New Pittsburgh Courier from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 13

EVERYONE IS UP in arms over the CBS TV Network's dropping "THE LESLIE UGGAMS SHOW." As a result, irate viewers have flooded my desk with letters voicing their disapproval. Nine out of ten are of the opinion that it was Leslie's color and not just poor ratings that brought about the early cancellation. Most feel that if Leslie were whit instead of black the network would have strung along awhile longer, perhaps changing the time and day of the show to another hour. IT IS A matter of course that none of the networks will carry along a Hack star whose ratings aren't high. A black entertainer or actor must be a "super star" and then it is questionable as to how iong their show will last if it isn't up in the top 10 or 20, rating wise.

SAMMY DAVIS one of the world'i greatest if not THE greatest entertainer is a perfect example, of what I mean. GETTING BACK TO the letters. One viewer pointed out something to substantiate the color theory. She said that although the "DORIS DAY SHOW faired very poorly when it first went on the air, the network stuck with it until it was more firmly settled. "Of course Miss Day is white," the letter writer stated.

"WHAT DO THEY (I guess meaning the network) want?" a Mrs. Ann Jones of New York writes. "While I in absolute truth cannot say that Leslie's show was the best on the air, it is 10 times better than the one that they are replacing her show with." Mrs. Jones goes on to say: "Leslie is pretty to look at, sings with style and class, and surrounded herself with a group of talented performers. It has to be her color." OF COURSE ONE must point out that not all black people are admirers of Leslie.

A writer who requested that her name be withheld, said she did not care for Leslie because she tried to act like she was white. "With the exception of that 'family' of hers who were real stereotypes of what white folks want us to be like, she never had but few blacks, I mean real blacks that all of us could be proud of. Leslie was aways hugging and kissing some 'whitey'." "THE BEST THING about Leslie's show was the 'SUGAR HILL' skit," writes Don Jackson of Detroit. "My only criticism was that the skits were too short. They could have extended longer.

In fact, it would have been better if Leslie had opened the show, singing three or four numbers; presented the family skit, then closed with more songs. She could have added guests to the skit for added interest." JAMES ANDERSON FROM Washington, D. had still another idea about the show. "Instead of taking Leslie's show off the air, why didn't they move it from the Sunday night time slot, change the entire format and build the show around the "SUGAR HILL FAMILY." They could have made it a real comedy sketch and if an hour was too long, cut it ni half. They certainly had the right talent to build a half hour comedy show." THE ABOVE WAS just a sample of the letters that I have received.

While it is nice to let me know how you feel about the dropping of Leslie's show, how many took the trouble to let the CBS TV Network or the show's sponsors know how you feel. If those of you who write now to say how much you enjoyed Leslie's show had taken the time to drop a letter to the network to voice your approval when her show first went on the air, perhaps it would still be running. THE ONLY WAY a sponsor or network knows the drawing power of a show is through the special rating service or from letters received from viewers. That is something that I have been trying to get across for the longest time. If you like a show or the nerformance of an ftnr.

increr nr banner lot Vis ill i in i V' "'4 ON NET JOURNAL Whitney Young, (left), executive director of the Urban League is shown chatting with conservative spokesman and magazine editor i I rT 4 YOA INTERIEW Meredith Young, radio correspondent in Pittsburgh for the Voice of America (VOA), is shown during an interview with Charles Mayne of Cape TAPED MESSAGES 11,. COXGRATl'LATLNG AUTHOR Scores of celebrities turned out to congratulate Phyl Garland, New York Editor of Ebony Magazine, on the publication of her pew book, "The Sound Of Soul." Among those attending the party in her honor at the Spindlctop and hosted by the fell Mil 'l ill i i 1 1 i A 4, liam F. Buckley in the latter's Manhattan apartment. The scene was from a recent NET Journal featuring film essays on America as seen by Buckley. I tenaing colleges ana universi cai iasnion usea Dy nis counties in the Pittsburgh district, trymen from West Africa.

