Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
134757996
label
Bob Hope
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
134757996
contentType
document
title
Bob Hope
citationUrl
collections
Records of the Office of Speechwriting (Clinton Administration)
Joshua Gottheimer's Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
134757996
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
42-t-7431940-20160201S-004-006-2017
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
831c17463d7fbaf8
ocrText
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob.htm
BOB HOPE
Bob's Biography
For a man who played third billing to Siamese twins
and trained seals, Bob Hope has become the most
recognized profile and talent in the world. And, in the
entire history of show business, no individual has
traveled so far -- so often -- to entertain so many.
Hope's entertainment persona has been evident in
every decade of the 20th century -- from
impersonating Chaplin in front of the firehouse in
Cleveland in 1909, to celebrating an unprecedented
56 years with NBC in 1993.
The fifth of seven sons, he was born Leslie Townes Hope in
Eltham, England on May 29, 1903. His English father,
William Henry Hope, was a stonemason -- his Welsh mother
Avis Townes Hope, an aspiring concert singer.
In 1907, Leslie's father brought the family to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1920, by virtue of his
father's naturalization, 'Bob' -- the name by which the world would later know him -- and his
brothers also became US citizens.
Email Bob : [email protected]
continue
1 of 2
06/05/98 15:32:59
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob2.htm
BOB
HOPE
Bob's Biography - Continued
As a youth he earned spending money selling newspapers and as a constant entrant in
amateur shows. During his years at East High School he worked as a delivery boy in his
brother Fred's meat market. He was also a soda jerk, a shoe salesman, and a pool hustler.
After high school, Bob took dancing lessons from entertainer King Rastus Brown and from
vaudeville hoofer Johnny Root. A natural, he took over some classes for his teachers. Bob
also worked briefly as a newspaper reporter and tried amateur boxing under the name of
Packy East.
At 18, Bob persuaded his girlfriend, Mildred Rosequist, to become his
dance partner. Appearing at nearby vaudeville houses they worked their
way to the princely wage of $8 an night; however, the curtain fell
abruptly on Hope and Rosequist when Mildred's mother finally saw the
act.
Bob then teamed up with a friend, Lloyd Durbin.
After developing their act in local bookings they
were hired by the Bandbox Theater in Cleveland as
a "cheap act" for the Fatty Arbuckle Show.
One year later, Bob was teamed with George Byrne for a tour with tab
shows. They polished their act and soon they were playing major
houses including Keith's Flushing in New York
In New York they were chosen for the Broadway show "Sidewalks of
New York" which starred Ruby Keeler and Smith & Dale. The show
enjoyed a long run. Hope & Byrne did not!
On the advice of their agent, Hope and Byrne headed west to change their
act and start over again.
They secured a three-day date in a tiny theater in New Castle,
Pennsylvania. On opening night Bob was asked to announce the coming
attractions to the theater audiences. Encouraged by the audience responses
and the theater manager, Bob enlarged his introduction routine to five
minutes. At the conclusion of the three-day engagement, Bob became a
'single.'
Email Bob : [email protected]
back
continue
About : Bob's Bio Dolores' Bio Holidays Presidents
Video, Books, Recordings I Dolores' Recordings I News
HOME
I of 1
06/05/98 15:33:52
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob3.htm
BOB HOPE
Bob's Biography - Continued
In 1932 Bob was on Broadway again in
"Ballyhoo." But Bob's first major
recognition, by critics and the public, came in
1933 for his wise-cracking role as
Huckleberry Haines in the highly successful
Broadway musical, "Roberta."
Bob's personal life changed during "Roberta."
One of his co-performers in the musical,
George Murphy, introduced him to a young
singer, Dolores Reade, then appearing at the
Vogue Club on 57th Street. After a brief courtship, the couple married in February 1934.
They have four children: Linda, Anthony, Nora, and Kelly; and 4 grandchildren.
Following "Roberta," he opened in the Broadway musical
"Say When" (1934) followed by the 1936 edition of
"Ziegfeld Follies" in which Bob shared the spotlight with
Fanny Brice. Bob's success in "Follies" led him to a role
in "Red, Hot, and Blue" (1936) with Ethel Merman and
Jimmy Durante.
Because of Bob's performance in "Red, Hot, and Blue," Hollywood opened the door to his
first major motion picture, "The Big Broadcast of 1938."
Email Bob : [email protected]
back
continue
About I Bob's Bio : Dolores' Bio I Holidays Presidents
Video, Books, Recordings i Dolores' Recordings I News
HOME
H
1 of l
06/05/98 15:35:15
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob4.htm
HOPE
Bob's Biography - Continued
Bob's first radio hit grew out of his appearance with a
vaudeville show at New York's Capitol Theater. In the
interest of using radio to promote its box-office attractions,
the "Capitol Family Hour" hosted by Major Edward J.
Bows originated from the theater every morning. Bob, as
one of the theater attractions, was booked for the show.
The show at the Capitol proved to
be another career milestone for
Bob. It marked the first time he
ever appeared with singer Bing
Crosby.
Bob's first major radio appearance was on the "Fleishmann Hour,"
which starred Rudy Vallee.
In May 1937, Bob signed a twenty-six week
radio contract for the "Woodbury Soap Show"
which was broadcast from NBC in New York. Later in the year, when he
traveled to Hollywood to film "The Big Broadcast of 1938," he
continued the show via transcontinental hookup. And in 1938, Bob was
signed by Pepsodent for his own show on NBC. He went on to become a
Tuesday night habit and a huge radio star.
