Thursday, April 28, 2011
A Boom in the 1980s
The "takeoff" period for answering machine occurred after 1984, when AT&T split up and customers finally had complete freedom to buy their own telephone equipment. At that point, answering machines began to sell more than 1,000,000 units per year, and their technology became standardized. In the 1990s, telephone companies began offering "voice mail" services (which had been available since at least the 1970s at the offices of IBM and some other companies). However, the sales of home answering machines remained high. The advent of the cell phone, which virtually demands some kind of voice mail system, has begun to create change. It seems likely that with the convergence of the Internet and telephony, stand-alone answering machines will most likely disappear.
A Phone-Mate 9750, circa late 1980s.
(End)
Morton Downey Jr.
Morton Downey, Jr.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the talk show host. For his father and singer, see Morton Downey.
For the trader/author of Oil 101, see Morgan Downey.
Morton Downey, Jr. (December 9, 1932 — March 12, 2001) was an American singer, songwriter
and later a television talk show host of the 1980s who pioneered the "trash TV" format.[1]
and later a television talk show host of the 1980s who pioneered the "trash TV" format.[1]
American film company Ironbound Films is producing a biopic about Downey entitled
Évocateur, scheduled for release in 2011.[2]
Évocateur, scheduled for release in 2011.[2]
Contents[hide] |
Career
Downey attended New York University. He was a program director and announcer at a radio station in Connecticut in
the 1950s, and later worked in various markets around the U.S., including Phoenix (KRIZ), Miami (WFUN) and Seattle (KJR).
Downey, whose father had been a popular singer, soon followed him into the music business. He sang on a few records and
then began to write songs, several of which were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. He joined ASCAP as a result.[citation needed]
the 1950s, and later worked in various markets around the U.S., including Phoenix (KRIZ), Miami (WFUN) and Seattle (KJR).
Downey, whose father had been a popular singer, soon followed him into the music business. He sang on a few records and
then began to write songs, several of which were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. He joined ASCAP as a result.[citation needed]
In the 1980s, Downey was a talk show host at KFBK-AM in Sacramento, California,[3] where he established his abrasive
and much imitated right wing, populist style, relentlessly deriding anyone who disagreed with him or had a liberal point
of view. Downey's success laid the groundwork for more aggressive, opinion-based talk radio.
and much imitated right wing, populist style, relentlessly deriding anyone who disagreed with him or had a liberal point
of view. Downey's success laid the groundwork for more aggressive, opinion-based talk radio.
Downey was fired in 1983 for cracking "an ethnic joke about a member of the city council out there who was of Asian
descent, and he refused to apologize [for it];"[4] he was replaced on KFBK by Rush Limbaugh, who has held the time
slot ever since, later via his national syndication. Downey also had a stint on WMAQ-AM in Chicago where he
unsuccessfully tried to get other on air radio personalities to submit to drug testing.[citation needed] Downey's largest
effect on American culture came from his popular, yet short-lived, syndicated late 1980s television talk show,
The Morton Downey Jr Show.[1]
descent, and he refused to apologize [for it];"[4] he was replaced on KFBK by Rush Limbaugh, who has held the time
slot ever since, later via his national syndication. Downey also had a stint on WMAQ-AM in Chicago where he
unsuccessfully tried to get other on air radio personalities to submit to drug testing.[citation needed] Downey's largest
effect on American culture came from his popular, yet short-lived, syndicated late 1980s television talk show,
The Morton Downey Jr Show.[1]
Television
Downey headed to Secaucus, New Jersey, where his highly controversial television program The Morton Downey Jr. Show
was taped. Starting as a local program on New York-New Jersey superstation WWOR in the fall of 1987, it later expanded
into national syndication in early 1988. The program featured screaming matches among Downey, his guests, and audience
members. Using a large silver bowl for an ashtray, he would chainsmoke during the show and blow smoke in his guests'
faces. Downey's fans became known as "Loudmouths", patterned after the studio lecterns decorated with gaping cartoon
mouths, from which Downey's guests would go head-to-head against each other on their respective issues.[citation needed]
was taped. Starting as a local program on New York-New Jersey superstation WWOR in the fall of 1987, it later expanded
into national syndication in early 1988. The program featured screaming matches among Downey, his guests, and audience
members. Using a large silver bowl for an ashtray, he would chainsmoke during the show and blow smoke in his guests'
faces. Downey's fans became known as "Loudmouths", patterned after the studio lecterns decorated with gaping cartoon
mouths, from which Downey's guests would go head-to-head against each other on their respective issues.[citation needed]
Downey's signature phrases "pablum puking liberal" (in reference to left-liberals) and "zip it!" briefly enjoyed some
popularity in the contemporary vernacular. He particularly enjoyed making his guests angry with each other, which on
a few occasions resulted in physical confrontations.[1] One that occurred on a 1988 show taped at the Apollo Theater,
involving Al Sharpton and CORE National Chairman Roy Innis. The exchange between the two men culminated in Innis
shoving Sharpton into his chair, knocking him to the floor and Downey intervening to separate the pair.[citation needed]
popularity in the contemporary vernacular. He particularly enjoyed making his guests angry with each other, which on
