The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: Matt Ottinger on October 09, 2009, 11:49:27 PM
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Our long national nightmare is over.
Johnny Olson: A Voice In Time, the much-discussed book about the greatest game show announcer (and quite a few other remarkable credits) that's ever been, is just a couple of clicks from showing up in your mailbox.
You want links? You got links.
Here's the publisher's page (http://\"http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com/id451.html\"), where you can order the book.
Here's the Amazon page (http://\"http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Olson-Voice-Randy-West/dp/1593934718/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255146083&sr=8-1\"), where you can also order the book.
Best of all, here's the author's home page (http://\"http://www.tvrandywest.com/\") (a fellow I think we've heard of), where you can see more details, and even order a custom autographed copy.
For those of you who don't have computers, you can always come to the Game Show Congress in November, where I imagine Mr. West might have a copy or two on hand.
Congratulations to Randy for delivering his baby successfully through this years-long process, and at the same time, great thanks to Randy for doing it in the first place, and giving us this wonderful, permanent record of one of the seminal figures of our genre.
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[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'228156\' date=\'Oct 9 2009, 11:49 PM\']Our long national nightmare is over.
Johnny Olson: A Voice In Time, the much-discussed book about the greatest game show announcer (and quite a few other remarkable credits) that's ever been, is just a couple of clicks from showing up in your mailbox.[/quote]
Perfect timing...I'm just wrapping up another book and have been looking for my next read. Can't wait!
\And hear hear on the congrats to Randy
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Just placed my order!
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Sweet! Congratulations, Randy!
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For those of you who don't have computers
... how the hell are you reading these words?
Seriously, Randy managed to obtain Johnny's personal correspondence in which John documents from his point of view the evolution of network broadcasting. As the book has been described to me, it is not merely a recital of "Johnny appeared on this show" and "Johnny announced that show", but is instead a much more substantial document of the history of broadcasting on NBC, CBS, ABC, Mutual and DuMont. My copy is already on order.
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[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'228176\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 12:29 PM\']
For those of you who don't have computers
... how the hell are you reading these words?
[/quote]
Web TV?
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My prayers have been answered! Visit Randy's publishers site:
http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com/index.html (http://\"http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com/index.html\")
where they have a biography of -- get ready for this now -- Jane Kean, the also-ran actress who played Trixie when Gleason moved his show to Florida! Who knows, she may have an interesting story to tell.
Also available from that publisher are biographies of several of the world's most renowned voice actors: Daws Butler, June Foray, Paul Frees, even Walter Tetley! There is a biography of Joan Davis (whom Jim Backus married according to the sitcom title) and a book containing the TV scripts of writer Philip Rapp -- however, there is no script for Rapp's most noted work, Topper.
I'm feeling all tingly now. Go have a look-see.
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'228177\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 09:57 AM\'][quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'228176\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 12:29 PM\']For those of you who don't have computers
... how the hell are you reading these words?
[/quote]
Web TV?
[/quote]
Gawd help you. Even my 82-year-old aunt has a real computer now.
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Mine's on order! Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations, Randy!
And ... I do share a radio station with Johnny O on my resume ... although I worked at WIBA in Madison WI, many many years after he did. Still, the aura of greatness was there!
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Wonderful! Another book to add to the queue (still haven't finished a couple of other GS-related books, Barker's book hasn't even been opened yet).
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OMG! I AM SO EXCITED Randy!
But here's my question; Which site that I might order my copy from will most benefit Randy?
Quick! Quick! I want to order ASAP!
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[quote name=\'pentellit\' post=\'228233\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 10:06 PM\']But here's my question; Which site that I might order my copy from will most benefit Randy?[/quote]
The answer to that is almost certainly directly from his own web page (http://\"http://www.tvrandywest.com/\"), especially if you want to pony up a few extra dollars for an autographed copy!
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[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'228236\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 07:29 PM\'][quote name=\'pentellit\' post=\'228233\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 10:06 PM\']But here's my question; Which site that I might order my copy from will most benefit Randy?[/quote]
The answer to that is almost certainly directly from his own web page (http://\"http://www.tvrandywest.com/\"), especially if you want to pony up a few extra dollars for an autographed copy!
[/quote]
A million thanks to Matt for starting and guiding this thread while I've been "making whoopie" with Carnie Wilson ("Newlywed Game" debuts Monday night). I'd say I was humbled, but as Obama already used that word, I'll stick with appreciative.
Yes, purchasing directly from me nets a few extra pennies in my pocket after paying someone to do the grunt work of fulfilling orders under my watchful supervision. Purchasing with a personalized inscription and autograph adds a few bucks, thank you. The idea behind that option ("To Joey on his Bar Mitzvah, here's hoping your appreciation of Johnny O's work imbues you with the passion to excel in the TV repair business") was simply about what I would love to have access to for a book about something I loved.
