Books

My Son, The Folksinger... In Concert

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Printed: 1962(?)

Excerpt from pages 5 and 6:

Allan Sherman is show business' newest phenomenon. As author and star of "My Son, The Folk-Singer," his own parodies on the music that has reached international fame in the last several years, Sherman has created a unique niche in recording fame by having sold excess of a million albums in eight weeks of release. Not only does this create new business records, but it heralds a new star, in demand across the country for concerts, personal appearances, television shows and even motion pictures. How has this come about? Actually, it's a wonder the former producer and comedy writer wasn't discovered a long time ago.

Sherman has long been an "inside Hollywood" favorite, staging his own kind of satirical song recitals at Hollywood parties at the drop of a starlet. Allan's long-time friend and manager George Durgom suggested to Warner Bros. that they record Sherman and the biggest record album hit in history happened.

Sherman has had plenty of experience in comedy to prepare him for his recording debut. Born in Chicago on Novemeber 30 ("the same day as Churchill and Mark Twain"), 1924, Sherman had one of the most eclectic educations in history, having served time in 21 public schools. This well-traveled childhood may in part be due to Allan's father, who was a racing driver and automotive engineer as wel as inventor of a coal mining machine.

His writing activities began at the University of Illinois, where he studied journalism as well as wrote book and lyrics, starred and directed three consecutive varsity shows. About this time, World War II arrived, and the United States Army, well aware of Sherman's unbridled ferocity, stationed him for the duration deep in the heart of Texas.

Following the war, Sherman set out for show business. He created special material, mostly for the nightclub variety, for such performers as Jerry Lester, Joe E. Lewis, Jackie Gleason, Frances Faye and many others.

Then, 1951, with partner Howard Merrill, Sherman dreamed up the idea for a TV panel show, and the long-running "I've Got A Secret" was born. The show, currently in its eleventh year (as of '62), had Sherman as its producer for the first six years of its life.

To give some idea of the scope of Sherman's activity, it is only necessary to list some of the radio and TV shows for which he has written and produced: Broadway Open House, The Steve Allen Show, Victor Borge Special, Phil Silvers Special, Masquerade Party, The Herb Shriner Show, The Charlie Weaver Show . . . and to give another side to the multi-sided Sherman talents, he has also written an article for "The Reader's Digest."

Currently living the life of Sherman in Bel Air, California, Allan adds to his busy life the problems and joys connected with his family: wife, a boy 12, and a girl 9.