CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions Of
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E2074 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 7, 2005 Army, he joined Chabot College as an adjunct the head of the coveted ‘‘Committee,’’ the bums and earned gold records for ‘‘Turn Me faculty member teaching political science, group of teens responsible for aiding Horn in Loose’’ and ‘‘Tiger’’ and a gold album for ‘‘The while serving as an assistant administrative the direction of the show. Jerry got into radio Fabulous Fabian.’’ In 1959, Fabian made his analyst in the education section of the Legisla- in 1962 and soon was given the title ‘‘The screen debut in ‘‘Hound Dog Man’’ opposite tive Analyst’s Office in Sacramento. In 1970, Geator With The Heator.’’ He soon coupled Carol Lynley. His role as a homicidal maniac he became the coordinator of Evening and Ex- his growing popularity on the air, which by in a TV production entitled ‘‘A Lion Walks tension Operations at Chabot College. His 1963 resulted in regional syndication of his Among Us’’ directed by Robert Altman solidly warm, supportive manner was felt throughout program on small stations throughout the established his credentials as a versatile and the campus by faculty, staff and students. Delaware Valley from Atlantic City to Allen- powerful actor. His impressive acting credits After 5 years, Don then became the assistant town, with appearances off the air at dances, include featured roles with John Wayne, dean of instruction for Evening and Extension clubs and events. It was not unusual for James Stewart, Jack Palance, Tuesday Weld, Operations at Chabot College’s Valley Cam- Blavat to see 5,000 kids a week in person in George Segal and Karen Black. pus in Livermore. It was here that Don fo- the mid sixties, nor too much of a stretch to Chubby Checker was born in South Caro- cused his talents on shaping the vision he say he would remember 3,000 of their names lina, but grew up in South Philadelphia. By the shared with other college officials: a college the following week. His appearances became time he entered high school, he had learned that would serve the Tri-Valley. His hard work, so frequent that for a time he needed to use dedication, and ability to dream helped estab- a helicopter just to make it on time from one to play the piano at Settlement Music School. lish Las Positas College. In 1992, he accepted gig to the next. Today the helicopter is gone, In June of 1959, Chubby recorded ‘‘The the position of dean of Academic Services at but the frantic schedule is still in place. Twist.’’ Fourteen months later, in the summer the College, and in 1994 the position con- Throughout the year, he can be found some- of 1960, ‘‘The Twist’’ was not only the No. 1 verted to the vice president of Academic Serv- where on virtually any night, and in the sum- song but it introduced the concept of ‘‘dancing ices. mer months he is in weekend residence at apart to the beat.’’ Mr. Speaker, Chubby Don’s talent and wisdom extend beyond Memories At Margate, the New Jersey Shore’s Checker accomplished many ‘‘firsts’’ in the community college curriculum and instruction. hottest night spot which he has owned and record industry. He is the only artist to have 5 He has used his skills to create community operated since 1972. albums in the top 12 all at once; the only artist partnerships to benefit students, the college, Al Martino will celebrate his 68th birthday on to have a song to be No. 1 twice—‘‘The Twist’’ and the community. He has been a driving October 7. The son of Italian immigrants, and the only artist to have nine double-sided force behind the Tri-Valley Educational Col- Martino worked as a bricklayer in his father’s hits. laborative, which brings together business and construction business before being encour- Bobby Rydell, unlike many of the other education leaders to address issues of mutual aged to become a singer by his friend Mario Teen Idols, was a genuine musician. At the interest. Lanza. After singing in local clubs, and win- age of 4 or 5, Bobby used to sit in front of the Above and beyond his accomplishments at ning Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, he re- TV set trying to impersonate performers like the colleges of Chabot and Las Positas, Don corded ‘‘Here In My Heart’’ for the small BBS Louis Prima, Milton Berle, and Johnny Ray. is revered for his compassionate nature, his record label. It shot to No. 1 in the U.S. chart, His father recognized Bobby’s talent and en- ability to know when to lead and when to fol- and sold over a million copies. This disc was couraged him to pursue a show business ca- low, and his sense of