Showing results by publisher "BearManor Media" in Biographies & Memoirs

He is a composer, arranger and consummate musician. His repertoire of songs - classical, jazz and show times - have delighted audiences for over five decades. His performances have spanned the globe, accompanying some of the greatest artists of the Big Band era and the musical world: Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Dick Haymes, Glenn Miller, Frankie Laine, Rosemary Clooney, Kay Starr and Pat Boone! They've all benefited from the talent of the one world-class pianist and conductor, a man for all occasions, who knows how to entertain. He is Al Lerner.

Mel Blanc needs no introduction to cartoon and radio fans. He was The Master of the funny voice. For the first time ever, here is the ultimate biography, encompassing Noel Blanc's unpublished biography, with an introduction by Bugs Bunny. Read by the great Fred Frees, son of voice actor Paul Frees.

Quizmaster: The Life and Times and Fun and Games of Bill Cullen is the remarkable story of a "a kid with polio" who became a mechanic, truck driver, photographer, pilot, disc jockey, and the finest master of ceremonies that a game show could ever have.

Lloyd Nolan could play any character in any genre and was believable to every role. He was not acting; he was just real. He was Inspector Briggs in The House on 92nd Street and The Street With No Name. He was Dr. Swain in Peyton Place and, even as a bad guy, he was Lt. De Garmot in Lady in the Lake. Nolan's off-screen life was just as remarkable. He was devoted to his autistic son Jay and, when young Jay died in an accident 2,500 miles away, Lloyd channeled his grief into action.

During a span of 55 years, Emil Richards has been a renowned presence in Hollywood soundstages, recording studios, jazz clubs, and international touring venues. Considered a supreme artist on the vibraphone, marimba and xylophone, as well as a master of his world-famous collection of percussion instruments, Richards is renowned throughout the world for his versatility.

Ward Morehouse III’s father, the late drama critic Ward Morehouse, lovingly introduced his son to the glamorous life of luxurious hotels. This is his memoir of his experiences at New York’s Plaza Hotel, including the many actors and actresses who came and went, the glamour and glitz, and also the animals that were brought there, even a bear named Bangkok who lived for a time at the Plaza Hotel.

He had the face of a true villain, chiseled to perfection. Director Sergio Leone once described Van Cleef as having the face of a hawk; actor Eli Wallach called it “wonderfully alive” and full of wickedness. As an actor, Van Cleef portrayed some of the best movie villains of all time. Although more than thirty years have passed since his premature death in 1989, Lee Van Cleef remains a cinematic icon. Lee Van Cleef: Best of the Bad explores the life and career of this great actor, a man with unbounded talent and a heart of finely polished gold.

In keeping with The Rehearsal Club mission to “preserve its legacy,” a national network of former residents came together to tell their stories while living at The Rehearsal Club. Spanning four decades, 1940s-1970s, The Rehearsal Club “Cinderellas” (coined by TV Guide in the 1950s) captures New York City and Broadway history while charting the journey leading to The Rehearsal Club’s incorporation in 2019.

Long before becoming beloved by generations of Mayberry fans for her portrayal of Thelma Lou, the ever-patient sweetheart of Barney Fife, Kansas City native Betty Lynn lived a life filled with interesting adventures and fascinating people. In her own words, Betty shares the sometimes bittersweet, often surprising, and always inspiring story of her remarkable life. From her wartime service in India and Burma, to sharing the spotlight with entertainment royalty from New York to Hollywood, Betty always remained grounded in her Midwestern values and strong faith.