But anyone who knows me (or the realities of the publishing world) knows this was never about money. The story of this incredible man needed to be told before he was forgotten, and as I am in possession of his writings, clippings, photos and personal effects, and spent hours with him discussing his work, I was in a most unique position to do that.
Coolest would be Pentellit and everyone else interested to join the fun at Game Show Congress, November 14th and 15th in North Hollywood! I'll have a limited number of books at list price that Sunday afternoon, will be signing for free, and would love to share stories about Johnny.
Anyway, thanks to our moderators Matt and Chris for spreading the word. And thanks to all who have been so kind as to encourage and support this labor of love.
Portions of the program not affecting the outcome of the game have been edited for broadcast. ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'228177\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 09:57 AM\'][quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'228176\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 12:29 PM\']
For those of you who don't have computers
... how the hell are you reading these words?
[/quote]
Web TV?
[/quote]
Didn't that go the way of crystal sets?
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I was thinking more in terms of generating interest for the book. If we buy it on Amazon we can post comments about it, and if we buy it at retail stores, the sales are computed for book sales lists, like the NY Times, etc.
Any thoughts? Randy?
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Yes, purchasing directly from me nets a few extra pennies in my pocket after paying someone to do the grunt work of fulfilling orders under my watchful supervision. Purchasing with a personalized inscription and autograph adds a few bucks, thank you. The idea behind that option ("To Joey on his Bar Mitzvah, here's hoping your appreciation of Johnny O's work imbues you with the passion to excel in the TV repair business") was simply about what I would love to have access to for a book about something I loved.
Would that I had known that before I ordered my copy from Amazon :-(
I'll try to make it to the Congress for signing.
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[quote name=\'pentellit\' post=\'228280\' date=\'Oct 11 2009, 06:20 AM\']I was thinking more in terms of generating interest for the book. If we buy it on Amazon we can post comments about it, and if we buy it at retail stores, the sales are computed for book sales lists, like the NY Times, etc.
Any thoughts? Randy?[/quote]
I've been told that a book of such niche appeal will never make an impact in the brick-and-mortar store sales numbers against mainstream mass-appeal releases. If an order from amazon is required to post a review, that would be helpful. Ordering via my website lets me know who's interested and allows you to get personally inscribed copies for truly unique Christmas gifts that will impress friends ;-)
Whatever your preference, I'm primarily interested in commemorating Johnny's life, telling his truly fascinating story, giving him some well-earned recognition, and returning the favor for the time and interest he gave me.
Not relevant for or included in the book, but so meaningful to me: Soon after Johnny and I first met at NBC/NY and he first realized this kid was truly fascinated by his work , he took a moment and stepped away. He took a dollar bill from his wallet, wrote "Good Luck" to me, signed the dollar bill and gave it to me with a big smile on his face. I think that's the moment when we first made a connection.
Thirty five years later I learned that the act was inspired by something Johnny's mother did for him when he was a kid. The story was among the notes he had written in preparation for the autobiography he never finished, and it blew me away. That story of his childhood is in the book.
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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allows you to get personally inscribed copies for truly unique Christmas gifts that will impress friends ;-)
I already have one such recipient in mind. It would actually be a gift for Chanukah/Chanukka/Haunkka/whatever-the-preferred-spelling-is, but I probably won't wait until the holidays. I will sort this all out at the Congress/Congreff/whatever-the-preferred-spelling-is.
So what is the preferred spelling for the holidays?
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[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'228319\' date=\'Oct 11 2009, 09:13 PM\']So what is the preferred spelling for the holidays?[/quote]
Tori Spelling.
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[quote name=\'TheLastResort\' post=\'228320\' date=\'Oct 11 2009, 09:21 PM\'][quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'228319\' date=\'Oct 11 2009, 09:13 PM\']So what is the preferred spelling for the holidays?[/quote]Tori Spelling.[/quote]
Not if you expect to see any Candy.
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[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'228178\' date=\'Oct 10 2009, 01:01 PM\']My prayers have been answered! Visit Randy's publishers site:
http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com/index.html (http://\"http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com/index.html\")
where they have a biography of -- get ready for this now -- Jane Kean, the also-ran actress who played Trixie when Gleason moved his show to Florida! Who knows, she may have an interesting story to tell.
Also available from that publisher are biographies of several of the world's most renowned voice actors: Daws Butler, June Foray, Paul Frees, even Walter Tetley! There is a biography of Joan Davis (whom Jim Backus married according to the sitcom title) and a book containing the TV scripts of writer Philip Rapp -- however, there is no script for Rapp's most noted work, Topper.
I'm feeling all tingly now. Go have a look-see.[/quote]
First, I want to say that BearManor Media is an excellent publishing house...They do a lot of Old Time Radio Books as well as the above mentioned..Incidentally, Phil Rapp also created the Bickersons on Radio and TV, with Don Ameche and Frances Langford.
