Johnny Olson: A Voice in Time Paperback – Illustrated, March 13, 2017

I purchased this book a couple of years ago when it first came out. Johnny Olson was best known for his long-time association with Goodson-Todman as their main announcer for their game shows for over 25 years, but he did so much more in both TV and radio. Author Randy West gives detailed accounts of how Johnny took on all sorts of jobs and how he had an effect on those he worked with as well as the final product of the show itself. Nobody said anything negative of him. In the world of show biz, that's practically unheard of.The book is an amazing account of covering a man who made a name for himself by the late 60s. He was ready to take it easy when Goodson-Todman relocated him to work in California for what would be the busiest and most productive years of his life. It was all really unexpected to him. He had a bought a farm in West Virginia and commuted regularly to CA to do his shows. Through it all, he had an energy level and work ethic of a man in his 20s. I remember seeing him at The Price is Right and Match Game, running around the place and dancing like a teenager during his audience warm-ups, and he was in his 60s at the time.Johnny O was the best game show announcer there was. The Price is Right had a HUGE hole to fill when he died in 1985. Ironically, Johnny was on his way to a "Price" taping when he felt ill and pulled his car over. So he went out "with his boots on" so to speak. If you get GSN, the Game Show Network on your cable TV provider, you can still hear Johnny O on Match Game every morning. If you want to know all about the man, this book definitely does him justice. I got my copy at Amazon.

An interesting read with lots of info about Johnny Olson's life and career. I thought that there was a little too much detail regarding the history of early radio and tv. I purchased the book to learn about Johnny Olson and not to become an expert in early radio/tv. Overall, an interesting book about a very well-known (but often not seen) voice in 20th Century television. It's hard to believe that Johnny Olson died almost 25 years ago. He was truly gifted with an incredible voice and the ability to communicate effectively with audiences. I actually had the privilege of seeing him (and his well-known audience warm-up "show") many times as a teenager at Television City at Match Game '7X tapings. As described in the book, he really was an expert at preparing an audience for a show.

For one who grew up with watching great tv game shows in the daytime and at night in the 1970s and 1980s, Johnny Olson was the king of game show announcing just as Mark Goodson and Bill Todman were the kings of tv game show producers. His exuberant voice delivery in the introductions at the start of the game show and with the grand prize and small consolation prize descriptions, and his physical appearances interviewing the audience or appearing on stage with the host and celebrity guests all signalled "fun entertainment" all the way.Randy West goes into wonderful detail profiling a familiar voice in tv history.Great for game show fans and radio and television broadcasting historians!Something missing that I would have loved to see in the book would have been the introductions and catch phrases for all of the tv games Mr. Olson announced so people can try it at home..."A fortune in fabulous prizes can be won by these people today...if they know when The Price Is Right...""Get Ready to Match the Stars...(6 celebrity names)...as we play the star-studded big money 'Match Game 7X!'""Every answer...to every question...is right here...before your eyes...and...NOW...YOU...SEE...IT!...and now here is the star of our show...now you see him...Jack Narz!""From Hollywood...the game of puzzles and prizes... 'Concentration!'""From Hollywood...the game that reveals all! 'I've Got a Secret!'""It's a game for the uninhibited...and today's guest stars are (name) and (name)...see their bodies do the talking on 'Body Language!'""Are you a 'Mindreader?' Yes or No? Will (celebrity name) say 'Yes?' Will (celebrity name) say 'No?' We'll find out today in this game of hunch and ESP...'Mindreaders!'""Take a risk...take a chance...take a dare! Play the game of 'Double Dare!'"

My friend and I spent our summers in the late 1960s visiting as many game show tapings as we could. Over time, Johnny Olson got to know us and would stop and chat with us as we waited on line outside the theater. He was a nice guy and was always very friendly to a couple of stupid kids from Queens.One day, we attended a taping of To Tell the Truth over at what is now the Ed Sullivan Theater. Mr. Olson saw us there and waved hello. We then rushed over to 30 Rock on foot to see another game show (I forget which one) that was scheduled to begin about a half-hour after TTTT ended. Mr. Olson also announced this show. In such situations, he had a car and driver available to shuttle him to the next studio studio.As Mr. Olson left TTTT, he saw my friend and I waiting on line and waved to us. Then, minutes later, as we stood on line over at 30 Rock, Mr. Olson entered the lobby and started walking over to the elevator bank to head to the studio. He then turned his head and saw us. His jaw dropped open. Mr. Olson then walked over to us and said, "How did you guys beat me here?" My friend replied, "We walked! In midtown, there are definite advantages to not being able to afford a taxi!"Mr. Olson simply laughed and shook his head. On another day, he had my friend perform "The Peacock Dance" on the studio floor, but I'll leave that memory to another day.

Anyone who likes game shows will enjoy reading Johnny Olson: A Voice in Time. Randy West lovingly traces Olson's life and career throughout his many decades in radio and television. You will learn about Johnny's family, his work with Goodson-Todman, and his kind and generous nature. It s a quick and interesting read and if you ever admired Johnny you will admire West's tribute to him.