a few occasions resulted in physical confrontations.[1] One that occurred on a 1988 show taped at the Apollo Theater,
involving Al Sharpton and CORE National Chairman Roy Innis. The exchange between the two men culminated in Innis
shoving Sharpton into his chair, knocking him to the floor and Downey intervening to separate the pair.[citation needed]
Due to the controversial format and content of the show, distributor MCA Television had problems selling the show to a
number of stations and advertisers due to Downey's antics and the show's overall content. Even Downey's affiliates, many
of which were low-rated independent television stations in small to medium markets, were so fearful of advertiser and viewer
backlash that they would air one or even two local disclaimers during the broadcast.[citation needed]
number of stations and advertisers due to Downey's antics and the show's overall content. Even Downey's affiliates, many
of which were low-rated independent television stations in small to medium markets, were so fearful of advertiser and viewer
backlash that they would air one or even two local disclaimers during the broadcast.[citation needed]
During one controversial episode Downey introduced his gay brother, Tony Downey, to his studio audience and informed
them Tony was HIV positive. During the episode Downey stated he was afraid his audience would abandon him if they knew
he had a gay brother, but then said he did not care.[5]
them Tony was HIV positive. During the episode Downey stated he was afraid his audience would abandon him if they knew
he had a gay brother, but then said he did not care.[5]
The Washington Post wrote about him, "Suppose a maniac got hold of a talk show. Or need we suppose?" David Letterman
said, "I'm always amazed at what people will fall for. We see this every 10 or 12 years, an attempt at this, and I guess from t
hat standpoint I don't quite understand why everybody's falling over backwards over the guy."[6]
said, "I'm always amazed at what people will fall for. We see this every 10 or 12 years, an attempt at this, and I guess from t
hat standpoint I don't quite understand why everybody's falling over backwards over the guy."[6]
The success of the show made Downey a pop culture celebrity, leading to an appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1988
,[7] WrestleMania V in 1989 in which he traded insults with Roddy Piper and Brother Love on Piper's Pit, and later roles
in movies such as Predator 2 and Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation.[1] He was also cast in several television
roles, often playing tabloid TV hosts or other obnoxious media types.[1]
,[7] WrestleMania V in 1989 in which he traded insults with Roddy Piper and Brother Love on Piper's Pit, and later roles
in movies such as Predator 2 and Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation.[1] He was also cast in several television
roles, often playing tabloid TV hosts or other obnoxious media types.[1]
Unfortunately, after making a strong initial splash, ratings for the series began to decline during the 1988-89 season,
resulting in many markets downgrading its time slot; even flagship station WWOR moved Downey's program from its
original 9:00 PM slot to 11:30 PM in January of 1989, where it was followed by the then-new Arsenio Hall Show. However,
following Hall's strong early ratings, the two series swapped time slots several weeks later, thus relegating Downey to
12:30 AM in the number-onetelevision market. That summer, his show was cancelled, by which time it was only airing on
a total of 30 stations across the country (including WPHL in Philadelphia), and its advertisers had been reduced primarily
to "direct-response" ads (such as 900 chat line and phone sex
numbers).[8]
resulting in many markets downgrading its time slot; even flagship station WWOR moved Downey's program from its
original 9:00 PM slot to 11:30 PM in January of 1989, where it was followed by the then-new Arsenio Hall Show. However,
following Hall's strong early ratings, the two series swapped time slots several weeks later, thus relegating Downey to
12:30 AM in the number-onetelevision market. That summer, his show was cancelled, by which time it was only airing on
a total of 30 stations across the country (including WPHL in Philadelphia), and its advertisers had been reduced primarily
to "direct-response" ads (such as 900 chat line and phone sex
numbers).[8]
Later career
In 1990, Downey resurfaced on CNBC with an interview program called Showdown, which was followed by three
attempted talk radio comebacks: first in 1992 onWashington, D.C. radio station WWRC; then in 1993 on Dallas
radio station KGBS, where he would scream insults at his callers.[9] He was also hired as the station's VP of Operations.[3]
The following year he returned to CNBC with a short-lived television show, Downey, that was similar in theme to his
earlier, more popular show.[10] In one episode, Downey claimed to have had a psychic communication with O.J. Simpson's
murdered ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson.[11]
attempted talk radio comebacks: first in 1992 onWashington, D.C. radio station WWRC; then in 1993 on Dallas
radio station KGBS, where he would scream insults at his callers.[9] He was also hired as the station's VP of Operations.[3]
The following year he returned to CNBC with a short-lived television show, Downey, that was similar in theme to his
earlier, more popular show.[10] In one episode, Downey claimed to have had a psychic communication with O.J. Simpson's
murdered ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson.[11]
His third - and final - attempt at a talk radio comeback occurred in 1997 on Cleveland radio station WTAM in a late evening
time slot.[12] It marked his return to the Cleveland market, where Downey had been a host for crosstown radio station WERE
in the early 1980s prior to joining KFBK.[13] This stint came shortly after the surgery for lung cancer that removed one of his lungs.