I want to take the opportunity, speaking of Jim Backus and Jane Kean, to mention another brand new self-published book just out by Animation Producer Darrell Van Citters..
"Mr.Magoo's Christmas Carol:The Making of the First Animated Christmas Special"
Van Citters Interviewed all the survivng cast and crew of Magoo's Carol and had access to a lot of rare photos and Animation Art in telling the story behind the special, including background on the UPA Cartoon studios before and after "Carol"..Very complete history in a coffee-table style book..Very well written..If You liked Magoo's Christmas Carol, You'll enjoy this..
Link:
http://www.mrmagooschristmascarol.com/ (http://\"http://www.mrmagooschristmascarol.com/\")
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Randy,
Is your book available in audio form? That would be cool, to include samplings of Johnny's announcing work with the book.
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[quote name=\'whewfan\' post=\'228334\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 02:27 AM\']Randy,
Is your book available in audio form? That would be cool, to include samplings of Johnny's announcing work with the book.[/quote]
Food for thought there, whewfan. I'll look into the rights/clearance issues related to using audio clips.
BONUS: I have a free gift (better than Lee Press-On Nails!) for someone who will work with me in giving feedback to Paypal on the processing of their credit card purchase. Please e-mail me if you bought the book specifically
1) via PAYPAL, and
2) USING A CREDIT CARD, and
3) at TVRANDYWEST.COM (as opposed to amazon.com or the publisher's site)
Thanks!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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^Now this helps alot. Obviously by my posts I want to buy my copy in 'The Most Beneficial Way For Randy', and for Johnny Olson, once removed of course... ;)
So which way do you want Randy? PayPal, Amazon, directly from you? What? Give me some guidance here! Door number 1, 2 or 3?
/I'm still liking Amazon because then we can write comments.
// Or on the other hand, "Just shut up and buy the dam book Edie!"
///Gosh, I love this forum!!!!
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[quote name=\'pentellit\' post=\'228402\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 09:22 PM\']/I'm still liking Amazon because then we can write comments.[/quote]You don't need to buy the book from Amazon to post a review - just an Amazon account. This link (http://\"http://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_wr_link?ie=UTF8&nodeID=&asin=1593934718\") should get you there.
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[quote name=\'pentellit\' post=\'228402\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 09:22 PM\']So which way do you want Randy? PayPal, Amazon, directly from you? What? Give me some guidance here! Door number 1, 2 or 3?[/quote]
Jesus Christ, dude, just buy the damn book before Randy croaks and somebody's writing a book about him.
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[quote name=\'TheLastResort\' post=\'228412\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 07:27 PM\'][quote name=\'pentellit\' post=\'228402\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 09:22 PM\']So which way do you want Randy? PayPal, Amazon, directly from you? What? Give me some guidance here! Door number 1, 2 or 3?[/quote]
Jesus Christ, dude, just buy the damn book before Randy croaks and somebody's writing a book about him.
[/quote]
LMFAO!
Buy it from me. But use the Paypal option, because frankly Edie, you strike me as someone who might get a papercut on her tongue from licking an envelope ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' post=\'228415\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 07:51 PM\']frankly Edie, you strike me as somewhat who might get a papercut on her tongue from licking an envelope ;-)[/quote]
Ouch!
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Got my copy from Amazon today!
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' post=\'228415\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 10:51 PM\'][quote name=\'TheLastResort\' post=\'228412\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 07:27 PM\'][quote name=\'pentellit\' post=\'228402\' date=\'Oct 12 2009, 09:22 PM\']So which way do you want Randy? PayPal, Amazon, directly from you? What? Give me some guidance here! Door number 1, 2 or 3?[/quote]
Jesus Christ, dude, just buy the damn book before Randy croaks and somebody's writing a book about him.
[/quote]
LMFAO!
Buy it from me. But use the Paypal option, because frankly Edie, you strike me as someone who might get a papercut on her tongue from licking an envelope ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
[/quote]
Randy - sorry I jumped the gun and got it on Amazon. I may just send you my copy so you can scribble in it. Great book, thanks for writing it and sharing Johnny's story with the world.
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Just a quick post of appreciation to those who have been reading and e-mailing their kind comments! That includes a thanks for the great review on Amazon.com. To namedrop just a couple from among the latest to offer support have been Wink Martindale and superagent Fred Wostbrock.
Favorite parts seem to be the extensive look at Johnny's childhood, the early radio and TV history, the details of how "Price" came to air, and the excepts from Johnny's warm-up acts and his marked showcase script. I'm so happy that Johnny gets a final moment in the spotlight to commemorate his 50-plus-year legacy of kindness, professionalism and amazing work.
