September 24, 2001
Now 75, comedian Sales recollects a multimedia career in comedy clubs, movies, radio and television. The North Carolina native rose to international fame in the 1960s with a hit single ("The Mouse") and a TV series, The Soupy Sales Show, which by 1966 was syndicated in 50 markets. "By that time, I had made something like 5,370 live television appearances, more than anyone else in the history of the medium. I was, in short, the toast of New York. I don't know if it was rye or whole wheat, but it was fun." Since this is a typical Soupy joke, some might question whether his corny humor and burlesque bits translate to the printed page. But many from his fan base remain eager to learn more about the show's backstage antics, which are in abundance here. Despite management problems, Sales was a smash when he arrived in New York in 1964. Moving on to films and Broadway, he later appeared on game shows and performed as a regular on What's My Line?
Salzberg, who wrote an oral history of the NBA (From Set Shot to Slam Dunk), has assembled this book in a similar structure, juxtaposing Soupy's words with memories from family, friends and associates, including wife Trudy Carson Sales, manager Dave Usher, cast member Ray D'Ariano, producer Peter Strand and others. Despite the book's jumpy format, Sales regales throughout with an endless stream of amusing anecdotes and madcap memories. Funny quips and quotes are inserted in sidebars, and the 70 b&w photos include plenty of pie-covered celebrities. (Nov.)Forecast:While young readers will surely walk past this one, Soupy's fans from earlier decades will be delighted, giving Sales the chance to climb on the sales charts.