Sunday, March 15, 2026

King of the Night page 12

 King of the Night page 12 by ric gustafson


Johnny traveled west to LA pulling a U-Haul. His wife Jody came later with baby Chris. When Johnny got to LA, he stayed with his friend Bill Brennan. Brennan was the program manager at KNXT-TV. The station was a CBS affiliate. Brennan gave Johnny a job at the station for $115 a week. Brennan promised to help Johnny develop something.
Johnny rented  an apartment in the San Fernando Valley. Johnny started with the worst hours and the most menial chores. In Omaha, Johnny was a celebrity. In LA, Johnny felt like a nobody. When Johnny's second son Rick was born in 1952, Jody was already being shunted by Johnny.
By September 1952, Johnny gave himself one year to make it in LA. That year was almost over.
On Oct 4 1952, Johnny's big break came.


research help: ' King of the Night' by Laurence Leamer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

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