IN 1968, STEVE ALLEN was so popular that he served as the grand
marshal of UC's Homecoming parade and seemed to be a focal point of this presentation
from UC's Department of Speech and Theater Arts. Although we can only guess at the
event, posters on the backdrop salute the TV personality, who poses as the outrageous
singer Tiny Tim in one image, as well as several long-gone TV programs. Perhaps a
reader can provide a few details about this mystery event and identify the two students.
Today, the average student may have never heard of the "Steve Allen Show,"
but its star has certainly remained popular with those studying jazz at the College-Conservatory
of Music. Last fall, they requested Allen, a well-known jazz musician, to be their
guest lecturer and performer for a fund-raising gala. Allen's agent accepted the
invitation, but explained that his client does not perform with students. Of course,
that was before Allen had heard the caliber of CCM performers for himself. After
receiving a CD from the jazz students, he changed his mind and agreed to a joint
performance in February. Unfortunately, he died a few days later, on Oct. 30, of
an apparent heart attack. He was 78.