Bob employed show regulars Jerry Colonna, Brenda and Cobina (Brenda Frazier and Cobina
Wright, Jr.), Vera Vague, the vocal group Six Hits and a Miss, Skinnay Ennis and His
Orchestra and announcer Bill Goodwin. Later, Les Brown and His Band of Renown and
Wendall Niles joined the show. Featured singers on the show included Judy Garland, Frances
Langford, Doris Day, and Gloria Jean.
Email Bob: [email protected]
back
continue
About I Bob's Bio I Dolores' Bio I Holidays Presidents
Video, Books, Recordings Dolores' Recordings I News
HOME
of
06/05/98 15:36:14
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob5.htm
BOB
HOPE
Bob's Biography - Continued
Bob's success in radio led to Hollywood and a long-term contract with
Paramount and the costars of his movies became the guest stars of his
radio shows.
Bob makes light of the fact that he has never
won an Oscar for his acting. But in truth, the
academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
has honored him five times two honorary
Oscars, two special awards and the Jean
Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
'Best Actor' or not, Bob's impact on moviegoers has grown stronger
with time. The "Road Pictures" with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour
made Hope a box office star. A Bob Hope movie on television, be it
the 'early movie' or the 'late-late show', is watched and enjoyed by all
ages. Consequently, his movies claim a large and faithful following with each generation.
In all, Hope starred in more than 50 feature films and has appeared in cameos for another 15
-- the last being "Spies Like Us" in 1985. As with radio -- Hope earned the status of #1 at the
box office.
Bob has introduced two Academy Award-winning
songs: "Thanks for the Memory" with Shirley Ross in
"The Big Broadcast of 1938" and "Buttons and Bows"
in "The Paleface" (1948).
To his credit are "Two Sleepy People" from the movie
"Thanks for the Memory," "Silver Bells" from "The
Lemon Drop Kid;" and with Crosby and Lamour in the
"road" pictures: "Put It There Pal," "Teamwork," and
"We're Off On the Road to Morocco."
Ah yes, the "road" pictures! Paramount had been planning a movie called "The Road to
Mandaley" (later changed to "The Road to Singapore") for George Burns and Gracie Allen.
Because Burns and Allen were not available, Paramount tapped Fred MacMurray and Jack
Oakie -- they were also overbooked. Enter Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour.
Email Bob : [email protected]
back
continue
About I Bob's Bio Dolores' Bio I Holidays Presidents
Video, Books, Recordings Dolores' Recordings I News
HOME
H
I of 2
06/05/98 15:37:39
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob6.htm
DUD nur
BOB
HOPE
Bob's Biography - Continued
Radio and movies made Bob a star! But it was television that made him a super-star and a
welcomed guest in every living room of America.
Although he flirted with the 'new' entertainment medium as early as the
thirties for an experimental show for CBS; appeared on the first
commercial television broadcast on the West Coast in 1947; and was a
surprise guest on Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" in 1949 -- Bob was
a latecomer to TV, not at all convinced it would succeed.
Bob made his formal debut on NBC
television Easter Sunday, 1950.
Frigidaire sponsored the special, "Star
Spangled Revue," which featured as
Bob's guest stars, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,
Beatrice Lillie, and Dinah Shore.
The formula, along with Bob's unshakable decision to avoid
a weekly show, has proven successful. For 60 years Bob has
been an NBC headliner and Nielsen ratings booster.
Bob has been honored and befriended by Presidents of the United States since Roosevelt.
Hope's golfing buddies have been Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald
Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton. He was hailed as "America's most
prized ambassador of goodwill throughout the world" when
presented with the Congressional Gold Medal from President
Kennedy. President Johnson honored Bob with the Medal of
Freedom and President and Mrs. Carter hosted a White House
reception in celebration of his 75th birthday. Harry Truman played
the piano for him and Bill Clinton bestowed on him a Medal of the
Arts.
In July 1976, by order of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth, Bob was made an
Honorary Commander of the Order of the
British Empire (CBE) for his services to British troops around the
world during World War II.
Cited by the Guinness Book of Records as most honored entertainer in
the world, Hope has more than two thousand awards and citations for
humanitarian and professional efforts, including 54 honorary
doctorates.
Email Bob : [email protected]
back
continue
About Bob's Bio Dolores' Bio Holidays I Presidents
Video, Books, Recordings Dolores' Recordings News
HOME
H
of l
06/05/98 15:42:20
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob7.htm.
Bob's Biography - Continued
Bob Hope's unwavering commitment to the morale of
America's servicemen and women is entertainment history,
indeed, world history. Many say 'legend.'
For nearly six decades, be the country at war or at peace,
Bob, with a band of super-star gypsies, has traveled the globe
to entertain our service men and women.
The media dubbed him
"America's No. I Soldier
in Greasepaint." To the
Gls, he was "G.I. Bob" and their clown hero.
It began in May, 1941 when Bob, with a group of
Hollywood performers, went to March Field, California,
to do a radio show for airmen stationed there.
Bob's first trip into a combat area was during World War
II in 1943, when he and his small USO troupe -- Frances
Langford, Tony Romano and Jack Pepper -- visited US military facilities in England, Africa,
Sicily, and Iceland.
With the world at peace, following World War II, Bob did not forget GI audiences. He
continued to make frequent visits to military bases and hospitals.
Bob began what was to become a Christmas custom in 1948. He went
to Germany at the request of then Secretary of the Air Force, Stuart
Symington, to entertain the troops involved in the Berlin Airlift.
