My Memor ies
I AM A LITTLE BIT SAPPY, I
suppose; as at this holiday time
of year, a flood of memories that
I treasure come back to me. I am
sure I am not alone and that the
“old” Christmas carols and such
stir memories of some very special
times for all of us.
One of my most unique memories
was when I was working in New
York City before I moved to Florida.
I was on the page staff at NBC, where
for five mornings a week, I would walk
from Rockefeller Center to the Ziegfield
Theatre at Columbus Circle. It was always
a fun walk, and I encountered all types of
weather and people. Once at the theatre,
I headed the staff that was seating the
audience for the show The Price Is Right.
Bill Cullen was the star of the program, and
Don Pardo was the announcer. Don became
known as the announcer for Saturday Night
Live for many years.
While I worked the mornings at the
Ziegfield Theatre, I would go sit and
observe in NBC’s Radio Central each
afternoon, where I again encountered Don,
as well as many other well known disc
jockeys and announcers. Since I was only
a part-time page, I could work more hours
than if I had been a full time employee. So,
it was a good deal all around and ultimately
helped shape my career in broadcasting.
holiday season like Perry. From my
association with him, I can assure
you that he was as genuine on stage
as he was off. I still have a handtooled
leather briefcase that he gave
to each of the four regular pages that
worked his show. Perry also invited
us to attend his golf tournaments
in Garden City on Long Island and
did whatever else he could to show
that he cared for everyone who worked
with him. Therefore, every time I hear one
of the “old” holiday songs sung by him,
I get nostalgic.
There is no question that Perry’s
Christmas shows were eagerly anticipated
every year by thousands upon thousands
all across the country. For me, the holiday
season began with Perry ending his
show with “Ave Maria.” It was even more
important than Santa’s arrival at the
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
I have had a great career in the media,
but my first lessons about how to become
a true professional were gained while
I worked with Perry, observing what made
him a memorable human being, as well as
a TV star. I have such fond memories.
C O M M E N T A R Y
By Dick Crippen
Dick Crippen
More holiday memories come back to
me from the time that I worked four nights
a week for the Jack Paar Show. I was the
backstage page for the show, and it was
my responsibility to see that each star
scheduled to be on the show was there
and in their dressing rooms.
On Friday nights, I would oversee two
seatings at the Ziegfield Theatre. The first
was for the rehearsal and the second for
the “live” to tape broadcast of The Kraft
Music Hall. Those who remember it know
that the star of that show was Perry Como.
I loved working for him on Friday nights
for several years.
Perry was the ultimate performer.
Audiences cherished his soft voice and
relaxed casual style. Crowds gathered
every Friday and stood in line waiting
to get in to see him, no matter what the
weather, not even knowing if they would
get into the performance.
To me, no one sang the songs of the
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 117