Walt Disney Art Classics Convention 2004 - Part 1
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CLASS: AMERICAN HISTORY WITH DISNEY LEGEND FESS PARKER
Pacific Ballroom, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
Fess Parker as Davy Crockett
After a short break, "Professor" Craig Hodgkins called the class to order. "I am your history professor," he said, "But for a few minutes I am going to be a music professor." As he strapped a guitar around his neck, he explained that the next guest had not one, but two great theme songs. He swung into the familiar chords that introduced The Ballad of Davy Crockett, but with special lyrics of his own devising:
Born in the lowlands of the Lone Star state,
His acting style was quite sedate.
When Walt saw Them, he couldn't wait,
To give him the role that would change his fate.
It's Fess, Fess Parker;
Better than James Arness.
Walt cast him in the new TV show,
And coonskin sales hit a new plateau.
But the Crockett craze was dealt a blow,
When they killed Davy off at the Alamo
Brilliant corporate planning;
Twelve million kids just cried.
But driving a wagon or a railroad car,
He remained a favorite star.
It's been years since he's kilt a b'ar,
He'd rather serve you a Pinot Noir.
Buy some "Fess Parker,"
Available by the case.
Hodgkins then swung into the equally familiar theme from the television series Daniel Boone, again with new lyrics:
Yes, ol' Fess is the man...He's a big man,
His fame is transcendent,
We know that his legend just grows.
Yes, ol' Fess is the man...He's a big man.
So it just doesn't matter,
That he wore the same hat for two shows.
From the silver hair on the top of his head,
To the toe of his six-five frame.
He is a kind and generous soul,
And we're so glad he came.
Yes, ol' Fess is the man,
He's a big man.
Whether Davy or Dan'l,
We'd all change the channel
To you!
Whether Davy or Dan'l,
We'd all change the channel
To you!
As the laughter and applause died down, Hodgkins introduced his interview subject with the simple words, "A warm welcome to Disney legend Fess Parker." As the crowd rose and applauded, Parker ambled onto the stage. The applause rose in intensity, leading him to hold out his hand and lead the group in a sing-a-long of the Ballad of Davy Crockett with the real lyrics. Everyone then settled into their seats, as the first slide and question appeared.
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