Steve Allen
Aug 31, 2016 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Sammy Davis Jr on the Steve Allen Show
Hi readers – I’ve been scattered as of late as I (and my two weenie dogs) just moved cross-country. Everyone survived the road trip adventure and we’re getting settled into our desert surroundings. To honor my new state of Arizona, this feature is focused one of one of the most iconic people to call AZ home (at least for a little while): Steve Allen – who goes by the ultra-cool title of “the father of the tv talk show.”
While Steve was born in New York and raised in Chicago, the foundations of his now famous career started at the Arizona Teachers College. From this academic setting he electrified the air waves of radio station KOY in Phoenix. This may have been the first toe dip into the waters of fame and fortune, but his destiny was written by the time he came into this world. Did I mention his parents were a vaudeville team? And that Milton Berle (yep… the Milton Berle) once said his mom was the funniest gal in vaudeville? With that genetic makeup it’s easy to see great things were destined for our intrepid DJ. (Check out this picture of Steve and his mom here – how sweet are they??)
Great DNA aside, Steve’s radio career took a detour while he enlisted in the army and trained as an infantryman during WWII. His base camp was in California and the lure of the bright lights and sunshine drew him back to Hollywood after the war. His detoured radio career got back on track as he found his footing, hosting talk radio programs that focused on interviews. His big break (an interview with Doris Day) ended up being a bigger break than he could have ever foreseen. The lovely Doris missed the live segment, Steve performed off-the-cuff, and grew his audience share in such a large number he was picked up nationally! His voice was paving the way for a prosperous career but soon his face would be welcomed into living rooms across the country.
“Without laughter life on our planet would be intolerable.” – Steve Allen
By 1949 he wanted to expand his performing venues and answered a job ad for a televised wrestling announcer. (Did Steve know anything about wrestling? Nope. Did he let that stop him? No sir. Did he go on to create names for wrestling holds and techniques that are still used today? You betcha! Boss mode.) Between his burgeoning television career and established radio presence, CBS took an avid interest. The year after his wrestling debut CBS gave him his own regional show. Two years later the show was cancelled, but that’s just because fate had another plan in mind…
Steve Allen and wife Jayne Meadows, 1961
Remember America’s Sweetheart, Doris Day, and her uncharacteristic absence? Well another star’s sick day became Steve’s “become a star” day. (There is probably a Chuck Norris-like joke for this occasion, maybe: he never rests, he just waits for you to call in sick?) Norris aside, in the late 1950s one of America’s top shows was Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts. This show came on the air in the early days when a product or company would sponsor an entire show. In this case it was Lipton’s Tea. One fateful day Arthur couldn’t come to work and Steve filled in. But he didn’t just “fill in” – nope, he’s vaudeville trained, remember? He created a whole SNL-style sequence that sent the audience into a flurry of laughter and overnight a new comic sensation was born. What was the sequence you ask? I’ll give you two hints: Lipton soup and a ukulele.
Steve’s comedic style, comfort in front of the audience, and ability to whip up a tagline in a moment’s notice made him the perfect candidate for a now coveted tv role: host of The Tonight Show. Jay Leno’s hilarious “man on the street” interviews took their inspiration directly from Steve Allen! Hot on the heels of late night success came the program The Steve Allen Show, which was positioned as a competitor to that maverick Ed Sullivan. Come on Ed… we’ve got Elvis Presley over here singing Hound Dog to a Basset Hound, Beatles Shmeatles. After the peak of his late night career, Steve continued to be creatively involved in a variety of programs off and on-screen.
Find a clip of the opening monologue from the very first episode of The Tonight Show here.
Never one to be restricted by any particular type of media – Steve was also a prolific composer and author. His musical hits were recorded by the likes of Perry Como and Ella Fitzgerald. Needless to say he was in good company and, can you believe, his only formal training was three years on the piano? Talk about natural talent!
Sitting here in my new place, starting this exciting chapter in my life seemed like the perfect time to share Steve’s story. His desire to learn, grow, and pave the way (he described it as a constant state of curiosity) is the perfect inspiration for fresh beginnings. I encourage us all to take a page from his book – go on out there and host a wrestling show with no experience and end up defining the sport. (Or whatever your real-life equivalent may be – ha!)