time slot.[12] It marked his return to the Cleveland market, where Downey had been a host for crosstown radio station WERE
in the early 1980s prior to joining KFBK.[13] This stint came shortly after the surgery for lung cancer that removed one of his lungs.
On August 30, 1997, Downey quit his WTAM radio talk show to focus on pursuing legal action against Howard Stern.
Downey had accused Stern of spreading rumors that he resumed his smoking habits, to which publicist Les Schecter
retorted, "He hasn't picked up a cigarette."[14] His replacement was former WERE host Rick Gilmour.[15]
Downey had accused Stern of spreading rumors that he resumed his smoking habits, to which publicist Les Schecter
retorted, "He hasn't picked up a cigarette."[14] His replacement was former WERE host Rick Gilmour.[15]
Like his father, Downey pursued a career in music, recording in both pop and country styles. One song, "Green Eyed Girl"
charted on Billboard Magazine country chart, peaking at #95 in 1981. In 1958, he recorded "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams",
which he sang on national television on a set that resembled a dark street with one street light. After the success of his
talk show, Downey returned to the recording studio to cut an album of songs based on his show, entitled Morton Downey
Jr Sings. The album's only single, "Zip It!" (a catch-phrase from the TV show, used to quiet an irate guest), became
a surprise hit on some college radio stations.
charted on Billboard Magazine country chart, peaking at #95 in 1981. In 1958, he recorded "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams",
which he sang on national television on a set that resembled a dark street with one street light. After the success of his
talk show, Downey returned to the recording studio to cut an album of songs based on his show, entitled Morton Downey
Jr Sings. The album's only single, "Zip It!" (a catch-phrase from the TV show, used to quiet an irate guest), became
a surprise hit on some college radio stations.
Following his death, news reports and obituaries incorrectly (according to the Orange County Register)[16] credited
him as the composer of "Wipe Out."[17] As of 2008, Downey's official website (and others) continue to make this claim.[18]
him as the composer of "Wipe Out."[17] As of 2008, Downey's official website (and others) continue to make this claim.[18]
Controversies
In 1984, at KFBK radio, Downey used the word "Chinaman" while telling a joke.[19] His use of the word upset portions
of the sizable Asian community in Sacramento. One Asian-American city councilman called for an apology and pressured
the station for Downey's resignation. Downey refused to apologize and was forced to resign, with Rush Limbaugh taking his place.[20]
of the sizable Asian community in Sacramento. One Asian-American city councilman called for an apology and pressured
the station for Downey's resignation. Downey refused to apologize and was forced to resign, with Rush Limbaugh taking his place.[20]
In 1989, as fascination with Downey's TV show began to wane, he was involved in an incident in a San Francisco
International Airport restroom in which he claimed to have been attacked by neo-Nazis who painted a swastika
on his face and attempted to shave his head. Some inconsistencies in Downey's account (e.g., the swastika was
painted in reverse, suggesting that Downey had drawn it himself in a mirror), and the failure of the police to find
supportive evidence, led many to suspect that the incident was a hoax and a plea for attention.[11][17] A few months
later, the show was cancelled.[11]
International Airport restroom in which he claimed to have been attacked by neo-Nazis who painted a swastika
on his face and attempted to shave his head. Some inconsistencies in Downey's account (e.g., the swastika was
painted in reverse, suggesting that Downey had drawn it himself in a mirror), and the failure of the police to find
supportive evidence, led many to suspect that the incident was a hoax and a plea for attention.[11][17] A few months
later, the show was cancelled.[11]
Downey was sued for allegedly appropriating the words and music to his theme song from two songwriters.[21]
He was sued for $40 million after bringing a stripper onto the show and calling her a "slut", a "pig", a "hooker",
and a "tramp", claiming that she had venereal diseases, and banging his pelvis against hers.[22]
