Ronny Graham

Ronny Graham (1919-1999) was a comedian, writer, and songwriter who worked extensively in clubs, stage revues, and often in collaboration with Mel Brooks. Graham made his Broadway debut in the revue New Faces of 1952 (with Paul Lynde), writing most of the sketches and multiple songs, including "Lucky Pierre" (included on Sam and Friends).
In 1957, Graham opened a cabaret revue Take Five, which was released as a record in 1959. Sam and Friends used multiple routines, including varying portions of "Harry the Hipster" (sometimes lip synced to by the Muppet of the same name, who predated the revue.) Another track, "Night Heat," paired Graham with an interviewer played by Gerry Matthews (later heard in Rankin/Bass productions) and co-scripted by Don Adams with others. Years later, "Your Feet" (another New Faces song by Graham, listed in the playbill as "Feet") was performed on The Muppet Show episode 209.
Graham continued to perform, write sketches, contribute songs, and/or direct stage revues, musicals, and comedies through 1970. While he had done stand-up on The Ed Sullivan Show and elsewhere since the fifties and had a guest part on The Phil Silvers Show, the seventies is when Graham shifted mainly to the screen. He wrote for variety shows The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, and contributed to M*A*S*H between the 6th and 8th seasons as writer, story consultant, and playing a drunken sergeant in the episode "Your Hit Parade." 
Graham began working with his old New Faces colleague Mel Brooks in the 1980s, contributing to History of the World, Part I (co-writing "The Inquisition Song" and playing two roles), To Be or Not to Be (co-writing, songs), Spaceballs (co-writing and as the wedding minister) and playing bits in Life Stinks and Robin Hood: Men in Tights. 
==Recordings used==
*"Lucky Pierre" from New Faces of 52, written by Graham, sung by Robert Clary and othersShemin, Craig. Sam and Friends: The Story of Jim Henson's First Television Show. p. 266. One of several records transcribed on December 23, 1955 for later air use.
*"Harry the Hipster" from Take 5, written and performed by Graham. January 8, 1959.ibid. p. 324. 
*"Harry the Hipster." January 15, 1959.ibid. p. 328. 
*"Harry the Hipster." January 11, 1960. Performed by Harry the Hipsteribid. p. 422 
*"Harry the Hipster." January 27, 1960.ibid. p. 427. 
*"Night Heat" performed by Graham and Gerry Matthews. February 2, 1960.ibid. p. 430. 
==Sources==
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Category:Covered Songwriters
Category:Musical References
Category:Audio References