BOB TRENDLER (1912-2011)
OK, so he wasn't a noted person on the national scene, but to us young folks growing up in Chicago, he was a big name because of his association with WGN's "Bozo's Circus." He died at age 99 on July 18th.
He started working with WGN in 1935 as a freelance arranger and musician, becoming music director of the station's orchestra. "Bozo's Circus" debuted in 1961 with his 13-piece Bozo's Big Top Band. Starring such characters as Bob bell as Bozo, Roy Brown as Cooky, Ray Raynor as Oliver O. Oliver and Ned Lock as ringmaster Ned.
The show's mix of circus acts, slapstick comedy and games featuring kids from the audience had most everyone in my age group watching. At its peak, there was a years-ling waiting list to get on the show. I've heard rumors of parents with new-borns getting on the list at their birth.
Loved that band.
From the July 21st Chicago Tribune.
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