He was sued for $40 million after bringing a stripper onto the show and calling her a "slut", a "pig", a "hooker",
and a "tramp", claiming that she had venereal diseases, and banging his pelvis against hers.[22]
At one point, he was arraigned on criminal charges for allegedly attacking a gay guest on his show, in a never-aired
segment.[23] In another lawsuit, he was accused of slandering a newscaster (a former colleague), and of
indecently exposing himself to her and slapping her.[24] Downey punched Stuttering John during an interview
done forThe Howard Stern Show.[25]
segment.[23] In another lawsuit, he was accused of slandering a newscaster (a former colleague), and of
indecently exposing himself to her and slapping her.[24] Downey punched Stuttering John during an interview
done forThe Howard Stern Show.[25]
In various interviews, he expressed remorse for some of the extreme theatrics of his TV show, saying he had
taken things too far. He added that he had been a "bastard."[17] However, he also claimed that his show was
of a higher quality and not as "sleazy" as Jerry Springer's.[11]
taken things too far. He added that he had been a "bastard."[17] However, he also claimed that his show was
of a higher quality and not as "sleazy" as Jerry Springer's.[11]
Personal life
Morton Downey Jr's parents were also in show business; his father, Morton Downey, was a popular singer,
and his mother, Barbara Bennett, was a singer and dancer. His aunts included Hollywood film stars Constance
and Joan Bennett, from whom he was estranged, and his maternal grandfather was the celebrated matinée idol
Richard Bennett. Born into a life of luxury, he was raised next door to the Kennedy compound at
Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.[11] He is not related to actor Robert Downey, Jr or to journalist Leonard Downie, Jr..
and his mother, Barbara Bennett, was a singer and dancer. His aunts included Hollywood film stars Constance
and Joan Bennett, from whom he was estranged, and his maternal grandfather was the celebrated matinée idol
Richard Bennett. Born into a life of luxury, he was raised next door to the Kennedy compound at
Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.[11] He is not related to actor Robert Downey, Jr or to journalist Leonard Downie, Jr..
Downey was married four times and had four children from three of those marriages.[11] With wife Helen
he had Melissa, with Joan he had daughters Tracey and Kelli, and with fourth wife and widow Lori he had
a daughter. He and Lori met when she appeared as a dancer in a show he attended in Atlantic City.[1]
he had Melissa, with Joan he had daughters Tracey and Kelli, and with fourth wife and widow Lori he had
a daughter. He and Lori met when she appeared as a dancer in a show he attended in Atlantic City.[1]
According to Terry Pluto's book, Loose Balls, Downey was one of the owners of the New Orleans Buccaneers
basketball team in the American Basketball Association in the late 1960s.
basketball team in the American Basketball Association in the late 1960s.
In the Super Mario Bros. video game series, the character, Morton Koopa, Jr. was named after him.[citation needed]
Death
In 1996, Downey was diagnosed with lung cancer and had one of his lungs removed. He did a complete
about-face on the issue of tobacco use, going from a one-time member of the National Smokers Alliance to
a staunch anti-smoking activist. He continued to speak against smoking until his death from lung cancer in 2001.[26]
about-face on the issue of tobacco use, going from a one-time member of the National Smokers Alliance to
a staunch anti-smoking activist. He continued to speak against smoking until his death from lung cancer in 2001.[26]
After being diagnosed with lung cancer, he commented, "I had spawned a generation of kids to think it was
cool to smoke a cigarette. Kids walked up to me until a matter of weeks ago, they'd have a cigarette in their
hand and they'd say, 'Hey, Mort,' or, 'Hey, Mouth, autograph my cigarette.' And I'd do it."[1] He also blamed
tobacco companies for lying to consumers about cigarettes.[1]
cool to smoke a cigarette. Kids walked up to me until a matter of weeks ago, they'd have a cigarette in their
hand and they'd say, 'Hey, Mort,' or, 'Hey, Mouth, autograph my cigarette.' And I'd do it."[1] He also blamed
tobacco companies for lying to consumers about cigarettes.[1]
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