personally wished their fami i 1 lies at home a "Merry Christ 1 was interviewed for the mass" recently without even Yoiee of America by Meredith e. xi. i.xx x. xJnirkin.T th nW Young, radio correspondent in miuw. ou gex, viiose letters in to ine 1 i Pittsburgh for the "Voice." His proper authorities.

i Charles Mayne of Cape Coast, taped holiday greetings and comments about Pittsburgh i A v. ll til "JULIA'S" THREE STARS The three regular stars of the "Julia" comedy series are shown in a scene from the episode "Temper Also Fngits" which will be colorcast on the NBC TV Network a Dec. 30 (8:30 9 P.M. EST). Diahann Carroll has the title role of Julia, Lurene utile portrays nurse Hannah Yarby, and Lloyd Nolan, Dr.

Chegley. will be heard by his parents in Ghana over a West African sta 1 tion. They are to be notified in I advance to be certain they; I won't miss hearing him. "The weather this time of; in Pittsburgh keeps me! 'indoors," Mayne told his par ents in the interview. "My; blood is still thin from the cold er weather here than at home.

It doesn't bother those who are accustomed to it as much as it does me." Mayne, who will have been I in Pittsburgh two years in Jan i uary, was interviewed by the Voice of America in the con ference room of the Institute of African Affairs at Duquesne University. An appropriate place for the interview was chosen since Mr. Mayne selected Pittsburgh as a place to attend school due to the influence of a priest in Ghana who is a I Duquesne graduate. Meredith Young is also inter 'viewing West African students; Pittsburgh's other college i and university campuses. "Of course, we have Santa Claus in Ghana," reported Mr.

Mayne. who seemed somewhat surprised at the thought that they might Santa's costume is of thinnier material than in the Unite i States." i MX Henry Regenery Publishing and StaxVolt Records were the above. From left: top recording artists Isaac Hayes, Miss Garland, Lenny Welch and Melba Moore. The latter is the star of the Broadway smash "Hair." d.li fUii i I 8 11 34 'life ft 4 Coast, Ghana. The African student's holiday greeting was taped for future airing over a West African station.

African Students Send Greetings Home Via VOA PITTSBURGH, Pa. Stu i Ghana, an accounting studenti "We also have dents from many countries in' at Robert Morris College, ac Christmas trees, using colored West Africa, who are now at jcomplished this in the identi lights as in America. But the I New Labels To Expose Gospel AHOSKIE, N.C Four new labels have been'launched here by Don Upchurch Productions to expose Negro gospel talent in eastern North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. "This is the heart of Negro 'talent," Upchurch said, "and these gospel groups have been hidden from the public's eye too long." The new labels are Upchurch Records. Don Lar Records.

Don Records and Don a moy Records. I Productions operates freelance recording equipment, bat li delicious." i Mayne's father, James, is an accountant for the government in Grana. Mr. Mayne worked for the public accounting firm of Peat, Marwick, Casselton and Elliott, before coming to the United States. He has four ot hers and four sisters at home.

"I am enjoying going to school in Pittsbuch verv de COrated; miipV, "Kuprv i "YEAR OF MAYORS" How Americans reacted at the pulls in November to a decade of turmoil in the cities and how they may be expected to act in the Seventies will be explored in "White Paper: The Year of the Mayors," a nnr hnur NBC News special to be colorcast on the NBC TV Network Sunday, Dec. 28 (10 to 11 p.m. EST). The "politics of polarization" will be examined in the mayoral contest in Cleveland, where Carl B. Stokes (above) won reelection.

Here he is shown during his THE NEW COURIER DEC. 27, 1969 Page 13 jm. I AUTOGRAPH SESSION Phyl Garland (left), Is shown presenting a copy of her new book to singer Tamiko Jones during an autograph session in New York. Among other celebrities it the party were Ton! White, writer of "Black Pearl," jazMnan Ornette Coleman, January Tyme, Andy Kim, Jimmy Helms and many others. SMBEAT By HAZEL GARLAND ALTHOUGH ISAAC HAYES has been around for quite sometime on the music scene, it took his recording of the album "Hot Buttered Soul" to catapult the artist to stardom.

