Horace Heidt Estates

03/08/2024

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Head over to the Horace Heidt Jr. YouTube channel to see the Raiders Theme Performed by The Los Angeles Raiders band directed by Horace Heidt 1982-1995

For 13 years Horace Heidt Jr. was hired by Al Davis and The Raiders to lead the “Raider Band” at all the home games in The L.A. Coliseum.In the video Horace ...

12/07/2023

The story of the man whose career inspired the movie, “Pot o’ Gold,” starring Jimmy Stewart and Paulette Goddard.
Horace Heidt, Sr., brilliant musician/bandleader/radio and television host, was the first person to have a national radio show giving money away! This was done by spinning a giant wheel, each time landing on a telephone book number, then page number, then number on a page to count down to the winner’s telephone number. People all over America sat by their radios to listen for the winning name, and the winner received $1,000! That was a huge amount in the 1940’s.

Horace Heidt Big Band Star-Maker is a beautiful, coffee-table book with wonderful stories and over 400 photographs, taken over a lifetime of celebrated music, amateur talent shows, concerts, fabulous entertainers, overseas tours for our troops, and of his cherished family, as well as photos and stories of his great business and community influences!

Horace Heidt Big Band Star-Maker may be purchased on www.bigbands.com/shop

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The story of the man whose career inspired the movie, “Pot o’ Gold,” starring Jimmy Stewart and Paulette Goddard.Horace Heidt, Sr., brilliant musician/bandle...

12/01/2023

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Head over to the Horace Heidt Sr. Youtube channel to see the iconic "I Love Lucy" actor William Frawley on the Horace Heidt Swift Show Wagon.

William Clement Frawley was an American Vaudevillian and actor best remembered for playing landlord Fred Mertz in the sitcom I Love Lucy, "Bub" O'Casey in the comedy series My Three Sons from 1960-65 for its first five seasons, and the political advisor to the judge character in the film Miracle on 34th Street. Frawley began his career in Vaudeville in 1914 with his wife, Edna Louise Broedt in their comedy act, "Frawley and Louise". He performed on Broadway multiple times. In 1916, he signed with Paramount Studios and appeared in more than 100 films over the next 35 years. [Wikipedia]

What makes this episode even more special? Frawley's connection with one of Horace Heidt's discovered talents, Keith Thibodeaux, who portrayed Little Ricky in 'I Love Lucy.' Together, they added a touch of magic to television history.

William Clement Frawley was an American Vaudevillian and actor best remembered for playing landlord Fred Mertz in the sitcom I Love Lucy, "Bub" O'Casey in th...

11/02/2023

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Kenneth Berry was an American actor, comedian, dancer, and singer. Berry starred on the television series F Troop (1965–1967), Mayberry R.F.D. (1968–1971) and Mama's Family (1983–1990). At the age of 15 he was discovered by Horace Heidt's Original Youth Opportunity Program in 1948. Impressed by the young dancer's talent, Heidt asked him to join his popular traveling performance ensemble, "The Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program". Berry accepted and toured the United States and Europe for 15 months, dancing and singing for the public and at post-World War II United States Air Force bases overseas. Berry during those months made lasting relationships with several ensemble members, including Heidt's son, Horace Jr., who later launched a big band and radio career. (Wikipedia)

This interview took place at the Horace Heidt Estates in Sherman Oaks, CA 3/1/1999.

Kenneth Berry was an American actor, comedian, dancer, and singer. Berry starred on the television series F Troop (1965–1967), Mayberry R.F.D. (1968–1971) an...

11/01/2023

Join us Tomorrow at 10 am PST, on the Horace Heidt Sr. YouTube channel for an exclusive interview with American comedic actor Ken Berry from Mama's Family, on Horace Heidt Jr.'s America Swings radio show. You won't want to miss this.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com//videos

10/27/2023

What are you waiting for!?

Head over to the Horace Heidt Sr. Youtube channel NOW. Catch a glimpse of Suzan Ball performing on the Horace Heidt Swift Show wagon. Click the link below to watch!

Susan Ball was an American actress, best known for her work in Hollywood. Notably, Susan was also the second cousin of the famous actress Lucille Ball and wa...

10/25/2023

Don't miss out on a fascinating glimpse into Hollywood history! Tune in tomorrow at 10 AM on the Horace Heidt Sr. YouTube channel to catch a clip of the talented Suzan Ball singing on the Horace Heidt Swift Show Wagon in 1955. Suzan Ball, a renowned American actress, and second cousin of Lucille Ball, made her mark in Hollywood and was celebrated as "The New Cinderella Girl of 1952."
Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com//videos

10/19/2023

🌟Join us today at 10 AM PST on the Horace Heidt Sr YouTube channel for a fantastic trip down memory lane!

Get ready to witness the legendary actor Dean Jones at the very start of his entertainment journey as he competes on Horace Heidt's Youth Opportunity Program in 1951. 🌟🎙️

It's a rare glimpse into the early days of a Hollywood icon. You won't want to miss it!
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/

10/12/2023

Discover the rich history of big band music and its impact on American culture! Join us as we explore the incredible Horace Heidt Big Band Museum, introduced by the legendary Jerry Mathers from 'Leave It to Beaver.' Watch now on the Horace Heidt Sr. YouTube channel. Don't miss out!

HORACE HEIDT’S BIG BAND MUSEUMOf all the interesting places on the Horace Heidt Estates, the one visitors ask most to see is the HORACE HEIDT BIG BAND MUSEUM...

09/29/2023

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Will Rogers who has had many beaches and state parks named after him had a reputation as being one of the top trick rodeo ropers of all time.

This featured video contains a clip from the movie titled "David Harum".
When a guest at the dinner table makes the statement "Cleveland will ruin the country with his new fangled idea" Rogers responds “No. This country is bigger than any man or any party. They couldn’t ruin it even if they tried.”
This is my favorite Will Rogers quote.

Horace Heidt's Swift Show Wagon toured the United States in 1955. Each show saluted a state and showcased famous people from that state. This show saluted the great state of Oklahoma and as guest stars presented Will Rogers and his son Will Rogers Jr. . The young lady who introduced the show is Reita Green. This was Horace Heidt's last network television show before he retired from television. The show also featured talented newcomers from all over the country. Having two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Horace is credited with having the first travelling televised talent show. To watch click below!

" William Penn Adair Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) was a Native American vaudeville performer, actor, and humorous social commentator. He was b...

09/28/2023

Tune into the Horace Heidt Sr YouTube channel today at 10am PST to see Horace Heidt's Swift Show Wagon saluting the great state of Oklahoma and featuring the iconic Will Rogers and his son Will Rogers Jr. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/

09/22/2023

Head to Horace Heidt Sr's YouTube channel now for a musical gem. Fred Lowery, the "Texas Red Bird," is sure to dazzle you with his whistling skills on Horace Heidt's Swift Show Wagon!

Fred Lowery was a blind professional whistler who recorded a No. 9 Billboard chart hit version of "The High and the Mighty" with conductor and arranger LeRoy Holmes. Considered one of America's finest whistling virtuoso's. In 1955 Horace Heidt toured the country saluting the states he performed in and featuring stars from each state. He also continued his talent search discovering talented performers from all over the country.

Fred Lowery was a blind professional whistler who recorded a No. 9 Billboard chart hit version of "The High and the Mighty" with conductor and arranger LeRoy...