Share your memories...help me find more...
A special THANKS to everyone who has emailed or talked with me, over the past few years, about my dad, Mike Tangi. Your rich stories and recollections of Mike are helping me tell a fascinating story about my dad and the era he lived and worked in.
As I continue to write and research my dad's life as a TV pioneer, advertising maven and choice for happiness, I realize there's more to discover, uncover, corroborate and elaborate upon. And, I can't do it alone. So, I'm asking for more help by jogging your memory, beyond the website, with specifics about the context in which you may have encountered Mike Tangi and have a tale to tell and folklore for me to explore.
Below is a snapshot of people, places and events that may trigger a "Memory of Mike"that you'd be willing to share with me. The time frame: 1940s until his death in 1995.
You can share your stories by clicking "Share Memories" on the website and emailing them to me. If you'd prefer to talk directly with me, email your phone number and I will call you.
Thanks for your help!
Mary Lynn Tangi
The Cincinnati Years:
WCPO-TV: 1953-1963
- Working with Mike Tangi at the station, in the studio, on the set or in the control booth.
- Working with Mike as talent and clients on the Uncle Al Show.
- Brainstorming show ideas
- Local live TV bloopers, fumbles and recoveries
- Client jingles he wrote
- Songs and scripts he wrote and character voices Mike performed for the Uncle Al Show
- Staff/Station parties and cocktail hours
- Socializing outside of work with Mike and Mary Lou
WKRC-TV on Skipper Ryle Show: mid-1960s-early-1970s
- Mike was the voice of Wilma and Willy the Worm along with other characters. He also wrote scripts and songs--memories of Glenn Ryle working with my dad wanted.
Mike Tangi Connections:
As a client with:
- TOG: Tangi, Okum & Gramalia
- Robert Acomb Advertising
- Kountz, Algier and Acomb
- The Kountz Group
- Mike Tangi Advertising
Advertising/Media Outlets:
- AAAA, Ad club
- Media reps
- Production assistance with commercials and other ad and promotion venues
- Reporters and columnists
Community Involvement--Cincinnati/No. KY:
- Zoo Food & Home Show
- Little Sisters of the Poor
- Campbell Lodge Home for Boys
- Arthritis Foundation events/telethon
- Jerry Lewis Telethon
- Radio Rap
- Stars for Charity luncheons
- Sons of Italy
- United Italian Society
- Fraternal Order of Police Associates & FOP members
- Nurse's Association--Las Vegas
- Cincinnati Politicians
Frequently-visited Restaurants/venues:
- Beverly Hills Country Club--1950s
- Beverly Hills Supper Club--1970s
- Netherland Hilton
- Dago Pat's
- F&N Steakhouse
- Precinct
- Gibson Girl Lounge/Gibson Hotel
- Lookout House
- Maisonette
- La Normandie
- Primavista
- Stone's Cafe
- Gay Nineties
- K of C Hall
- Spampy's Farm
- You get the picture...
Stamford (Connecticut) High School:
- Mike graduated in 1948: voted "most talkative and wittiest." Was active with the Italian Club and sang in the A Cappella choir.
- Yearbook quote: "Where there's life, there's Tangi."
- Stamford Advocate article called Mike Tangi the next Milton Berle, not sure if before or after Army--looking for the article.
United States Army: 1948-1951
- Stationed at Camp Gordon (now Fort Gordon), Georgia
- Special Services Division of Entertainment--Soldier Entertainer
- A song & dance man, emcee and woman impersonator touring in the Third Army's All-Soldier Road Show produced by Miss Skippy Lynn (who would go on to be the Director of World-Wide Entertainment for the Army).
- Interested in locating fellow soldier entertainers during the era.
Television Workshop of New York City: 1952-53
- Looking to confirm Workshop was part of RCA--located at 1780 Broadway, NYC.
- Interested in fellow students and instructors.