The album which has passed the half million seller mark, was purchased by many of his fans because it featured Isaac's treatment of "Bv The Time I Get To Phoenix." This particular disc pchurdrhas passed the million mark in sales and gives the first gold record. seeking to establish perma BESIDES BEING A fine musician and singer, nent studio facht.es. ago Recordg fa MemphiS( Tenn. His latest stint as a producer, was working with Cooking Tip Pittsburgh's Billy Eckstine, who is the latest big name star to sign with Stax. Eckstine is reported to have Here's a muffin that captures taken on a new dimension in song under Isaac's in the perfume and zest of fresh struction and reports say "Mr.

should become nch" popular than'ever once his recordings begin get tablespoon each of freshly grat ting the dejay treatment. ed lemon rind and poppyseed to muffin batter. Bake. Sniff, i Enjoy' SEE WHERE FORMER United Artist publicist Glenn Tompkins has been named Director of Adver decorations are not so lavish." tjsjng an(j Publicity for Roulette Records, according to an announcement from Morris Levy, President of phasis on three different varie the company. Tompkins who is a professional musi i ties of soup.

A family may, for cjan and music teacher recently left UA to become example, enjoy ground nut Editor of Af roster Magazine. soup. "I use peanut butter to make THIS HAS BEEN a very busy year for Barbara Mr!" MSne' we McNair. Her syndicated television show (which isn't would voast and grind nuts in Lseen in Pittsburgh) is going strong; she's been a pop to butter ourselves. Here, I uiar guest on various panel and variety shows, has taiTed in a number of movies and has her biggest chicken to peanut butter.

It is and possibly bcStrcle to date opposite Sidney roitier in "Call Me MISTER Tibbs." THE POITIER MOVIE in which he has the same role of Virgil Tibbs as he played in the highly rated "In The Heat of Night," is being produced by Universal with which Barbara has a five picture, nonexclusive contract. Barbara has also been asked to star in a Broadway play. She gives a lot of credit for her popularity to the spread in Playboy Magazine. Who says it doesn't pay to advertise one's best points? one has made me feel at homej DURING THE PAST couple of years Barbara has by being extremely friendly." films. The movie "Change of Habit" which stars Evlis Presley, is being shown at theatres around the country now.

"Venus in Furs" is having censor trouble. Taking a brief vacation from filmland for a time, Barbara resumes her work on the Poitier starrer on Jan. 12. TWO OF THE best films to come out of Holly wood are "Cactus Floweer," and "Bob Carol Ted Alice," both Columbia Pictures productions. Ingrid Bergman stars in her first Hollywood film in 20 years, is as usual great.

Walter Matthau is always won derful, but TV's Goldie Hawn almost steals the picture. She should get an Oscar nomination for her role as "Toni." THE OTHER COLUMBIA film. "Bob 4 Carol Ted Alice," stars Bob Culp, Natalie Woods. Elliot Gould and Dyan Cannon. A contemporary comedy showing two couples caught up in the modern sexual revolution, it is a movie every married couple should see.

Frank and to the point, the movie is Gulp's best since leaving TV's "I Spy" series. THE CULP MOVIE was to have moved into a local theatre here in Pittsburgh, but another Columbia Pictures film, "Easy Rider" is still poing stronjr at the movie house. The new film will have to wait until after the first of the year to begin its run. PITTSBURGHERS ARE BOOSTING the talent of young songer Tim "T.S." Stevens. The young man who is a graduate at the LTniversitv of Pittsburgh, has what it takes to become a big singing star.

Hope some progressive minded theptrical agent will take heed. Teamed with sensational organist Wendell Pvrd drummer Carl Murphy, they "rock" Nite Kap East here nightly..