ON THIS DATE (Nov 29)

1948 - "Kukla, Fran, & Ollie" debuted on NBC
1948 - 1st opera to be televised, "Othello," broadcast from the Met (NYC)
1963 - Beatles release "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
1968 - John & Yoko release their 1st album "Two Virgins" in UK
1969 - Beatles' "Come Together/Something" reaches #1

You may not recognize his face but I'll bet you know his work. When I researched Mr. Fox I found out that he wrote the themes for Laverne and Shirley, Happy Days and The Love Boat just to name a few.
And wait....that brings to mind a question I have had for years. What in the world was that saying that Laverne and Shirley said at the beginning of the theme. Listen to the YouTube video here if you've forgotten. I asked Charles that very question and he said it was a childhood saying that he and friends used to chant around the playgrounds! (Listen to the podcast for more details.)
You name em....he has worked with them. Everyone from Roberta Flack (for whom he wrote "Killing Me Softly") to Barry Manilow ("Ready To Take A Chance Again").



His book is a must-read. "Killing Me Softly" is basically a life-story and a career account of someone who has lived the dream of most composers. I love to hear how people got their start. It never ceases to amaze me how humble beginnings develop into such great careers. Charles is no exception. From the Bronx he rose to greatness through playing in many latin bands and working with the likes of Tito Puente. But his success with ABC really launched him into stardom. His creation of the famous ABC Wide World of Sports theme and the original Monday Night Football theme paved the way for the rest of his "must read" career.
Please take a listen to our time together on "Wait, I Know This!" and check out his book. You can see it on Amazon.com HERE.

June Foray Dies

Recently I was saddened bythe news of the passing of cartoon voice great June Foray. I interviewed her back in April of 2009 and she was fantastic!!! I truly believe she was one of the "unknown greats". And when I say that I mean NO disrespect to her....in fact quite the opposite. We ALL knew her work we just didnt know who it was. June was the voice of Natasha and Rocky the Flying Squirrel on Bullwinkle. She was also Rudolph in the stop-action classics we waited for on television every holiday season in the 60's and 70's.
I'll suggest that you listen to my interview with her to hear her wonderful stories but let me say this about June the person. She had more grace in her twilight years than just about anyone I have ever interviewed. She was a classy and sweet lady who deserves the world. I am proud to say that I got 30 minutes to spend with her. We all love her and her work...you are missed, Miss June. :(
Please check out the podcast when you can. Use the drop down menu on the player to the right and choose episode 23. Also here's the blog post as well. http://waitiknowthis.blogspot.com/2009/04/june-foray-our-time-with-legend.html