With the end of the Vietnam conflict in
sight, Hope hailed his 1972 trip as his
"last Christmas show." But each
Christmas that followed, he was
somewhere in the country doing a show at
a military base or veterans hospital.
In 1983 the call came from Beirut and Hope was "on the road
again." In 1987, Hope flew around the world to entertain
servicemen and women in the Pacific. Atlantic and Indian
Oceans and in the Persian Gulf.
He embarked on a goodwill tour in May, 1990 to entertain
military personnel stationed in England, Russia, and
Germany. At Christmas that year, he was in Saudi Arabia
entertaining the men and women of "Operation Desert
Storm."
1994 was a good year for Bob, His "Bob Hope: The First 90
Years" won an Emmy. The US Navy announced that it will
commission a series of ships in his name, and he returned to
his native England for a personal appearance tour in June,
commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of World
War II.
Email Bob : [email protected]
back
continue
I of 2
06/05/98 15:43:25
Bob Hope - Biography
http://www.bobhope.com/bob8.htm
HOPE
Bob's Biography - Continued
1996 marks the publication of Bob's collection of
Presidential humor called "Dear Prez, I Wanna Tell Ya", and
in November, his almost 300th television special for NBC,
Bob Hope Laughing with the Presidents" will air. The show
features appearances by President and Mrs. Clinton,
President and Mrs. Bush, President and Mrs. Ford, Julie
Nixon and David Eisenhower. Bob's co-host is Tony Danza.
Throughout his long career, Bob
has been an avid golfer and golf's
current popularity is attributed by
many to his commitment and love of the game. His many charity
gold matches over the years helped to make golf a spectator sport.
The Bob Hope Desert Classic has raised millions of dollars for
charities in the desert area. At 93 years of age, Bob continues to
play golf almost daily although he is no longer a 3 handicap.
It has been said of Hope that "if he could live his life over again --
he wouldn't have time." In the words of John Steinbeck,
concerning Hope: "It is impossible to see how he can do so much,
can cover so much ground, can work so hard and be so effective.
There's a man. There really is a man."
Email Bob : [email protected]
back
About Bob's Bio Dolores' Bio I Holidays Presidents
Video, Books, Recordings I Dolores' Recordings I News
HOME
I of 1
06/05/98 15:44:06
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 5, 1995
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT NATIONAL MEDAL OF ARTS CEREMONY
The South Lawn
1:15 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. It's an eerie feeling
being introduced by your wife. (Laughter.) You never know
what's going to be said. (Laughter.) You're steeling yourself
for the discipline not to show any adverse reaction. (Laughter.)
We're having a good time today, Hillary and I are. We love this
day; we look forward to it. And we thank all of you for coming.
We thank especially Senator Pell and Senator Simpson. Thank you
for coming. We're glad to see you. (Applause.)
We thank the members of the administration who are here. I
see Secretary Riley, and Deputy Secretary Kunin of Education; and
Roger Johnson, the Director of the General Services
Administration. There may be others here. I thank all of you
for being here. I want to say a special word of thanks for the
service of Jane Alexander and Sheldon Hackney for the great job
that they have done. (Applause.)
I thank my good friend, John Brademas, the Chairman of the
President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities; and Diane
Frankel, the Director of the Institute for Museum Services. And
I thank all the members of the Arts and Humanities Council who
are here for their willingness to serve.
It's a great honor for me to be able to present today the
National Medal of Arts and the Charles Frankel Prize in the
Humanities to a distinguished group of Americans who have lived
their lives as builders -- bringing people enlightenment,
bringing people enjoyment, advancing the cause of human knowledge
and human understanding and the joy in life. Before I do that, I
think I ought to say, we've had a couple of pieces of good news
this morning at the White House, which at least are not
inconsistent with what so many of these people have given their
lives to.
The President of Mexico called me this morning
and told me that, after all the difficulties this country had
faced in recent months, that he was making an early repayment of
$700 million of the money they borrowed from the United States to
keep their economy going. And I think that's a good thing.
(Applause.)
You know, when you loan money, you never know whether it's a
good thing or not until it's too late to do anything about it
(Laughter.) Some of you have been in that position. But they're
our friends, they're our allies, they're our partners for the
future. They're fighting for their democracy and they're fighting
for the quality of their country's economy. They hit a rough
spot in the road, and they borrowed less money than we authorized
them to, and they're paying it back more quickly. And we're
going to have a brighter future as a result of it, and a safer,
more secure future, and a better partnership. And that's a good
thing.
And perhaps even more importantly, I learned early this
morning that in five days from now, if we can just get a couple
of things done, the parties in Bosnia have agreed to a complete
cease-fire of all military hostilities. (Applause.)
They have, furthermore, agreed to come for what are called
"proximity peace talks" I'll tell you about that in a minute;
that's a government language word to the United States to
actually talk about hammering out a final peace agreement in
later October. So this is a good day for the cause of peace and
prosperity in the world and in the United States.
Proximity peace talks means that they' 11 all come to the
same country, to the same town, to the same place, but they 11
let us talk to them, and they won't talk to each other until
(laughter) but that's better than it's been. (Laughter.) And
sooner or later, we'll all find out we have more in common than
we do dividing us. And that's the lesson that we hope the
American people keep in mind as we go through the next months and
years as well. (Applause.)
I think it's fair to say that no President has ever enjoyed
these award ceremonies more than I have because every year I get
a chance to recognize the lifetime achievements of people who
have been heroes to me in various ways men and women who,
unbeknownst to them, have been my teachers, my role models, my
inspiration, because, as President, I am no different than any
other American who enjoys literature or music or art and
architecture. And I have benefitted, as so many of you have, for
the work of the people we recognize today.
