Illinois Hall of Fame: Mike Douglas

By Mark Rhoads

Singer and talk show host Mike Douglas died today on his 81st birthday in a hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Mike was born in Chicago on this day, Aug. 11, in 1925.  He went to Chicago public schools and started to sing at age 15 for Chicago bands during World War II while still in high school.  He also sang on cruise ships that sailed from Chicago to the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island and also sang at the hotel itself. 

Mike was serving in the Navy during World War II when he came to national attention.  Agents saw him give an impromptu performance while he was in uniform and a guest at the famous Hollywood Canteen.  After he was discharged in 1945, Mike was signed to sing for the Kay Kyser Orchestra, then one of the most famous bands in the country.  Mike was best known for his network TV show from 1961 to 1982.  Most people said it was a talk show but Mike insisted that it was really a music show with talk in between.   In 1966, Mike recorded a sentimental hit song called "The Men in My Little Girl's Life" that was number 6 on the top 40.  His variety show had a very successful run for 21 years and his guests included seven presidents of the United States. Mike once said, "In the old days, I was often confused with Merv Griffin.  We were both the same size, weight, and height and we were both Irish tenors."  More about Mike's school years in Chicago in a future post.

By Mark Rhoads

Singer and talk show host Mike Douglas died today on his 81st birthday in a hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Mike was born in Chicago on this day, Aug. 11, in 1925.  He went to Chicago public schools and started to sing at age 15 for Chicago bands during World War II while still in high school.  He also sang on cruise ships that sailed from Chicago to the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island and also sang at the hotel itself. 

Mike was serving in the Navy during World War II when he came to national attention.  Agents saw him give an impromptu performance while he was in uniform and a guest at the famous Hollywood Canteen.  After he was discharged in 1945, Mike was signed to sing for the Kay Kyser Orchestra, then one of the most famous bands in the country.  Mike was best known for his network TV show from 1961 to 1982.  Most people said it was a talk show but Mike insisted that it was really a music show with talk in between.   In 1966, Mike recorded a sentimental hit song called "The Men in My Little Girl's Life" that was number 6 on the top 40.  His variety show had a very successful run for 21 years and his guests included seven presidents of the United States. Mike once said, "In the old days, I was often confused with Merv Griffin.  We were both the same size, weight, and height and we were both Irish tenors."  More about Mike's school years in Chicago in a future post.