Gary Cooper reveals heretofore unknown talent as a singer by performing the Everly Brothers' hit "Bird Dog" with the Sportsmen Quartet on the 9/21/58 Jack Benny Program.
That's real showbiz talent folks. Cooper, Benny, the quartet, the band - all first-rate musicians and actors. Lots of professionalism and it shines through.
Ever the showman, Jack fixes Gary’s collar so smoothly that it almost looks rehearsed. That was “live” TV. Gotta love Gary ending the song with a “yep.”
Gary Cooper était un très grand acteur de l'âge d'or du cinéma d'Hollywood. Il a commencé dans le cinéma muet et ensuite il a réussi dans le parlant alors que beaucoup d'acteurs n'avaient pas réussi. Il est mort trop tôt. Merci pour ces bons films
Ah, that Cooper charm! I loved waiting for the few spots where Benny & Coop just caught each other's eye and Broke Up!!! The only time I heard Cooper sing was in the 1937 film "Souls At Sea." He and George Raft did a wacky old sea shanty, "Susie Sapple." The actors in those days had to learn it all, sing, dance, act!
That was great. Sad to Cooper age.so fast after he was about 45. Must have smoked heavy, wasn't overweight. Heavy smoking era. Old at 45 and dead at 60. Bigger than life star
Gary Cooper`s - singing talents - as alluded to - were first broadcasted following his return from his then recent tour of the south-west Pacific war zone in 1944 when he sang a parody version of Al Dexter`s "Pistol Packing Mama", accompanied by Stan Kenton and his orchestra, during Gary`s guest appearance on a Bob Hope radio show.. A recording that I released on my Swing House label in a 3 CD box set entitled "Artistry In Kenton" (see also large out of print books of same title) for Copenhagen`s Storyville Company. Should still be available on eBay. Best wishes, Chris Pirie
Wonderful anecdote .i am old enough to remember hearing Pistol Packing Mama. on the radio in the 40's. Cooper was the embodiment of matinee idol to the nth degree. Will look online to see if anyone posted the Kemton/Cooper song. In the 80's I introduced some much younger friends to Gary Cooper ...they had no idea.
This was a variation of a routine the Sportsmen did on Jack's December 18, 1955 episode. They sang "That's How Santa Claus Will Look This Year", with Thurl Ravenscoft as "Mr. Enrico Scortichini"....who only punctuates a basso "HO-HO-HO" during the song.
This is funny.. even though he was an actor before my time... what a handsome man... this video made me laugh, great sense of humor! Thanks for sharing this video...