These awards call attention to the lives of 17 individuals
and one organization who have worked to enrich the lives of
millions and millions of Americans, millions of people around the
world, and have made this country a stronger, better, richer
place. They are genuine examples of the American ideal and their
2
work as a whole is a national treasure.
The arts and humanities have energized the American Dream in
SO many ways. The soul of our country has literally been shaped
by the vision of our artists and the creativity of those whom we
honor here today. And many others in the past have helped
America to become and to remain the freest, most democratic
nation in the world. Through the arts and humanities, we assert
both our oneness and our diversity. And in celebrating this
ideal, we move forward together.
Human creativity is clearly the most powerful force on
Earth. And these awardees have exercised that power to the
fullest. They have woven for us a wonderful mosaic of music and
dance, art and literature to comfort and inspire a troubled
world.
The importance of this work is more important now, perhaps,
than ever before as our country and our world go through a period
of unprecedented change changes that are both bringing us
together and ripping up the bonds that have united us in the
past. In a nation as diverse as ours, our arts and our
humanities are bridges to help us reach out to one another and
understand one another better. Projects like the NEH's national
conversation are truly helping us to accomplish this.
In the face of those who would divide us, we must remain
steadfast in supporting the arts and humanities as a way of
coming together while we celebrate our diversity. Our support
for them is not the preservation of some extravagant cultural
elite, it's the preservation of our cultural tradition for all
Americans and especially for those who, unlike me and SO many of
us, are not part of anybody's elite, and they need their country
to make sure they have access to the great heritage of America as
well. (Applause.)
For the last 30 years, the National Endowment for the Arts
and the National Endowment for the Humanities have made the arts
and humanities accessible to millions of our fellow citizens from
schoolchildren to people in our inner cities to citizens in our
most isolated rural communities many of whom would never have
experienced these gifts had they not been offered so freely by
our nation's artists and scholars and by their nation's
government.
For a very small contribution, both the NEA and the NEH have
made vital contributions to the life of this nation. Each of the
awardees we recognize here today has been a pioneer. Sometimes
they've made us laugh; sometimes they've helped us cry.
Sometimes they've challenged us to see the error of our ways.
Sometimes they've helped us to celebrate the strength of our
goodness. But always they have lifted us to higher ground.
3
I am honored to confer upon this wonderful group of
Americans the National Medal of the Arts and the Charles Frankel
Prize. First, the Medal of the Arts winners. Licia Albanese
the beginning of her career came as something of a surprise.
When the lead soprano in the Milan production of Madame Butterfly
fell ill during the performance, this young singer was called
upon to finish the opera. Her performance that evening brought
the house down. And a career that spanned more than 30 years was
launched.
She went on to leading roles in operas all around the world,
always creating characters memorable not only for the arias they
sang, but for their intense vitality. She had the rare ability
to combine her great talent as a singer with equal talent as an
actress. It was once said that Licia Albanese had the two
qualities which all great artists have -- simplicity and
sincerity. Most recently, she and her late husband founded the
Puccini Foundation, and she has worked tirelessly for the benefit
of opera and its survival as an art form.
Please welcome our first honoree, Licia Albanese.
(Applause.)
Gwendolyn Brooks began writing poetry when she was only 11.
And at the age of 13, her first poem was published. More than 75
others followed, while she was still a teenager. For four
decades, Gwendolyn Brooks has drawn on the black experience to
create poetry that speaks to all of us in a frank and familiar
way. She served as the poetry consultant to the Library of
Congress, and today is the Poet Laureate of Illinois. In 1949,
she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. She has kept
alive the culture of her roots through the cultivation of her
words.
Gwendolyn Brooks. (Applause.)
Each painter, performer or thinker here today has in one way
or another served to create a legacy in the halls of American
art. Their contributions shall be forever remembered in their
fields and beyond. But their work might never have seen the
light of day were it not for generous, committed, and visionary
citizens like two of those whom we honor Iris and Bernie
Cantor.
They have helped literally countless young artists to
succeed. They've introduced countless young people to the joys
of art. The grants and gifts bestowed by the Cantor family have
built and filled the galleries and museums across our nation.
From the Rodin sculptures given to New York's Metropolitan Museum
of Art, to the grants for exhibitions at institutions such as our
own Arkansas Art Center, to the sculpture exhibit here at the
4
White House, the Cantor's love for art has known no bounds.
They've done much to keep the arts alive in America, and we
owe them our thanks. Bernie could not be with us here today.
But Hillary and I are delighted that our good friend, Iris
Cantor, is here to accept the award on behalf of both of them.
Iris and Bernie Cantor. (Applause.)
It's a special honor for me today to honor another husband
and wife team that has shown that a commitment to the issues
facing the world around us can be just as important a part of
their lives and our lives as a commitment to the art one creates.
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee met in 1946, performing in a Broadway
version of Jeb Turner. I want to say that again. They met in
1946, while performing in a Broadway version of Jeb Turner
(laughter) a play in which she was violating the child labor
laws at the time. (Laughter and applause.) They were married a
year later. And they have performed individually and together
now for almost 50 years.
While the stage and screen have kept them busy with such
projects as "A Raisin in the Sun, " "The Jackie Robinson Story,"
and "Do The Right Thing, they have continued to fight for
others' struggle for equality.
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee have helped groups such as the
NAACP, the Urban League, the AIDS projects, like Housing Works.
