Paul Williams, 70s renaissance man

The other day I was watching the "Donny and Marie" DVD set and thinking to myself: who exemplifies the 70s better than anyone else? Burt is definitely at the top of the list, but does a mustache, Trans Am and the ability to shoot a rapist hillbilly with only a bow and arrow define an entire decade? I don't think so—sorry Burt.

What about Sonny & Cher? They were HUGE, and during the 70s they ruled the school. I'd totally give them the spot but it took Sonny too long to turn politico and Cher didn't start acting until later. Frankly to claim the spot you gotta DI-VER-SI-FY.

Now, raise your hand if you wrote three major hit songs. Paul Williams, I see you have your hand up, which songs did you write? "We've Only Just Begun," "Rainbow Connection" and "Old Fashioned Love Song," you say. And yes Paul, we didn't forget you also wrote the theme from "The Love Boat."

Everyone put your hands down.

Put your hand up if you starred in three cult classic movies. Paul Williams I see your hand is up again.  Which movies were you in? "Planet Of The Apes" as Virgil The Genius Orangutan, "Smokey and the Bandit" as Little Enos Burdette and "Phantom of the Paradise" as Swan, a satanic record producer. Very impressive. Very impressive, indeed.

Okay, hands down.

Kinda pudgy? Stringy hair? Those creepy dark to light glasses? Actor, songwriter and professional television program cameo for 10 years? Staple on "Hollywood Squares"? World's most unlikely celebrity?

Just Paul?

I think we got a winner. Here's to you Mr. Williams, the one and only King of the 1970s.

From your friends at Classic Television Blog, we raise an RC Cola in your direction. Cheers!

Osmonds Coming Full Circle

We've recently reported that ultra talented Donny Osmond's been busy, with two new game show hosting gigs, The Great American Dream Vote and UK's Pyramid, the release of his 55th album, Love Songs of the 70's (already hitting gold in the UK and set to be released stateside in a month) and now a one night special reunion of the Osmond Brothers (possibly with Marie-not one of the brothers) may be in the works.

Even though Donny may have admitted that "the public can be fickle," and that he's "had [his] ups and downs," he's most certainly on one of his "ups."  We're just glad to be able to enjoy his "ups" and tag along for the ride.  Check out Yahoo TV's article on more info on the reunion.

Can't Get Enough of Donny's Pearly Whites

It's been nearly two weeks without reporting anything from the Donny Osmond front, and that was a long two weeks.  We're happy to report that Donny will be releasing another CD come March.  Donny's put together a collection of his favorite love songs of the 70's, though it's not yet clear if he's not singing on this one.   Here's the tracklist of what to look forward to-
        1. I Can See Clearly Now Johnny Nash
        2. Laughter In The Rain Neil Sedaka
        3. Alone Again, Naturally Gilbert O' Sullivan
        4. Oh Girl Chi - Lites
        5. Mandy  Barry Manilow
        6. When I Need You  Leo Sayer
        7. How Long  Ace
        8. If  Bread
        9. Let's Stay Together Al Green
        10. Sometimes When We Touch  Dan Hill
        11. How Deep Is Your Love  Bee Gees
        12. You Are So Beautiful  Joe Cocker
        13. Will It Go 'Round In Circles Billy Preston

Donny's Great American Dream Vote

We wrote a mere few days ago about Donny signing on to host a UK version of Pyramid.  Well, Donny's at it again, signing on to host an ABC upcoming series named "The Great American Dream Vote."  Reuters reports that;

"The show features eight contestants who reveal a lifelong dream to the studio audience, explaining why they think it deserves to be fulfilled. Contestants will square off, and the studio audience will cast votes, eliminating entrants over several rounds."

Donny Osmond- Welcome to the Winner's Circle! Again!

Donny's at it again, though this time it's in the UK!  Donny will be unearthing his game show host pedigree in the UK.  This time around he'll be hosting the 9 time Emmy award winning, American, iconic game show Pyramid. 

Osmond was the host during the 2002-2004 American version, and was asked to again play the host.

Digitalspy caught this quote by Celia Taylor, director of programming for Flextech channel's Bravo, Trouble and Challenge: 'We are very excited to be working with a superstar of the calibre of Donny Osmond who is adored by fans in the UK. We are inviting people throughout the country to contact the contestant hotline to be among the lucky few to take part.'"

Happy Birthday Donny Osmond

Donny Osmond

Today Donny Osmond, one of our favorite classic entertainers turns 49. It's hard to believe that Donny is only 49 years old. Don't get me wrong, Donny doesn't look any older than 49; rather, I can't believe he has done so much in his career already.

If you don't remember, Donny started off as part of the Donny & Marie brother-sister signing act, then went on to pursue careers as a musician, actor, former teen idol, talk show and game show host, record producer, race car driver, and author.

Wow! I told you Donny has done a lot. I don't know of any other classic entertainer with more than a dozen gold records who can say he's a race car driver .