5.27.2010

Art Linkletter, 1912-2010

I’m not an autograph hound, but I do have a few collected through the years.

The autographs of singer Ray Stevens and actress Katharine Hepburn resulted from letter exchanges.

Chances are we all made out to Johnny Mathis. After being told “Mr. Mathis has left the building,” I was allowed backstage to meet the singer after producing my vinyl album, “Open Fire, Two Guitars.” “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this one,” Mathis said, as he autographed it for me.

News came yesterday of the death of Art Linkletter at age 97. Hard to imagine there’s a whole new generation of TV viewers who probably have no idea who this man is. (Read the story.)

“Art Linkletter’s House Party” was one of the most popular shows on TV. Especially entertaining were his “Kids Say the Darndest Things” segments. Many will never forget Linkletter’s deadpan expression when the kid pointed to the little boy next to him and said, “Leroy farted.”

Art Linkletter’s autograph cost me 10 cents.

In the early 60s I made a trip to California with friends Ronnie and Richared. Our hosts were Ronnie’s aunt and uncle, and for three wonderful weeks they made certain we did not miss one attraction in the Los Angeles area – from Disneyland to Knott’s Berry Farm to a game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Chavez Ravine - where I got to see my old arch enemy Casey Stengel,..

At CBS Studios, we attended a taping of Linkletter’s show. The celebrity moved through the audience, chatting with fans before taping began. As he neared, I reached into my purse, pulled out an envelope, extended it to him and asked for his autograph. He said, “It’ll cost you” and moved on up the aisle. I reached into my purse again, and as he headed back down to the stage to begin his show, I said, “Here’s a dime; give me your autograph.” He stopped, signed the envelope and took my dime!

Art Linkletter once told The Wall Street Journal, “I was Oprah before there was Oprah,” and he was.

All those funny little kids will never forget you, Mr. Linkletter, and neither will I.

9 comments:

Debra said...

I loved Art Linkletter. I remember watching his shows on t.v.
He was such a nice man.
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out". Art Linkletter
I have that saying on my desk. I love it. It is so true!
Was he the producer for "Queen For A Day"?
Love, Deb

Ranch Chimp said...

Heh, heh, heh, heh, heh .... Real nice post Ms.BJ .... he kept the dime, heh? Well .... I dont blame the ole boy .... why the Hell not? I heard of his passing, and havent heard from him from year's prior that. I remember him as a kid he's been around so long. Glad you enjoyed Los Angeles .... great town heh? Ir was like paradise back in the 1960's and 1970's as well .... it sure has changed quite a bit.

Good read .... thanx Dear

Bill Sumrall said...

I also got an autograph from Art when he visited Tupelo to speak at a celebration the hospital was sponsoring. As he was signing, I remarked I wished it was a check he was signing and he immediately replied that he alway makes sure those are cashable to him.

Frodo, always leave 'em laughin', said...

The boy was asked, "Who's the boss at your house?" His answer was, "Everybody's the same." Art said, "Well, I guess you're a real diplomat, aren't you?'

"No Sir," he said, "I'm a Baptist."

Tiny said...

Tiny remembers when one little kid was answering questions and mentiioned that Daddy was away in the military and sometimes he was scared at night. Art ask if he ever slept with his mother during those times. He said, "No. Uncle John sleeps with her." And you can imagine Art's reaction.

Art was emcee on "Queen For A Day" and his sister Jean was often on there with him. I can't remember her last name now, her married name.

BJ, glad you got your autograph from him. Maybe that dime earned interest and you'll receive a check in the mail. hahahahahahaha

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