In 1986 they produced a PBS tribute entitled, "Martin Luther
King: The Dream and the Drum." Their vision and their talent
shine as brightly today as they did on that first day when they
met on Broadway SO long ago, and our country is very much a
better place because of their life and their work. (Applause.)
Having written no fewer than 100 pieces of music by the time
he graduated from high school, David Diamond was well on his way
to becoming one of America's most accomplished and disciplined
composers very early in his youth. His dedicated and commitment
throughout his distinguished career has made him a master at the
craft of creating music.
He's a proud adherent to the classical tradition, and has
made outstanding contributions to the field for more than 60
years now. An inspiration both to those within his field as well
as those who simply enjoy
the music he creates, David Diamond truly exemplifies the spirit
of American creativity. Mr. Diamond. (Applause.)
Born in Germany, James Ingo Freed came to the United States
as a nine-year-old refugee in 1939. After earning his
architectural degree in 1953, he joined the offices of I.M. Pei
and Partners. Widely published and respected within the world of
architecture, he has been the recipient of many major awards, and
5
most recently, he has been justifiably celebrated for his
creation of the magnificent, for most of us, overwhelming United
States Holocaust Memorial Museum an extraordinary structure
that houses many painful memories, but ultimately inspires its
visitors to strive for a better future.
We're honoring him today for that monumental achievement,
but also for his lifelong dedication to his craft which continues
in this city at this moment as the Federal Triangle Building
comes up and moves toward completion. Let's give him a warm
welcome. James Ingo Freed. (Applause.)
Our next awardee obviously needs no introduction. He was
cited by the Guiness Book of Records as the most honored
entertainer in the world. (Laughter.) Maybe we ought not to do
this. (Laughter.) Bob Hope has more than 1,000 awards and
citations for his humanitarian and professional success. He's
been honored more than I think, five times by the Motion
Picture Academy, including receiving an honorary Oscar and the
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. But I know something that some
of you probably don't know. He would far rather go down in
history as a great golfer. (Laughter.) This morning when I saw
him I said -- Bob said, well, how's your golf game? I said, it's
pretty good; but it's too rainy today, we can't play. He said,
that's too bad, I'll miss taking your money. (Laughter.)
Unfortunately, that's not as funny as you think it is.
(Laughter.) Known the world over for his wonderful wit and sense
of humor, Bob Hope has brought laughter and pleasure and a
happier outlook on life to generations of American citizens, and
especially to our troops in uniform all around the world.
He began entertaining American servicemen and women even
before World War II, and he's done it in every conflict since.
In 1971, Bob Hope took his commitment to the people of America
one step further by applying for a visa to Laos to help negotiate
the release of our prisoners there. When he wasn't performing
across oceans, Bob Hope was making films and making people laugh
here in America. I can honestly say that those films are still
making all the members of my family laugh every time they're
shown on the television here.
But even with his busy career, Bob Hope never lost sight of
the truly important things in life helping people in need.
He's helped raise more than $1 billion for hospitals, for the
disabled, the Boy Scouts, and numerous other health and human
service causes. His annual golf tournament ever year, which he
still plays in, directs and manages, is an example of a man whose
commitment to doing this kind of work truly is a lifetime
endeavor.
He is perhaps the finest example of a successful American
6
entertainer whose greatest performance is in what he does off
stage every day. I am SO delighted that Bob Hope and his
wonderful wife, Delores, are both here today. And I'd like to
ask Bob now to come up and receive his award. Mr. Bob Hope.
(Applause.)
MR. HOPE: I just want to say a couple of words.
(Laughter.) But last year during our golf tournament, I called
the President and I said, do you think you could get out here and
play with us during our tournament. And he said, I don't know.
And I got a hold of Mr. Bush, George Bush; and I got a hold of
President Ford. And the four of us played, and we raised
$1,400,000 for the hospital out there. (Applause.)
And I just wanted to thank him right now in person. That's
it, that's it. (Laughter and applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: American art is not limited to portraits or
landscapes or still lifes. The broad range of subjects reflects
the diversity of American experience. Roy Lichtenstein is one of
the pioneers who challenged convention and opened our eyes to new
styles of expression. In the early '60s, he was one of just a
small group to experiment with popular icons as subject material.
I hope that doesn't make a comeback. (Laughter.)
His works are well known, and have appeared in numerous
exhibitions all around this country. In addition, Roy was one of
several artists commissioned to work on the New York State
Pavilion for the 1964 World Fair. I hope that the pioneering
spirit exemplified by Roy Lichtenstein will always, always live
in the artists of America. It's been a real honor for Hillary
and for me to get to know Roy and his wife and his work. And
we're very grateful for it, and glad to honor him here today.
Roy Lichtenstein. (Applause.)
For nearly four decades, Arthur Mitchell has been a pivotal
figure of American dance. The protege of the great George
Balanchine, he was the first African-American dancer to become a
principal artist in the New York City Ballet. After leaving the
company in 1966, he went on to a career on Broadway and as an
artistic director. But always, always, there was the call of his
home, Harlem.
Following the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, the
next year Arthur Mitchell realized a dream by returning to Harlem
as the founder of the Dance Theater of Harlem. It is now
recognized as one of the world's premiere dance troupes. His
dedication to young people and to dance are truly legendary. We
are honored by his presence here today, and by the lifetime of
creativity, achievement he has demonstrated, and most of all,
that he found a way to go back to his roots and lift people up
with their God-given talents. Mr. Arthur Mitchell. (Applause.)
7
Speaking of roots, this next awardee is one from mine. Bill
Monroe is heralded as the Father of Bluegrass Music, a title that
is a fitting tribute to his truly innovative and inventive style.
