[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO HORACE HEIDT, SR. ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2001

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Mr. Horace 
Heidt, Sr. of Los Angeles on the 100th anniversary of his birth. On May 
19th, 2001 a plaque on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs, California 
was dedicated to the memory of Horace Heidt, Sr. In addition, his 
memory and great array of accomplishments are to be saluted at a 
special reception on May 26th in Los Angeles.
  Early in his music career, Horace started the famous Musical Knights, 
who were once one of the most popular Show Bands in the United States. 
This group was known for performances at landmark hotel venues in 
Chicago and New York. The Musical Knights also aired on radio in the 
1930s and 1940s on such shows as Horace Heidt and the Alemite, Treasure 
Chest, and The Pot o' Gold. The Pot o' Gold was America's first ``give-
away money'' game show and later turned into a movie starring Jimmy 
Stewart.
  In the 1950's, Horace created The Original Youth Opportunity Program, 
which was a celebrated talent show that aired both on radio and 
television. Through this program, Horace discovered many great talents 
which earned him the nickname ``The Starmaker''.
  The Musical Knights created many great hits and fostered several 
famous projects such as Gone With the Wind (1937), Ti-Pi-Tin (1938) and 
I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire (1941).
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to an unforgettable 
musician, father, and true American, Horace Heidt, Sr.

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