humor. While Don’s also the first ever record to top the New Musi- reer. At 5 he began taking lessons on the skills and knowledge will be greatly missed cal Express UK listings, inaugurated in 1952. drums. Three years later he was an accom- and will leave a void at the college, it is his He continued his illustrious career on both plished cabaret performer, playing drums and love of the college, students, faculty, and staff stage and screen. doing imitations. At 9, he was a regular on that will be missed the most. Frankie Avalon was the first and most suc- Paul Whiteman’s television show that was Mr. Speaker, I wish Don Milanese the best cessful of the teen idols from Philadelphia. He broadcast from Philadelphia and performed on of luck in retirement. I hope he finds joy in this was encouraged to perform from the time he it for 3 years. By the time he was a teen, he next chapter of his life in equal measure to the was a child, beginning from when he was tu- was playing drums in a dance band Rocco joy he has given his colleagues in his working tored on the trumpet by his father. By the time and the Saints. Rydell’s million seller, ‘‘Wild life. he was 12, he had joined Rocco and the One’’ was released in early in 1960. ‘‘Swingin’ f Saints, a dance band that featured another School’’ b/w ‘‘Ding-A-Ling’’ was a springtime boy from the CR Club, drummer Bobby Rydell. hit and third million seller. That summer A TRIBUTE TO THE PHILADELPHIA The combo played parish bazaars, shows at ‘‘Volare’’ was released. The song had been MURAL ARTS PROGRAM AND the Sons of Italy Hall, weekend sock hops in pulled from a previous unsuccessful session of THE SOUTH PHILLY MUSICIANS school gyms, and weekend dances at teen MURAL songs in a big band style to introduce Rydell clubs. ‘‘Venus’’ was Avalon’s biggest hit selling to an older audience. more than a million copies in the spring of HON. ROBERT A. BRADY 1959. Three more million sellers in a row, Mr. Speaker, Eddie Fisher received his first OF PENNSYLVANIA ‘‘Bobby Sox To Stockings,’’ ‘‘Just Ask Your wide exposure as frequent guest performer on Eddie Cantor’s early-fifties TV broadcasts. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Heart,’’ and ‘‘Why’’ followed. In 1960, he co-starred with Alan Ladd in Later responsible for million-selling records Friday, October 7, 2005 ‘‘Guns of the Timberland’’ and appeared in during the fifties, including ‘‘Any Time,’’ his Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I John Wayne’s ‘‘Alamo.’’ Appearing in a num- signature song, ‘‘O My Papa,’’ and many oth- rise to honor the Philadelphia Mural Arts Pro- ber of other films Avalon did not have a star- ers. In 1953 Eddie Fisher was given his own gram, which will dedicate the new South Phila- ring role until 1963’s ‘‘Drums of Africa.’’ In the 15-minute TV show called ‘‘Coke Time,’’ spon- delphia musicians mural at 9th and Wharton early sixties there was a nationwide surfing sored by the Coca-Cola company. This show Streets in my district on Saturday, October 8. craze and Hollywood did a number of movies proved to be so popular that Coke then of- As everyone knows, Philadelphia has long on the subject. Avalon, along with Annette fered Eddie a $1 million contract to be their been one of the capitols of popular culture. Funicello, were leading stars in these movies. national spokesperson. A deal of that mag- This mural will honor seven of the icons of Starting in 1963 he appeared in ‘‘Beach nitude was almost unheard of at this time and that culture, Jerry Blavat, Al Martino, Frankie Party,’’ ‘‘Muscle Beach,’’ ‘‘Beach Blanket helped push Fisher towards being one of the Avalon, Fabian, Chubby Checker, Bobby Bingo,’’ etc. most popular singers by 1954. At the height of Rydell and Eddie Fisher. Mr. Speaker, Avalon’s friend, Fabian was an his popularity, during the 1950s, Fisher was, Mr. Speaker, I am proud that this mural will overnight singing sensation, a film star with along with Perry Como and Elvis Presley, include one of the pioneers of rock and roll, over 30 films to his credit and the producer of RCA Victor’s top-selling pop vocalist. His my dear friend Jerry Blavat. Jerry was at- his own concert series. Fabian Forte was ac- many hits during this period, all well remem- tracted to the music business because of his tually discovered at the age of 14 sitting on his bered, include: ‘‘Anytime,’’ his first big hit, ‘‘Oh, love for the music, not for fame or wealth. He front steps in Philadelphia. At 15, he won the My Papa,’’ ‘‘Wish You Were Here,’’ ‘‘I Need was a dancer on the original Bandstand tele- Silver Award as ‘‘The Most Promising Male You Now,’’ ‘‘Dungaree Doll,’’ ‘‘I’m Walking Be- vision program, hosted by Bob Horn.