George DeWitt

George DeWitt (December 30, 1922 – July 14, 1979) was an American singer and comedian, best known was the host of the 1950s musical quiz television program, Name That Tune, which featured contestants guessing the name of popular tunes from a limited number of notes. He later became a recording artist for RKO Records.

Early life

DeWitt was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His given name was George Florentine, the second of four children. DeWitt's father Joseph was a police sergeant with the Atlantic City Police Department. As a boy during the Great Depression, DeWitt would sing on the street corners in Atlantic City for tips. Later, as a young man during high school, he would work as a singing waiter in clubs around Atlantic City. DeWitt had two great passions: entertainment and learning to be a pilot, which he later did with the US Army Air Corps. He entertained in USO tours during WWII. His nightclub and theater stints afterward led to becoming one of the first comedians to open for Frank Sinatra.

Music career

One evening during the 1950s at the 500 Club in Atlantic City, DeWitt entertained with the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr.). While Davis was on stage impersonating Jack Benny, DeWitt walked out from the wings and ad-libbed an impersonation of Jack Benny's radio and TV valet Eddie "Rochester" Anderson.

In September 1953, DeWitt appeared with Sinatra and Bud and CeCe Robinson at Bill Miller's Riviera. DeWitt was known best as the emcee of the TV show Name That Tune. Originally produced by Harry Salter, Name That Tune ran from 1953 to 1959 on NBC and CBS in prime time. The first hosts were Red Benson and Bill Cullen, but DeWitt became most identified with the show.

DeWitt recorded two record albums during the show's run. The first, Name That Tune with George Dewitt was recorded in 1956. The second was titled George DeWitt Sings That Tune, recorded in 1957.

Film and television

DeWitt appeared in the movie