Howdy's Bob

Image borrowed from Wikipedia

Buffalo Bob Smith (born Robert Emil Schmidt; November 27, 1917 – July 30, 1998) was the host of the children's show Howdy Doody. Howdy Doody was an American children's television program (with circus and frontier/western themes) that was created and produced by E. Roger Muir and broadcasted on NBC in the United States from 1947 until 1960. It was a pioneer in children's programming and set the pattern for many similar shows. It was also a pioneer in early color production as NBC (at the time owned by TV maker RCA) used the show in part to sell color television sets in the 1950s.

Born in Buffalo, New York, he attended Masten Park High School. Buffalo Bob got his start in radio as a singer and musician, appearing on many top shows of the time before becoming nationally known for the Howdy Doody Show. The final NBC episode aired in 1960. Later, 1976, Smith reunited with longtime show producer Roger Muir and several of the original cast to produce a new daily syndicated Howdy Doody show.

He made a infomercial appearance Live to promote Howdy Doody Entertainment Memorabilia on July 3, 1998 on QVC. That was his last appearance before he died on July 30 at age 80.

In 1970 and 1971, he embarked on a live tour of college campuses. The shows, organized by producer Burt DuBrow, mixed nostalgia with more contemporary humor, such as Buffalo Bob finding a package of Zig Zags (rolling paper) allegedly belonging to Clarabelle. One show, on April 4, 1971, was recorded and released as an LP, on the label "Project 3 Total Sound Stereo". It was titled, "Buffalo Bob Smith Live at Bill Graham's Fillmore East".

He had a summer residence in Princeton, Maine, as well as owning radio station WQDY in Calais, Maine. He was well-liked by locals, and occasionally hosted local events. He also owned WMKR (now WSYY) radio in Millinocket, ME.

After his retirement, Smith retired to North Carolina, becoming a member of Pinecrest Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Flat Rock.

He died in Hendersonville, North Carolina in 1998, three days before Shari Lewis, the creator of Lamb Chop.