Joe Franklin has died
http://www.examiner.com/article/joe-franklin-has-died-new-york-radio-and-television-host
New York radio and television host Joe Franklin has died
Joe Franklin’s ideas in the talk show format for radio and variety show format for television have become standards. His love of vintage showbiz history was legendary. His popularity extended well beyond his New York base. Joe Franklin died on Saturday January 24, 2015. He was 88 years old.
As a young teenager, Joe was writing jokes for such superstars as Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor, and worked behind the scenes on the Kate Smith radio program. By the time he reached adulthood, he had gained such a great deal of experience, and amassed such vast knowledge, he became noted as an authority on show business of the first half of the twentieth century.
Franklin’s TV show grew in popularity quickly, and he enjoyed such top level guests as Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, John Lennon and five US Presidents. He would also give attention to lesser known authors, including those who self published books, fringe bands, and other offbeat acts. Blending such performers with heavyweights like Bing Crosby and Madonna gave his TV show a surreal quality. Even performers who did not like to make appearances on the more mainstream shows would appear with Franklin, including Woody Allen Barbra Streisand, and Frank Sinatra. His show ran from 1950-1993.
Joe Franklin wrote several books, including “The Marilyn Monroe Story” (written with Ms. Monroe’s cooperation), “Joe Franklin’s Encyclopedia of Comedians,” and “Joe Franklin’s Movie Trivia.” After leaving his television show, Franklin continued on radio, playing old records, doing interviews, and discussing showbiz trivia. He continued working on his “Nostalgia Moments” for the Bloomberg radio network right up to a week before his passing, despite failing health.
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