The Mike Douglas show had 4 band leaders and many musicians during it's run in Cleveland, Philadelphia, and LA ("Hollywood"). I stay in contact with one of the band members, and for years I communicated with Joe Harnell (band leader from 1968 through 1973). Unfortunately, he died in 2005. I have also spoken with Mike Douglas's wife (Genevieve Dowd) in 1999.

I am very curious regarding your request for this information. Just let me know what years/locations that you are interested in, and I can help you.

By the way, I was a studio audience member twice (in Philadelphia) and I authored the bulk of the Wikipedia text on the show as well as provided the photos on the site (studio).

My long term plans are to author a book on the show and it's contribution to music and politics during the 1960s and 70s.

Thank-you.

Gil

Hi Gil,
Thanks for responding. I am looking for the name of the man who had a rather gravelly voice. He was funny and would sometimes sing a little but played trumpet or drums...
I was pretty young but I remember him and am trying to find out his name. I believe it is in the early 1960's that I'm referring to.
Any idea who I'm talking about?
Thanks,
Robin

Robin,

This sounds like Jack Sheldon, who is a trumpet player and jazz musician (born in 1931) and was a band member, not for The Mike Douglas Show, but for a similar show: The Merv Griffin Show (New York 1962-86).

He was featured on many of the Merv Griffin shows; has a great, dry sense of humor, although, he was not the band leader (which I find interesting).

I remember his short lived TV Series (I think on NBC) in 1966 called "Run Buddy Run".

Anyway, if you search his name, you will find the standard information on him and a link to his website.

If you search him out, and you determine that Jack Sheldon is NOT the person you are looking for, let me know.

FYI - for some reason, the band members on The Mike Douglas Show had very little "air time" and were routinely not shown or featured - only with exception.

Gil

YES!!!! That is who I am talking about!!! I didn't even think of the Merv Griffin Show but that is the show he was on. I loved those two shows!
He did some of the "Schoolhouse Rock" kids shorts back in the day. And I googled his name and sure enough, it was him!
Thanks for your help!
I win the bet!
Robin

Robin,

I am glad that I could help. Let me know if you have anymore 1960s trivia TV show questions, particularly regarding The Mike Douglas Show.

Have a great day,

Gil