While Johnny Olson is best known as the original announcer on CBS' The Price Is Right, he was a seminal figure in radio and television whose prolific career is woven into the fabric of broadcasting's history. Using Olson's own words and documentation of his career, as well as his personal remembrances of the birth of modern media, this book traces the development of radio and TV from their experimental roots, through their growth to America's most infl uential sociological force. From Marconi to Match Game, from the birth of the CBS, NBC, ABC and Mutual radio networks, through the rise and demise of DuMont television, and a glorious history of game shows, this is the story of American broadcasting as experienced by a respected and celebrated participant, Johnny Olson - one of TV's most recognizable voices, who enjoyed a 58-year career that intersected with the stars, shows, and events that are part of our cultural tapestry. Randy West tells this story from a unique perspective, having enjoyed Olson's personal mentoring through his own impressive career that included work at Olson's podium as announcer on The Price is Right. Randy shares Olson's personal photos and personal notes, as well as the stories his mentor shared over their 15 year friendship. This is a fresh and fun look at TV as you've never seen it!
Johnny Olson: A Voice In Time
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great history of early TV and radio filtered through a great announcer,
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This review is from: Johnny Olson: A Voice In Time (Paperback)
Johnny Olson (1910-1985) was one of television's all time great announcers. Friend and mentee Randy West, with access to Olson's personal archives, has crafted a unique and very well researched biography of the man who was best known for bellowing "Come on down!" on "The Price is Right", beginning in 1972. But it also functions as a history of the television and radio media, from both a technical and artistic standpoint. It is amazing how much of the development of both media Johnny was privy to. The development of specific shows that featured Olson is also discussed, such as "The Match Game" (both the original and the bawdy 70's revival) and "What's My Line?".West traces Olson's Minnesota beginnings as a teenager infatuated with primitive crystal radio sets and amateur transmitting equipment, to his early days as the country's youngest radio station manager. Eventually, Johnny became one of the most in-demand hosts, announcers and warmup personalities on both coasts, often appearing alongside his wife Penny. Jackie Gleason thought so much of Olson's skills, he paid to have him flown in from New York to Miami each week to introduce Gleason's variety show. Diehard TV and radio fans, especially game show fanatics, will enjoy this account of the career of one of the legends of broadcasting.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Treasure Trove of Interesting Trivia!,
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This review is from: Johnny Olson: A Voice In Time (Paperback)
Anyone 30 or older... as well as younger GSN viewers... will recognize Johnny Olson's voice any time they think of (or watch) "The Price Is Right," "Match Game," or a host of other shows that Johnny played a significant role in. Randy's outstanding book basically takes you through Johnny's life and career; it is a biography, to be sure, but it is even moreso a unique perspective on the events that ultimately shaped Johnny's life, as well as ours.If you're a fan of classic TV, you're bound to learn a lot from what Randy shares with us; if you're an expert in the subject, you'll find anecdotes and nuances that will further shape your understanding. There are a variety of photos as well, most of which were new to this reader. Whatever expectations you have of the book, I predict that you'll come away from it amazed at the breadth of interesting material. Come on down and order your own copy now!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The birth of 20th-century media, and the man who witnessed it all...,
By Chuck Donegan (NY) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Johnny Olson: A Voice In Time (Paperback)
If you ever watched TV between the 50s and the 80s, chances are you've heard the voice of the late, great Johnny Olson at one time or another, and this fine bio by former Olson protege Randy West will take you through:- His early years growing up in Windom, MN, where he first became interested in the new medium known as radio - How he met his beloved wife and occasional co-host, "Million Dollar" Penny - The progression of his career, from local to national radio, then to TV, and even some attempts at acting on both screen AND stage - How he became the go-to guy for Jackie Gleason (who went so far as to fly him down from NY to Miami Beach, just so Johnny could do the warm-ups for Gleason's 60s variety show!) and Goodson-Todman - Why his retirement plans were suddenly put on the back burner with the astonishing success of a 1970s revival of a certain 50s/60s G-T game about guessing the prices of merchandise All told, it's a great read, and also features lots of rare photos of "the man" in action...Randy, I'm sure your mentor would be proud. :-)
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