Continuing my series posting 10 of my favorite or notable moments from the history of What's My Line?, celebrating its 75th anniversary at the beginning of February.
6. John Daly was a seasoned newsman who essentially launched ABC News, as that network was still fledgling, who appreciated the elegance and decorum What’s My Line? had. They still had fun, but in structure for the most part. That meant that he didn’t really prefer demonstrations or performances that much. Arlene Francis didn’t mind such displays and would occasionally try to encourage them, particularly out of the mystery guests. One such guest who was willing to oblige was the great Louie Armstrong. He appeared on the show twice, almost exactly ten years apart. March 14, 1954 versus March 22, 1964. In both appearances he sang a little, much to the delight of the panel and audience, with my favorite being his appearance in 1964. Appearing as his version of “Hello Dolly,” the title song of the hit Broadway musical, was soaring up the charts — culminating in hitting #1 and ending The Beatles’ 14 straight weeks at the top. Arlene, tired of “playing it on the Victrola,” asked if he would sing it. He sang a good little bit of it too and it was such a wonderful treat and capper to the episode, even John had to applaud at what was experienced. Now, the rumored story goes that, at the time, Armstrong’s agent had booked him to appear later that week on The Perry Como Show, where it was to be the first time Louie would perform the song on television, and that the agent was *fuming* when he ended up singing it here, blowing the Como exclusive. Only a story, but a funny one and a great appearance.
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