If only The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was still around to help us through another tumultuous US Presidential election. Pat Paulsen — where are you when we need you?
A key writer/producer back on that 1966-69 comedy variety show was a Canadian — Allan Byle. Before the Smothers, he worked for Fred Rogers as well as CBC songbird Juliette.
Tommy Smothers, who has a knack for spotting talent, insisted that Blye, then in his twenties, be part of the Comedy Hour writing staff.
The series became a mid-season, Sunday night hit. While tame by today’s standards, controversial jokes, edgy guest stars and political pressure led to CBS firing the Smothers early in 1969.
Blye carried on as a writer/producer. He went on to bring out the best in David Steinberg, Sonny & Cher, Dick Van Dyke, John Byner and Super Dave himself, Bob Einstein.
The Winnipeg-born Emmy winner passed away in October at 87. On this episode of brioux.tv: the podcast, I welcome his younger brother Garry who also worked on many of those landmark shows.
Garry’s showbusiness credits are worthy of their own salute. He started as a talent agent, representing a couple of pretty good clients — Elvis Presley and Col. Tom Parker. Garry’s stories range from that 1968 Elvis Comeback Special to later on working with the likes of Redd Foxx, Cher, John Candy and more.
Join us for an hour-plus of amazing showbiz memories that will fly Blye.
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