Clay Cole - Sh-Boom!: The Explosion of Rock ’n’ Roll (1953-1968)

Back in the day, everybody in New York watched Clay Cole.
Frankie Valli

Clay Cole. Saturday Night. Rock n Roll. New York City. Glued to the tube. I should know; I was there.

Dion

Thanks for all the wonderful and warm memories. You lit up our Saturday nights and then every other night. You didnt know it, but I had a secret crush on you. (Dont tell that to the National Enquirer.) With admiration and affection,

Connie Francis

I was always jealous of that head of hair and your tall, skinny body! Otherwise, good memories of your TV show and the Brooklyn Paramount.

Neil Sedaka

I remember watching and loving the Clay Cole Show with my girlfriends and talking about what a cool and handsome guy he was. Todays young ladies would call him a hunk.

Gloria Gaynor

Clay Cole is an unsung hero far too long; He is a true friend to all of us.

Anthony Gourdine (Little Anthony & the Imperials)

When we came to America we were told we should do Ed Sullivan and Clay Cole. Trouble is we didnt know which was which. So we did Clay and then Ed came through!

Peter Noone (Hermans Hermits)

What made the Clay Cole Show so special was Clay Cole. Clay was talented, personable, professional and fun! His personal interest in presenting the artist in the best possible light made it a great show to do.

Johnny Tillotson

Clay gave me my very first shot on TV and I will be forever grateful. Clay is a legend in music television and should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Thank you Clay; you rock!

Ron Dante (Archies, Cuff Links, Detergents)

The Clay Cole Show was so much more than a Saturday night TV dance party. It was a New York City family a family with talent, kindness and charisma that came from our friend Clay. Linda Scott, Annette, Tony Orlando, Little Anthony and Lesley Gore were all lucky to have hits and were proud and excited to perform with the Rock and Roll Ringmaster, Clay Cole!

Lou Christie

My experience with Clay was always delightful; hes in my good golden memory bank. He is also a great, big talent.

Bob Crewe

Re-connecting with Clay Cole via his delightful website brought back a carload of happy memories. One of the best television rock n roll hosts in the 50s & 60. Clay was loved by the press and adored by the thousands of fans that flocked to all his venues. So lets all twist again, and bring back all the fun.

Ira Howard, Editor, Cashbox Magazine (1952-1965)

Clay Cole is about the best television personality that I ever had the pleasure of working with; still today he is one of the coolest people that I know.

Tommy DeVito (The Four Seasons)

I found Clay to be one of the most talented men in the business and also one of the nicest. Talent is usually a given; being nice is an option. With Clay Cole you get the feeling its a given. I was fortunate to be asked to appear on his TV show several times and always found him to be gracious and supportive. So what else can be said about Clay Cole? Well, what else can be said about a legend?

Ed Rambeau (formerly known as Eddie Rambeau)

What I remember most about the Clay Cole show was that it was a fun show to do because of Clay. So, congratulations Clay on your 100 years in the biz!

Paul Evans

Clay Cole is our missing link to the Sixties.

Charles Massi

I get the biggest kick watching our old movies on TCM. I saw you just last month and started laughing with joy remembering all the good times we shared tripping around New York City like a whirlwind. I never forgot how talented and witty you were, that wry sense of humor like myself. It seems like only yesterday.

Linda Scott

I was only five when I appeared on the Clay Cole Christmas Show you cant help but notice that Clay was as enthusiastic when introducing new up-and-coming artists as he was introducing established stars like Simon & Garfunkel and George Carlin. Im still very grateful; he was a champion to so many. Th ose shows were absolutely a highlight

Deb Ferrara

I had always hated the Little in front of my name, but I remember vividly being on the Clay Cole Show, blowing out the candles on my birthday cake, celebrating 16 years the Little was officially crossed out. Clay was always very sweet to me.

Peggy March

Thank you for keeping our memories alive. I remember you as a very young handsome dude. You were so full of energy and enthusiastic who really loved the music. May God Bless you, and keep on rockin.

Carl Gardner (The Coasters)

Its been said by everyone. I just wanted to add my name to the list of all the people whose careers you have launched. My days on your show at WPIX were a highlight for me. I had the most fun being with you and our little regular cast: the Del Satins, Angela Martin and Chuck McCann. The show was funny and creative because we had you to come up with the most unique segments.

Tracey Dey

I was lucky enough to be on The Clay Cole Show many times and we had such fun. There will never be another Clay Cole and I would love to see him get the credit he deserves for all the talent he has discovered. Clay is a living legend.

Vicki Spencer

Clay. Think and walk tall; you are.

Jerry Lewis

SH-BOOM!
The Explosion of Rock N Roll (1953-1968)

Copyright 2009 Clay Cole. All rights reserved.

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ISBN 978-1-60037-638-2 (pb)
ISBN 978-1-60037-639-9 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009927682

Cover design: Rachel Lopez