Bluegrass is known for its free improvisation, and, in its way,
it embodies the essence of the American spirit. Bill's own roots
stem from rural Kentucky.
When he was just 10 years old, he began to play the guitar
and the mandolin. Along with his two older brothers, Charlie and
Birch, he made music on the front porch of their family home.
Later, Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys established themselves
as more than just a string band by blending different vocal
harmonies with instrumental solos. And over the years, the band
continued to gain recognition for its novel combination of
instruments.
Bill Monroe was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
in 1970 and joined the International Bluegrass Music
Association's Hall of Honor in 1991. For people who follow and
love that music, Bill Monroe is truly an American legend. He's
added so much through is lifetime career to the rich heritage of
this great nation's music. Mr. Bill Monroe. (Applause.)
He said, "I'm younger than Bob Hope, but I'd still like to
say a thing or two." (Laughter.)
MR. MONROE: Bob Hope is a great man. I'm glad that he's
here. But what I wanted to tell you folks, I have played for the
last four Presidents of the United States - - President Carter,
President Reagan, President Bush, President Clinton here. And
they all tell me that the music I originated belongs to America.
And I'm really proud of that. It's a great honor. Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. God bless you.
Now, it is a great honor for me to present the award we give
every year to an arts organization. As the largest and most
comprehensive arts and education program in the entire nation,
Urban Gateways has been cited as a model by the National
Endowment for the Arts. In 1994 alone, Urban Gateways reached
over 1 million people and over 11,000 programs established in
Chicago area schools.
Armed with the belief that exposure to the arts is crucial
to personal development, the program helps bridge the gap between
Chicago's vast cultural wealth and the huge number of children
from disadvantaged communities. At a time when so many of our
children are being lost to the horrors of drugs and violence,
Urban Gateways has assumed responsibility for our young people's
youth. The organization gives them guidance and an important
outlet for their creative energies.
8
Here today to accept the award is Urban Gateways' Executive
Director Sandra Furey. She has led Urban Gateways to the front
lines in the campaign to keep the arts alive and the minds of our
children, and in so doing, to keep our children alive and well
and strong for the future of this great nation. Let's give her a
big hand. (Applause.)
And now it is my honor to introduce the winners of the 1995
Charles Frankel prize. The first winner, Bill Ferris, leads the
sort of life I'd like to lead if I had another one to live. I
mean, he lives in the deep South. He writes funny, wonderful
books. And he's still trying to find out if Elvis is alive.
(Applause.) He's probably done more than anyone else to bring
national recognition and understanding to the field of Southern
studies. As many of you know, he seriously was one of the
organizers of the recent, highly-successful "Elvis" conference at
the University of Mississippi at Oxford.
Since 1979, he has directed the Center for the Study of
Southern Culture at Old Miss, where he's built southern studies
curriculum into the most extensive in the nation. He was a
consultant to the movie "The Color Purple,' and for nearly a
decade until 1994, as the blues doctor, he hosted "Highway 61, a
weekly blues music program that airs on Mississippi public radio.
His scholarship covers the fields of folklore, American
literature, music and photography.
I want to thank him for bringing the culture and music of my
homeland to all Americans. A remarkable person, Mr. Bill Ferris.
(Applause.)
Too often, television overlooks the lives and poignant
stories of ordinary Americans who may not show up on the evening
news, but whose extraordinary lives keep our country going.
Charles Kuralt recognized this problem nearly 30 years ago. In
1967, he asked his boss to let him wander around the country for
three months, and the critically-acclaimed show, "On the Road,"
was born.
Through his travels, Charles Kuralt brought hundreds of
courageous Americans into the living rooms of our country. And
in so doing, he helped raise issues of social concern, such as
funding for education, the problems of poverty, the plight of
small businesses. But understanding the needs of others comes
naturally to Charles Kuralt. His father, Wallace, was a North
Carolina social worker, who worked all his life on programs that
provided day care, substance abuse counseling, and planned
parenthood services. That spirit is alive and well in his son
today.
The numerous awards and 13 Emmys Charles Kuralt holds are
9
but a small reward for what he has given to all the rest of us.
It's unfortunate that he was unable to attend today. We send him
our wishes for a very speedy recovery from surgery that he had
earlier this week, and we're glad that here to receive his award
is his daughter, Lisa Kuralt White. (Applause.)
David Macaulay has written several books detailing the
insides of complicated machines. He can even explain "the way
things work." (Laughter.) We could use him around here in the
next couple of weeks. (Laughter.) He has devoted his
professional life to the investigation of architecture and
mechanics. His books have helped children and adults alike to
understand the world's rich history of construction and
architecture.
Using detailed illustrations, his books help to unfold the
mysteries of both man and machine. David Macaulay's works serve
as a bridge between humankind's earliest attempts at building and
the most modern techniques of today. His painstaking efforts
have made knowledge and investigation more accessible to the rest
of us who could never have understood them on our own but who's
lives were richer and more enlightened and who's citizenship more
informed as a result of his work.
Mr. David Macaulay. (Applause.)
All of us know that history well-written and well-learned
can be a great teacher. It can demonstrate what we are capable
of at our best and what we may do wrong at our worst.
In his remarkable body of work, David McCullough has shown
us the true character of many of our country's most heroic
figures and many of its most important events and eras.
