Celebrity Graveland

January 14, 1915 – December 18, 1992

Television producer, Mark Goodson – along with his longtime partner, Bill Todman – produced ALL the game shows.

Well, maybe not all of them, but…let’s just say…most. Anyone familiar with American television game shows has heard of his biggest hits: The Price is Right, Password, Match Game, Family Feud, What’s My Line?, etc. etc. From their first show, 1948’s Winner Take All to long running shows that are still on today, Goodson’s Emmy-winning imprint on daytime television has been unrivaled for 60 years and counting. Goodson died at the age of 77 of pancreatic cancer. Continue reading →

November 30, 1924 – November 20, 1973

As a child, I only recall my grandmother ever laughing one time: while listening to a cassette copy of Allan Sherman’s “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” at her kitchen table. The peak of comedian/parodist, Allan Sherman’s career may have been short-lived, but he had one. When all was said and done, Sherman recorded 8 albums, created game shows, performed with the Boston Pops and was the original voice for Dr. Seuss‘ Cat in the Hat. His 1964 surprise novelty hit, “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” made him a household name for a summer. Then, the world turn its eyes to some bands from Britain and moved on. But, Allan continued to work. Continue reading →

April 25, 1933 – August 22, 2011

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller – his songwriting partner of more than 50 years – wrote…

“Hound Dog”
“Kansas City”
“Jailhouse Rock”
“Poison Ivy”
“There Goes My Baby”
“Trouble”
“On Broadway”
“Yakety Yak”
“Smokey Joe’s Cafe”
“Charlie Brown”
“Love Potion No. 9”
“I’m A Woman”
“Spanish Harlem”
“I Keep Forgettin'”
and
“Stand By Me”

…among many, many, many others. Their songs were made popular by the likes of The Coasters, Elvis, Donna Summer, The Drifters, Ben E. King, Peggy Lee and Warren G and Nate Dogg. Leiber and Stoller were American pop music legends.

Continue reading →