Old Steve Grover (Remember GVK?) texted me from Puerto Rico to let me know the 70’s channel was playing a video of the Osmonds on skateboards while singing “Do You Know The Way To San Jose?” Tracking down the video was a piece of cake, but because of the lazy nature of the internet, there is no backstory for those with skateboarding ephemera OCD. If legendary and sorely missed Scott Starr was still alive I would have doubtless been able get the answer with a quick email. After some digging around (way too much) I found a reference in the 2006 book Television Variety Shows by David M. Inman. Based purely on the visuals and the fact that it was in color I would have guessed early 70’s, but it turns out it originally aired on the 1968 season 2 premier of the Jerry Lewis Show.
This episode of the Jerry Lewis Show (NBC version, there was an early ABC series too) aired on September 17, 1968. It features the Osmond Brothers, who appeared in several episodes singing “Do You Know The Way To San Jose?” and looking like a bunch of cutie pies.
Before they get to skateboarding at the 2:14 mark you have to wade through bicycles, and some assorted fads like scooters and pogo sticks.
Bring on the skateboards!
It’s getting crazy in here, what’s next?
Bring on the unicycles! Let’s see some circus tricks!
Little Donny making an appearance.
Wait for it… The money shot!
The late 60’s and 70’s were chock full of variety shows with antics like this. Let us know if you find any more. Until then, enjoy the performance.
1 comment
Tom Roach
That was pretty amazing. Those young boys work their tails off week after week. When asked if they could ice skate by Andy Williams they were afraid to say no, so a week of bloody feet not only breaking in ice skates they had one week to ice skate along with a routine. The entire 1960’s was pretty much this way until they took a break from TV to pursue the music careers. By 1969 Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay & Donny were all exceptional musicians. 1970 came along and the rest is history. Over 100 Million records sold world wide, 60 Gold and Platinum record awards (They still own the record for receiving the most gold and platinum records in a single year beating out the Beatles and Elvis. The Osmond Family established the Children’s Miracle Network which to date has earned over 8 Billion Dollars for Children’s hospitals. Peoples Choice Awards, etc.. etc.. Working with American Military Veterans, Wounded Veterans and Gold Star Families. It’s incredible all they’ve achieved. They should be in the RRHOF.