Credit Encyclopedia of Arkansas
Steve Stephens, a golden-throated voice talent who made the transition from radio to TV in the 1950’s, has passed away at the age of 90. Stephens was a pioneer in early television in Arkansas and later became an influential public relations professional working for himself and later Stephens Inc.
He was a decorated Marine for his service in Korea and attained the rank of sergeant.
Stephens grew up in Newport, Arkansas and got his career start at a local radio station. His timing was impeccable as his broadcasting opportunities coincided with the new medium of television and the rise of rock-and-roll. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Stephens got his break when he traveled to Little Rock with a popular band led by Sonny Burgess. The introductions made during that visit in 1957 led station KTHV to offer Stephens a job hosting an afternoon “dance party” show where local teenagers would come dance to the music that was sweeping the natio
Steve Stephens of Arkansas TV fame dies at 90
Steve Stephens of Arkansas TV fame dies at 90
STEVE STEPHENS: In 2014 photo from his Facebook page.
Steve Stephens, still remembered for a popular local 1950s TV show and whose career included work in investments and a long-running series on Arkansas historical figures, died Friday. He was 90.
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The Encyclopedia of Arkansas, which recorded his death, has a full account of Stephens’ life. The Newport native, born Rufus James Stephens, was a Marine veteran of Korea and began his communications career as a radio announcer. Then came TV:
Stephens was asked to host a television “dance party,” six months prior to the national launching of the ABC television program,
Gearhart: What was in Trump’s letter to Biden?
It’s a long-standing tradition: the outgoing president leaves a letter in the Oval Office for their successor. It started with Ronald Reagan when he left a letter for George H.W. Bush in 1989.
Donald Trump kept up the tradition and left a message for Joe Biden despite Trump’s refusal to communicate or welcome the Bidens to the White House during the last months of his administration.
Biden described the letter as “very generous” but would not reveal its contents. Jim Gearhart wondered just what was in that letter during the latest weekly Jim Gearhart podcast and Facebook Live show, presented every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook.com/NJ1015.
Comic John McClellan to play Foxwoods
Updated Jan 18, 2021;
Comic John McClellan appears at the Mashantucket, Conn., casinoon Saturday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m.
There is no cover for the event but attendees are encouraged to reserve a table at the socially-distanced performance through foxwoods.com.
McClellan might be recognized by some for his appearance in season 4 of Bravo TV’s “Millionaire Matchmaker.”
He is a grand prizewinner of The Seattle International Comedy Competition and was a featured performer at the Pensacola Comedy Festival.
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Like many men, I have been accused of having a selective memory. If put to a jury of my peers, I fear I would be convicted, though I donât believe I have any control over it.
I am able to remember things that have made an impression somewhere in the deep recesses of my brain. If, for whatever reason, something didnât stand out as important to me, chances are I donât remember it. Itâs not something thatâs necessarily intentional, itâs just the way Iâm wired.
I wish I had a memory like my good friend Judge John McClellan.