From his wonderfully successful and enlightening biography
on President Truman, to his look at the building of the Brooklyn
Bridge, to his work as the voice of the highly regarded PBS
series, "The American Experience, 11 David McCullough has given us
a window into the lives of outstanding Americans and important
events. His work emphasizes the value of history and our place
in it. Along with his research, he spends many hours working for
the preservation of historic sites, of public libraries and of
other institutions across America which enable us to preserve and
learn about our roots. We should never forget what David
McCullough has asked us to remember. And we should never forget
his incredible contribution in helping us to preserve that
memory.
Mr. David McCullough. (Applause.)
Bernice Johnson Reagon is perhaps best known as guiding
spirit and resonant alto voice of Sweet Honey in the Rock, the
10
famous a capella quintet she founded in 1973. Singing an
eclectic blend of gospel, jazz, folk and rhythm and blues, the
group has carried its message of world peace, women's rights and
racial harmony on tour throughout our nation and throughout the
world. If that were all she had done, Professor Reagon would be
worthy of this award. But her creative energy is truly
unlimited.
For nearly 35 years, she's helped to preserve, celebrate and
illuminate the rich heritage of African American music as a civil
right activist, as a singer-composer, an author, an historian, a
museum curator. Since 1993, she's been Distinguished Professor
of History at American University here in Washington. Her latest
contribution to public understanding of African American music is
the 26-part radio document, "Wade in the Water: African American
Sacred Music Traditions, " which aired beginning in 1994 on
National Public Radio stations nationwide. She is a messenger of
peace, and I am deeply honored that she is with us today.
Sweet Honey in the Rock, for those of you who haven't heard
it, is a truly inspiring experience, but the work of her life is
even more inspiring. (Applause.)
Let me thank again all the honorees and congratulate them.
Thank all of you for coming. Let me thank all the distinguished
saxophonists who came here to be with us today - - for their work.
(Applause.) Thank you all for your contributions and your
devotion to the American way of life.
God bless you all. Thank you. (Applause.)
11
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 5, 1995
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN TOAST AT ARTS AND HUMANITIES DINNER
State Dining Room
8:31 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Ladies and gentlemen, I want to welcome all
of you here, and say, again, to our honorees today how very much
Hillary and I enjoyed having all of you here and having the great
honor of presenting your awards to you.
Helen Hayes once said that, "We rely upon the poets, the
philosophers and the playwrights to articulate what most of us
can only feel in joy and in sorrow. They illuminate the thoughts
for which we only grope. They give us the strength and bond we
cannot find in ourselves. the wisdom of acceptance, the will and
resilience to move on."
Those words have special meaning today as America and,
indeed, our entire world work to find their way into a new era
an era in which people are dramatically changing the way they
work and live and relate to one another.
We must dare, as artists and poets do, to break free of the
past to create a better future rooted in the values that never
change. That is a great lesson our artists, our thinkers, our
scholars, our supporters and advocates of the arts and humanities
teach us. We thank you for your lives, your dedication. We
honor all of you.
In every period of change and upheaval, there is always
great new opportunity, and there is always a struggle between
those who are best positioned to receive that opportunity and
those who work, but aren't so well-positioned. I want to thank
tonight, especially, the National Endowment of the Arts and the
National Endowment of the Humanities because, in a world where
some fear we're moving to a winner-take-all society, you work SO
that all people can win in their access to the arts and
humanities. And that is a goal worth pursuing and worth
achieving.
I thank you all for your work, and again, I say on behalf of
the First Lady and the Vice President and Mrs. Gore, we're
honored to have our honorees here in the White House tonight, and
deeply grateful for your many contributions to America.
I'd like to propose a toast to the winners of the awards
today.
(A toast is offered.) (Applause.)
*****
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so very much. You were both
wonderful. You know, one of our awardees is over there in the
cowboy hat there, Mr. Monroe, sort of the founder of bluegrass
music. And I
could tell by looking at him that I am authorized on his behalf
to offer you a place in his next bluegrass band. (Laughter.)
We need somebody here who can play "Blue Moon Of Kentucky"
in A - - is there a volunteer? (Laughter.) Great, Bill, make
sure he does it right.
(Bill Monroe sings "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" and "God Bless
America" is sung by the crowd.)
THE PRESIDENT: Can I ask you all to give Mr. Zuckerman, and
our wonderful pianist a big hand? Weren't they terrific? Thank
you. You were wonderful. (Applause.) Let's give them a
wonderful hand. They were terrific. Please come back.
(Applause.) Come on up. Now, there is only one way we can end
this magnificent evening. Come on up. You were wonderful.
Thank you for being here. Thank you, Tuesday, for being here.
I think we should end - - I think Bob Hope should sing
"Thanks For The Memories." It's the only way you can end.
(Applause.)
(Mr. Hope sings "Thanks For The Memories, changing the
words.) (Laughter and applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: We want you all to join us out there for
dancing and more music, and maybe you can get the rest of them to
sing, if we're lucky. (Laughter.) Come on. Let's go out - -
everybody. Thanks, again, to everyone, and especially to our
wonderful musicians. Thank you, and good night.
END
10:06 P.M. EDT
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND FIRST LADY
IN VIDEOTAPED MESSAGE TO
THE NBC ROSE BOWL PARADE
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Liz, and Matt, and a special thanks
to everyone at NBC. We're looking forward to this year's
Tournament of Roses Parade, and we know it will be as spectacular
as ever.
As we embark on the new year, it's our sincere hope that all
Americans and our friends around the world will come together in
the spirit of peace and brotherhood. Together, we can make 1996 a
year filled with love and laughter and joy.
Happy New Year.
MRS. CLINTON: Happy New Year, everyone.
