Curt Massey
American musician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Curt Massey (May 3, 1910 – October 21, 1991)[1] was a musician in the old-time radio era.
Curt Massey | |
|---|---|
Curt Massey, c. 1945 | |
| Born | Curt Massey May 3, 1910 |
| Died | October 21, 1991 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Spouse | Edythe |
| Children | 2 |
Early years
Massey was born in Midland, Texas.[1] He came from a musical family, the best known of whom was probably Louise Massey, a country and western singer. Their father was Henry Massey.[2] As a youngster, he studied violin, trumpet, cornet, and piano.[3] He went on to study music at the Horner Conservatory of Music in Kansas City.[4]
Curt played violin for the family's musical group, Louise Massey and the Westerners.[1]
Radio
Massey had two self-titled music-variety programs. Curt Massey Time was on CBS beginning in 1943;[5] The Curt Massey Show was on ABC beginning in 1949. The latter co-starred Martha Tilton and was sometimes billed as The Curt Massey and Martha Tilton Show or as Alka-Seltzer Time.[6]
Other programs on which Massey was featured included Nash-Kelvinator's Musical Hits,[7] Sheaffer World Parade,[8] Romance in Rhythm,[9] Twilight Trail,[10] The Friday Night Show,[11] The Andrews Sisters Program,[6]: 33 Avalon Time,[6]: 43 KMBC Brush Creek Follies,[6]: 101 Holiday for Music,[6]: 312 Plantation Jubilee,[6]: 525 and Plantation Party.[12] On January 2, 1956, Massey debuted on KNX radio in Los Angeles with a 25-minute weeknight program. It lasted three months.[13]
In some cases, Massey arranged music for programs in addition to singing and playing instruments.[14]
Television
In October 1956, Massey began a Monday-Thursday program on KRCA-TV in Los Angeles, California. The 6:15 p.m. (Pacific Time) program also featured Martha Tilton and Country Washburn and was broadcast in color at least during Summer 1959.[15] Massey also wrote and sang the theme song for the television series Petticoat Junction.[16]
Recognition
In 1961, Massey received an Emmy Award "for his career in radio and television."[16]
Personal life
Massey and his wife, Edythe, had two sons, Stephen and David.[4]
Death
Massey died October 21, 1991, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 81.[3]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | The Hills of Old Wyomin' | Himself as a Westerners Band Member | Short film directed by Dave Fleischer. |
| 1937 | Twilight on the Trail | Himself as a Member of The Westerners Band |
|
| 1938 | Love Goes West | Himself as a Member of The Westerners Band |
|
| Where the Buffalo Roam | Fiddle Player |
| |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | The Beverly Hillbillies | Violinist | Episode: "The Garden Party" (S 2:Ep 11) |
| 1971 | Officer Massey | Episode: "Jethro Returns" (S 9:Ep 24) | |
Screenplay credits
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Petticoat Junction | Episode: "Kate Grounds Selma Plout" (S 4:Ep 7) |
Television composer credits
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1963–70 | Petticoat Junction | 199 episodes |
| 1964–71 | The Beverly Hillbillies | 222 episodes |
Soundtrack credits
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | The Hills of Old Wyomin' | Member of The Westerners Band | |
| 1937 | Twilight on the Trail | Member of The Westerners Band | |
| 1944 | Swing in the Saddle | Writer |
|
| 1948 | The Strawberry Roan | The Angel Song (When the Angels turn the lights on in Heaven) | |
Partial discography
References
External links
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