Hope to see you and sign for you at Game Show Congress ;-)
Thanks,
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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I just finished reading the book, and it's a keeper! I don't think I can add anything to the accolades. It's a fitting tribute to one of my broadcasting heroes. It's also a fine history of the industry I work in ... and used to love.
Five stars. Highly recommended.
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[quote name=\'geno57\' post=\'229008\' date=\'Oct 22 2009, 12:41 AM\']I just finished reading the book, and it's a keeper! I don't think I can add anything to the accolades. It's a fitting tribute to one of my broadcasting heroes. It's also a fine history of the industry I work in ... and used to love.
Five stars. Highly recommended.[/quote]
Thanks Geno!! High praise from a seasoned pro like yourself. Which reminds me, do you prefer Lawry's or Shilling-McCormick ;-)
Secret: a friend of Bob Eubanks just ordered a copy inscribed to Bob as a Christmas gift. Hope he doesn't lurk here or the surprise is blown!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' post=\'229300\' date=\'Oct 27 2009, 04:42 PM\']Secret: a friend of Bob Eubanks just ordered a copy inscribed to Bob as a Christmas gift. Hope he doesn't lurk here or the surprise is blown![/quote]
If so, we can scare him away by emulating the Big Wheel beeps.
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If you're curious about the details of Johnny O's life and career, Chris Mann (who loves to talk about all things TPiR!) asked some thought-provoking questions in this extensive interview (http://\"http://retroalitytv.blogspot.com/2009/11/heres-johnny-o-tvs-golden-voiced-go-to.html\"). It makes you wish somebody had written a book about this Johnny guy ;-)
Thanks, Chris!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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You are most welcome, Randy! And thank you for such a great interview, and for giving Johnny Olson his due. I hope your book sells particularly well this holiday season—it should be on every game show fan's Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Ramadan/Rohatsu/Yule/Three Kings Day/Agnostic-Atheistic Gift Exchange Holiday list!
Thanks again,
Chris Mann
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[quote name=\'Chris Mann\' post=\'230327\' date=\'Nov 10 2009, 03:12 PM\']You are most welcome, Randy! And thank you for such a great interview, and for giving Johnny Olson his due. I hope your book sells particularly well this holiday season—it should be on every game show fan's Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Ramadan/Rohatsu/Yule/Three Kings Day/Agnostic-Atheistic Gift Exchange Holiday list![/quote]
It also makes a great Festivus gift...
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I got mine yesterday and have almost finished it. It was well worth losing sleep last night reading it. Excellent job Randy!
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Def a great read...not only features an in-depth look @ Johnny's rise in broadcasting, but also highlights the growth of the mediums he worked for. The reprints of his marked TPiR script pages and rare on-set photos are def nice touches, as well!
And yes, gave it 5 stars on Amazon. :-)
Chuck Donegan (The Pleased "Chuckie Baby")
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[quote name=\'KWJCDon\' post=\'230772\' date=\'Nov 17 2009, 06:15 PM\']I got mine yesterday and have almost finished it. It was well worth losing sleep last night reading it. Excellent job Randy![/quote]
[quote name=\'ChuckNet\' post=\'230792\' date=\'Nov 17 2009, 08:36 PM\']Def a great read...not only features an in-depth look @ Johnny's rise in broadcasting, but also highlights the growth of the mediums he worked for. The reprints of his marked TPiR script pages and rare on-set photos are def nice touches, as well! And yes, gave it 5 stars on Amazon. :-)[/quote]
Don, Chuck and others who have chimed in,
Thanks for all the extremely kind words. It's been a decade since I received Johnny's personal papers and memoribilia. My greatest wish was to be able to put together a book that would do justice to our beloved broadcaster. After so many interviews with his past neighbors, friends, family and co-workers, help from archivists at state historical societies and libraries, scanning so many kinescopes and videotapes, and putting pen to paper to preserve the stories he told me, I was hoping to be able to please the tough audience that knowledgeable fans and afficionados can be - to tell the story in a way that is informative, factual, and just plain FUN!
You have no idea how pleased I am that Johnny's amazing story has been so well received.... by our community here, as well as the hosts, producers and writers who have purchased copies to relive those golden days of game shows. And if you're wondering what the %#*@ we're talking about, you can see more about the book HERE (http://\"http://www.tvrandywest.com\").
THANKS!!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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Just placed my order now, Randy. I look forward to reading very much!
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[quote name=\'GrandGame1440\' post=\'231008\' date=\'Nov 20 2009, 11:32 PM\']Just placed my order now, Randy. I look forward to reading very much![/quote]
Thanks!
And I just wanted to share that sales of "Johnny Olson" have far exceeded the publisher's expectation. There are a lot of us game show history fans in the world, enough to make the book Amazon's #54 best-seller on television history! I'm thrilled that the memory of Johnny O's contribution will live on! A humble thank you to all who have helped to keep the candle burning!
Randy
tvrandywest.com