDUST" a book which has to be a bible for everyone who likes good music. As soon as i asked a favour of the man he responded straight away.Richard Grudens a man who's books are at the top of their class, a man who's books will always be around to inform people what good music and artists are about.Richard Grudens says it,  Frankie Dee plays it What a team,  Alan Brown From England ... 6/9/10 Mario Lanza Author Bob Dolfi Praises Richard Grudens   Being somewhat of an author although not in Richard Gruden;s class, I do know what to look for in a book.  Sometimes it's not what you say as much as how you say it and Richard portrays this teaching very well in his books.   It is so refreshing to read about a personality without having to sort through all the lies, innuendoes and smut before getting to the man himself. I commend Richard for being true to his subject as well as himself and it shows.  Well done Richard.  Bob Dolfi / Damon Lanza Lanza Legend Newsletter PO Box 6742 San Pedro, Ca. 90732 lanzalegend.com mariolanza.com "An exceptionally gifted author"We have read several of Richard  Grudens' books,  and have enjoyed every one. Richard is not only a true Gentleman, but an exceptionally gifted author.  Perhaps what makes Richards books so different to so many other authors is that his aim and purpose is to share his knowledge of an artist's talent only, and not of their failings or weaknesses.   They are simply an enjoyable read  and we have learned a great  deal from Richards books, and are really looking forward to reading  "Sinatra Singing"                                                   Lena & Harry  Smith From England ... 6/9/10 "Our Favorite Author"  It's funny how our taste in music and authors melt into one...Great music to  hear and a wonderful author to read...W e have had the pleasure of reading Richard's earlier books and always use them for a reference...We are fortunate to turn on a stereo and hear our favorate singers...Now all we have to do is open a cabinet and refer to a book by our favorite author....Dick & Shirley Finnell/Gmmy Radio Hosts; Penn. ... 6/9/10 Grudens is  one of the best possible tutorsEver since reading Richard Grudens’ “Stardust,” I realized what an amazingly talented writer he is. He finds a way to put you directly into the story and life of each of the myriad of performers he highlighted in the book. For people like me, who believe they were born too late to have seen some of these performers in their heyday, and who nevertheless are true fans of music and performers from the “Golden Age Of Music,” Grudens is  one of the best possible tutors about those wonderful days. A wordsmith with a propensity for painting the most musically gifted pictures with his words. And the prolific Richard continues with yet another soon to be classic: “Sinatra Singing.” You can rest assured, this will more than likely turn out to be THE definitive tome on the artist ever written, since Grudens heavily, and accurately, researches his work, and interviews so many of the people who either were there, or were an integral part of Sinatra’s career in one way or another. Here’s to a man who has done, and will continue to do much to celebrate, as many true fans do, the finest stars and music from the Great American Songbook.Best regards, as always, Frank Sinclair/Gmmy Radio Host; Arizona ... 6/9/10 Your The BestI have had the pleasure to have read Richard Grudens’ book “STARDUST”. What incredible knowledge of musicians and their contributions. Your the best.Richard Grudens, I thank you for your genius of presentation Ruth Garnier ... Irvine, Ca. ... 6/10/10 New Englands Radio Host/Ron Della ChiesaThose of us who enjoy "Music Not Noise" can be thankful for a writer like Richard Grudens. His many books on Jazz, Popular Singers, and the Big Band Era are essential to the library of anyone interested in our countries great musical heritage.  I greatly admire the time and research he puts into all his publications and the love of his subject matter.I'm sure Richard feels the same way about what he does as I do about my life in radio...."Nice Work If You Can Get It." Continued success to a true gentleman and dear friend.Thanks Frankie...It's a pleasure to be a part of your radio team. "The Best is Yet to Come.!"" Ron Della Chiesa  Boston, Ma. ... 6/12/10 Author Richard Grudens Come Once In A Life TimeIn visiting Richard Grudens' "Celebrity Profiles" website, it was indeed a pleasure to know there are superb authors such as Mr. Grudens.  If I may quote you Frankie in your promotions;  "Richard Grudens;  goes all out to keep the entertainers of good music alive in his books."   Not too many Authors today stay the coarse of writing about the biographies of entertainers, without adding garbage.  The Mr. Grudens authors such as he come once in a life time.  And again thanks for the heads-up to "Celebrity Profiles" web site.Joe Leonardo Newport Beach, Ca. ... 6/12/10 Grudens' Sincere DedicationActually one should not judge an author when - like me- not being familiar with his work. But I read the things that my "previous speakers" did say here about Richard Grudens and that's very meaningful. I noticed that they are unanimously full of praise for him since he stands out due his integrity, the love of truth, his accuracy in ressearching and absolute honesty. That speaks for itself and shows Grudens's sincere dedication to and his respect for the artist he portrays in his biographies. How great to see that there's an author who is able to go without any sensationalism, "know it better" and superficiality, and instead does enthral and entertain his readers by completely focusing on a musician's artistic talent and life's work. For sure a truly gifted author. The very best always to Richard Grudens and thanks to Frank E. Dee for always keeping us informed on the LanzaLegend forum about all the "good people" and the good music.Stefanie Walzinger from Germany,  poster on the lanzalegend.com forum ... 6/12/10 Cristina Fontanelli Salutes Author Richard GrudensIt's difficult for me to put into words as eloquently as Richard Grudens does, how much I enjoy being interviewed by this wonderful author.  He is full of integrity which his books clearly reflect.  But, more than that, being an artist myself, I truly appreciate the wealth of knowledge of music and the great singers that this man possesses.  I think his "angle" on Sinatra is much more valuable than any simple biography could ever be.  When I was searching seriously for my vocal technique and wanted an understanding of the life of an artist, I wish I had had a Richard Grudens book to guide me along my path.  I strongly suggest that any singer/musician who is serious about their art should read his books.Popular Soprano Cristina Fontanelli

