TVC 516.4: Ed, Tony, and Donna welcome back entertainment legend and comedy pioneer Tom Dreesen. Tom’s memoir, Still Standing: My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra, not only includes great stories of Tom’s years working with Tim Reid, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra, but, in many respects, is a story that embodies the American Dream. 

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Not a lot of people can say they worked with Frank Sinatra.  Even fewer of those people are still alive.  Tom is both, and he's still standing.  He's been standing for 50 years.  That's not easy.  His childhood was also not easy, which makes the perseverance all the more impressive.  Have you ever noticed that a lot of comedians had crappy upbringings?  Tom has.

Still Standing... My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra - amzn.to/3kWQYSh

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In the Season 3 finale, we are pleased to present actor, comic, motivational speaker, author and NPE, Tom Dreesen.  Tom began his career as one half of the first black and white comedy duo with Tim Reid, went on to hold roles on tv and film, hosted the Tonight Show in David Letterman’s absence and opened for some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names, including Frank Sinatra whom he developed a very close relationship with.    Despite a long list of professional accolades, Tom’s proudest achievement is being awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award for humanitarian service to his country, because of the connection it represented to his father.

A celebrated comic, Tom has a special way of telling a story; we’ve never heard an NPE story told quite this way before.   Hear how Tom learned who his father was, who knew, and the promise he made to his mother.   You’ll be inspired by a funny, charismatic man Frank Sinatra said “is a brilliant comedian and a master, Master of ceremonies.”  You can find his new book Still Standing: My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage and Sinatra everywhere books are sold.

Look for Season 4 in late 2020.   In the meantime, if you, or someone you know would like to be featured on an episode, contact Jodi and Christina at www.sexliesandthetruth.com.

Steve Cooper talks with stand-up comic Tom Dreesen. Tom has been in show business for 50 years. Along the way, he has made over 500 appearances on national television as a stand-up, including more than 60 appearances on The Tonight Show. He was one of David Letterman's favorite guests and frequently hosted the show in Letterman's absence. He also appeared countless times in Las Vegas, Tahoe, Reno, and Atlantic City with artists like Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, and Sammy Davis, Jr. And, for 13 years, he toured the nation as the opening act for Frank Sinatra.

Tom Dreesen (Comedian, Author "Still Standing Today," Over 60 Appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Dozens of episodes of Letterman, Opening Act for Sinatra 14 Years) has been in show business for over 50 years, a career rich in stories. Today Tom shares stories about his years with close friend, Frank Sinatra. This is an insanely GREAT episode! Enjoy!

Look what’s new! The Story Worthy Hour Of Power is EVERY Sunday night on Zoom at 6:00pm pacific time. Watch and hear Story Worthy’s best talents telling true stories! The Ticket Link is here! PLUS, we play Story Smash in the After Show with Blaine Capatch and Danny Zuker! It's an All-Play and you can spin the wheel and tell a true 1 minute story too! It’s a blast! More info on the website, Story Worthy. 

And please subscribe for free, rate, and review Story Worthy on Apple Podcasts here. It really helps. Plus, check out the funniest game show in Los Angeles, Story Smash! It's EVERY month at the Hollywood Improv when we’re not in a pandemic, and now we play in the After Show of The Story Worthy Hour of Power EVERY Sunday! Follow Christine and Story Worthy on Social Media- Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and at ChristineBlackburn.com. Thanks guys!

This week, we’re joined by legendary comedian Tom Dreesen, who stops by to tell us about his new book, touring with Frank Sinatra, and why comedians are actually doctors!

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Dennis spends the entire show with comedian Tom Dreesen, talking about his new book "Still Standing...: My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra". Tom talks about how he and Frank were both kids from the neighborhood, in Tom's case, Harvey, Illinois where he started working shining shoes as a kid to help feed himself and his seven siblings. He also discusses his time in the Navy, selling insurance and getting into show business, first as part of a comedy duo with actor Tim Reid then heading to Los Angeles to get into stand-up and his singular focus on getting on The Tonight Show. He also talks to some of the comedians he befriended during that time, including David Letterman and Robin Williams and getting advice from Jack Benny. Tom describes touring with Sammy Davis Jr. and how that led to him opening for Frank Sinatra for 14 years and how well he got to know The Chairman of the Board, including some of the lessons he learned with him, remembrances of being on the road together and being a pall bearer and emcee at his funeral. 

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