Description
Book SynopsisFrom its infancy, television networks and studios explore others avenues to increase their revenues. Conveniently enough, several film studios and production companiesMGM, MTM, Columbia/Screen Gems, Talent Associates, Warner Brothershad their own record label divisions. The obvious benefit was cross promotion: a television series could be plugged on the record and the record could be promoted on the TV show. Though few and far between, several television performers went on to become major recording stars. Ricky Nelson started as a child actor on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet before dominating rock and pop charts. Johnny Crawford of The Rifleman, Walter Brennan of The Real McCoys, and even Bruce Willis of Moonlighting all scored Top Ten hit singles. But these were just the standouts from the hundreds of TV actors who recorded songs, and the stories behind their records are simply fascinating. In From Small Screen to Vinyl: A Guide to TV Stars Who Made Records 1950-2000, author B
Trade ReviewThis unique reference covers television actors who also had success (to any degree) as recording artists. Radio-personality Leszczak has interviewed dozens of these celebrities, and nearly 200 are profiled in this A-Z compilation, including Wayne Brady, Lynda Carter, Regis Philbin, Telly Savalas, and Tina Yothers. The brief entries contain biographical information, trivia about the stars' TV show(s), and details about he recording(s). Trivia hounds, television junkies, and music fans will get a kick out of this quirky volume, which is suitable for public and academic collections and could do well in the circulating stacks. * Booklist *
Table of ContentsFrom Small Screen to Vinyl List Preface Acknowledgments TV Stars Who Made Records Appendix 1: Honorable Mentions Appendix 2: Vinyl Releases from Animated and Costumed Character Shows Further Reading About the Author