Lee Hale-Dino's best friend

My wife Madeline and I have been working on Lee Hale's book and its almost complete. Madeline designed the cover and formatted it and I edited and set it up for presentation, then published it. Lee was musical director on Dean Martin's  TV show for the entire nine years it was on the air. He was a stand -in for Dean and handled the rehearsals and wrote songs and composed skits and directed the Goldiggers dancers on the show. The book tells his own bio first and then all about his experiences on the show. Everyone loved Dean and everyone loved Lee. There are testimonials from many stars from Frank Sinatra,Jr. to Michael Feinstein. South Pacific star Mitzi Gaynor wrote a loving foreword. It should be out in December 2011-Richard Grudens Presents Lee Hale- check it out on Amazon this Christmas. You will love the stories and anecdotes on most of America's  film and television stars from Carol Burnett to John Wayne to Orson Welles to Frank Sinatra to Dom DeLuise.

Perfect Harmony-a new book

My new book, Perfect Harmony is due out by Christmas, I hope. Everyone is in it. That is, every singing group with our kind of music, Check out this table of contents. I even found three girls who sing and dress and perform like the Andrews Sisters perfectly and have included The Three Belles from London, England in the book next to Patty,Maxine and LaVerne.

TABLE OF MUSICAL CONTENTS

Foreword - by Patty Andrews

Opening Set - by Richard Grudens

A View From England- by Alan Brown

Memories of Harmony Days - by Frankie Dee,GMMY Radio

Harmony- A Lesson from Professor Grudzinski , Berklee Music School, Boston

PART ONE

ROYAL VOCAL GROUPS 

TOP TEN

The Rhythm Boys

The Mills Brothers

Andrews Sisters 

The Three Belles a/l/oAndrews

The  Brox Sisters

Ink Spots 

Pied Pipers 

Modernaires 

King Sisters 

McGuire Sisters

The Four Freshmen 

PART TWO 

LADIES FIRST

The Gumm Sisters

De Castro Sisters 

Clooney Sisters

Lennon Sisters  

Chordettes 

Puppini Sisters

Connie Haines & Four Gospel Girls 

FOLLOW THE BOYS

Ames Brothers 

Four Aces  

Four Lads 

Sons of the Pioneers 

Kingston Trio

Hi-Lo’s 

The Letterman

The (Andy) Williams Brothers 

SPECIALTY MIXED GROUPS

Lambert, Henricks & Ross - 

Six Hits and a Miss 

Meltones 

Manhattan Transfer

The Manhattans- open

ROYAL DUETS

Astaire & Rogers

Crosby & Hope 

Rooney & Garland

Jackie & Roy

PART THREE

FINE GROUPS OF DISTINCTION

Mary Kaye Trio

Hilltoppers

Gaylords

Delta Rhythm Boys

Three Suns

Anita KerrSingers

Charioteers 

Kirby Stone Four

Four Preps

Crew Cuts

The Osmond Brothers

Deep River Boys

Four Knights

Billy Williams Quartet

Dinning Sisters

Fontane Sisters

The Moon Maids

Stafford Sisters

Clark Sisters

DeJohn Sisters

Barry Sisters

Paulette Sisters

Merry Macs

PART FOUR 

TOP EIGHT 

 BEYOND THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

The Beach Boys

The Supremes - OPEN

Weavers 

Peter, Paul & Mary 

Mama’s & the Papa’s  

The Temptations 

The Platters 

The Drifters - OPEN

NOVELTY GROUPS

The Hoosier Hotshots

SPECIAL FEATURE

Voices from Europe- Max Wirz

Bibliography

Author’s Acknowledgement

Dedication 

Index

Warner bros. kid star gone.

Sybil Jason died last month. We had been friends and penpals for a few years, always contributing to each others books and writing reviews on amazon, She was a fine star who sang with Al Jolson in the Singing Kid and co-starred with Shirley Temple as Becky in the Little Princess and was the top star in a number of films including The  Little Big Shot andThe Great O'Malley with Humphrey Bogart and Pat O'Brien-she got top billing over those two great stars. Read her book My Fifteen Minutes and enjoy her life's work in the movies. I shall miss her kindness and blessings,