END
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND FIRST LADY
IN VIDEOTAPED MESSAGE TO
THE WALT DISNEY WORLD VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARADE
THE PRESIDENT: Happy holidays, and a very Merry Christmas to
all of you enjoying the Christmas Parade from Walt Disney World in
Florida.
Christmas is truly the most special time of year, a time to be
with friends and relatives, a time for remembrances and reunions.
And it's a time of year that brings us together as families,
communities and as a nation.
It's also a time to remember those Americans who are apart
from their families because they're serving our country overseas.
We thank all our troops for their service and send them our best
wishes and prayers this holiday season.
MRS. CLINTON: We are also thinking of the families of our
troops. We know how difficult it is to be separated from your
loved ones during this season. And we want you to know that our
prayers and best wishes are with you as well.
With the coming of the New Year, let's dedicate ourselves to
continuing the holiday feeling of caring and togetherness and
extend it to everyone in our neighborhood schools and communities.
Let's carry the hope, joy and goodwill of Christmas with us all
year long.
THE PRESIDENT: From our family to yours, we wish you a New
Year blessed with health, happiness and peace.
END
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND FIRST LADY
IN VIDEOTAPED CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
TO THE NATION
THE PRESIDENT: During this most special time of year,
Hillary and I would like to wish all of you good health, good cheer
and the fellowship of family and friends.
As we gather our families together around Christmas trees and
dinner tables, I want to send a special greeting of goodwill to the
brave men and women in uniform who are serving our country all
around the world, and especially to those who are spending this
holiday season in Bosnia.
Like the little child whose birth we celebrate at this time of
year, our troops are there on a mission of peace. There is no
higher calling. We join all Americans in praying for their success
and their safe return.
MRS. CLINTON: We also send our prayers and best wishes to the
families of those Americans who are serving, because we know how
difficult it is to be separated from loved ones at this time of the
year.
For Americans of all religious faiths, the holiday season
reminds us that the values we share far outweigh whatever
differences there are between us. The twinkle of a child's eye,
the joy of a grandmother's laughter, the love in the hearts of
mothers and fathers for their children, all these blessings are
unwrapped on Christmas morning.
THE PRESIDENT: It is our wish that the magic of this season
will continue to bring joy to you and your loved ones throughout
the New Year.
So Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may God bless you all.
END
3
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND FIRST LADY
IN VIDEOTAPED INTRODUCTION TO
BOB HOPE HOLIDAY VIDEO
FOR U.S. TROOPS EN ROUTE TO BOSNIA
THE PRESIDENT: Bob, I'm so pleased to join you and Dolores
and the all-American roster of talent you've assembled to wish our
troops Godspeed as they leave during this season of peace to help
peace take hold in Bosnia.
Bob, I understand that when Dolores heard that the men and
women of our Armed Forces would be going to Bosnia, she hid your
suitcase. Who can blame her.
As nearly every American knows, for half a century now, you
and Dolores have devoted your Christmas to entertaining our troops
around the world -- from Europe to the Far East, from North Africa
to Southeast Asia, from Russia to Latin America, from the Persian
Gulf to military bases and hospitals right here at home.
To paraphrase Winston Churchill: Never in the course of human
endeavor has one couple traveled so far so often to make so many so
very happy.
It is especially fitting that you have organized this holiday
greeting for our Bosnia-bound troops. The meeting area at Wright
Patterson Air Force Base outside Dayton, where the Balkan leaders
came together, is called the Bob Hope Conference Center. There,
with America's help and your inspiration, they turned from the
horror of war to the promise of peace.
Now, our troops are going to Bosnia to help that peace take
hold, to allow the people of Bosnia to enjoy the quiet blessings of
a normal life. For nearly four years, the war in Bosnia did
terrible violence to its people. And we knew we had to act to end
it. I'm proud that we did, and in this holiday season we see in
Bosnia not just the victims of war, but the faces of peace.
I am particularly proud of the men and women of our Armed
Forces who now bear the burden of peace. We ask so much of them - -
to travel far from home, to be apart from loved ones, to say
4
goodbye to their families at the very time of year when all across
America families are coming together. We ask all these things, and
every time they answer the call.
Bob Hope, you've been a witness to the service and sacrifice
of our troops for 50 years, and a comfort to them and their
families. You have truly made every holiday season a time of hope
for our soldiers, for the American people and for freedom-loving
people all around the world.
Now, as this generation of brave Americans brings hope to
Bosnia, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Bob Hope to them
and to say, on with the show.
END
5
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND FIRST LADY
IN VIDEOTAPED MESSAGE TO RESERVISTS
THE PRESIDENT: With the downsizing of our active military
force, now more than ever our nation's defense will depend upon the
readiness of our National Guard and Reserve.
The end of the Cold War has not meant the end of war, as some
had hoped. It is true that from the Middle East to Northern
Ireland, from South Africa to Haiti, and now in Bosnia, people are
moving from conflict to cooperation with America's help. But we
still face old problems that have taken on new and dangerous
dimensions, like ethnic and religious violence, and aggression by
rogue states. And no nation can ignore the increasingly
interconnected threats of terrorism, international organized crime,
drug trafficking, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
In this new world of challenge and change, we no longer think
of the Guard and Reserve as forces of last resort. Instead, we
recognize them as an indispensable part of our ability to defend
our nation from the very start of a conflict. And because the
Reserve forces play a major role in any military operation, we must
make sure they are properly trained and ready to deploy around the
world.
Reservist employees, both in the public and private sector,
have my complete support to accomplish their military missions. I
encourage all employers to offer the same support to their citizen
soldiers.
END
6