'Howdy Doody Show' Writer Edward Kean 1924-2010 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 08-23-2010, 01:19 PM

Link

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A family friend says "Howdy Doody Show" writer Edward Kean has died at the age of 85.

Kean was the primary writer for the show and penned the theme song to which millions of American children sang along each week during the show's run on NBC from 1947 to 1960.

Family friend Del Reddy said Monday that Kean died Aug. 13 at a nursing care facility in Oakland County's West Bloomfield Township from complications of emphysema.

Reddy says the New York City native wrote the song "It's Howdy Doody Time," which was sung during the show's opening.

Kean is credited with creating the exclamation, "kowabunga," made popular by one of the show's characters and borrowed by Bart Simpson, the animated problem child on the long-running comedy "The Simpsons."

catlover79 · 08-23-2010, 04:22 PM

Marvo301 · 08-23-2010, 04:25 PM

Edward Kean

Doodyville10019 · 08-23-2010, 09:04 PM

Eddie Kean, and (from one soul who just missed the final train going there) thank you for making Doodyville the special, wonderful fantastic place it was (and still is) for millions of lives. You will be greatly missed.

TV Knowledge Fan · 08-24-2010, 02:24 AM

...was the primary author of all the "Howdy Doody" scripts, as well as its lyricist, and author of the various comic books and hardcover books involving Howdy from 1948 through '55. After he left, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert became the new head writers, continuing with the series until it ended in 1960 {they later wrote the book for the Broadway musical, "How To Succed In Business Without Really Trying"}. But Kean was the "architect" of everything that took place in "Doodyville".....and he did it five days a week, with very little time off. One of the most prolific writers ever involved in television....what a talent!

08-23-2010, 01:19 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,339	'Howdy Doody Show' Writer Edward Kean 1924-2010 Link WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A family friend says "Howdy Doody Show" writer Edward Kean has died at the age of 85. Kean was the primary writer for the show and penned the theme song to which millions of American children sang along each week during the show's run on NBC from 1947 to 1960. Family friend Del Reddy said Monday that Kean died Aug. 13 at a nursing care facility in Oakland County's West Bloomfield Township from complications of emphysema. Reddy says the New York City native wrote the song "It's Howdy Doody Time," which was sung during the show's opening. Kean is credited with creating the exclamation, "kowabunga," made popular by one of the show's characters and borrowed by Bart Simpson, the animated problem child on the long-running comedy "The Simpsons."
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

08-23-2010, 04:22 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

08-23-2010, 04:25 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,452	Edward Kean
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

08-23-2010, 09:04 PM	#4
Doodyville10019 Meet my new friend Sparkie! Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 08, 2008 Location: Competition Square, located in Doodyville Park Posts: 877	Eddie Kean, and (from one soul who just missed the final train going there) thank you for making Doodyville the special, wonderful fantastic place it was (and still is) for millions of lives. You will be greatly missed.
	__________________ Hi! Hey! Hello again, here we go again!

08-24-2010, 02:24 AM	#5
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	Edward Kean.... ...was the primary author of all the "Howdy Doody" scripts, as well as its lyricist, and author of the various comic books and hardcover books involving Howdy from 1948 through '55. After he left, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert became the new head writers, continuing with the series until it ended in 1960 {they later wrote the book for the Broadway musical, "How To Succed In Business Without Really Trying"}. But Kean was the "architect" of everything that took place in "Doodyville".....and he did it five days a week, with very little time off. One of the most prolific writers ever involved in television....what a talent!