1985 Christmas Special in Washington!

In 1985, a televised Christmas Special was held at our nation’s capital. Many came before and after, but this is the one I happened to see courtesy of Classic New Orleans TV on YouTube so I decided to take a look. I had no doubt it would be different from what we’re seeing today in terms of political correctness and I was right. My initial observation was that it was truly an elegant affair, with plenty of "diversity and inclusion" back then, contrary to popular belief.Interestingly, the entertainment that was often accompanied by a full choir, was Christ centered which would likely be controversial, today.  If you can imagine, Pat Boone performed his song, "I Saw Santa Prayin’” along with the help of small children who, in unison sang along to “worshiping the Lord." Clearly, the staff behind this production did not shy away from this theme as Tom Brokaw, the show’s host, would echo similar sentiments throughout the entire production.

For instance, when he introduced his next performer as an example of how "a child shall lead them." That child’s name is Kenneth Mack Jr., who learned how to sing in his father’s Louisiana church. He was said to be a member of a special arts program for the handicapped (as he had a genetic condition) and belted out "Let there be Peace on Earth."  Here are just some of the lyrics if you’re not familiar: 

With God as our Father 

Brothers all are we

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony

After resounding applause, Brokaw asked the thirteen year old about his future plans, which he had prefaced by saying that Kenneth was someone who had just demonstrated how to make “a joyful noise unto the Lord.”  The young boy replied, without missing a beat, that he was prepared to go wherever the Lord needed him.  Audiences were also treated to a Russian violinist named Viktoria Mullova, a young woman who fled the Soviet Union, just a few years prior.  Her accolades included, but were not limited to a gold medal she won in a Tchaicovsky competition.  After gracing the stage playing Melodie* by Gluck, she was asked about her time here in America.  With respect to our language, she said she had begun learning English in Moscow and added that she did not come here for fun but to practice, alot.  Viktoria then wished us good luck and good health. (*Gluck's Melodie “Dance of the Blessed Spirits” from his opera Orfeo ed Euridice is one of the most enchanting melodies in all of music. It depicts the sorrowful song of Orpheus, a legendary musician in Greek mythology who journeyed to the underworld to plead for the release of his deceased wife Euridice.)“The Christmas Song” made famous by Nat King Cole was sung by his daughter and dedicated to him.  Other appearances were from the Gospel artist Amy Grant, who sang “Emmanuel” along with the Shiloh Baptist Gospel Choir of Washington, DC.  We also heard from the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and the United States Herald Trumpets.The festivities ended with the 40th President of the United States citing the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem by reading from a “contemporary account of the event.”  He followed up by saying how appropriate it was for them to honor children during the Christmas Season (and on behalf of Washington’s Children Hospital and National Medical Center that night.) The regal First Lady also showed us how they made the White House warm and welcoming for the children of diplomats, who are often far from home during the holiday season.At 93, Ronald Reagan would pass away in 2004.  In 2016, Nancy Reagan would follow at 94, as well as, Natalie Cole at 65.  We also lost the man who portrayed Santa Claus during this spectacular affair, Willard Scott.  In 2021, the famous weatherman was reported to have died of natural causes at 87 years old.

In recent years, Amy Grant now in her early 60s, successfully underwent open heart surgery (due to a condition she had since birth) and in an unrelated twist, also recovering from brain injury and memory loss that resulted from a subsequent bike accident.

The iconic news anchor Tom Brokaw retired due to a battle with incurable blood cancer.  Pat Boone became a widower in 2019 when he lost his wife of over 60 years.  Surprisingly, he continues to perform and speak as a motivational speaker, a television personality, and a conservative political commentator.  Both men are well into their 80s.

Emmanuel Lewis, the 12 year old boy who was cast in the role of a five year old child on the hit sitcom “Webster” (an age difference he was able to pull off due to a grown hormone deficiency) retired from acting and over 50 today. He has an active social media presence which includes Cameo, a personalized video request platform.  

Much has transpired in the lives of all the participants (as well as to our nation) since this celebration took place. Nevertheless, it was nice to jump into a time machine and watch happy and wholesome programming through my TV screen, for a change. And it's sad to think that any part of it would be viewed as offensive, today.

NOTES OF INTERESTS & LINKS:
1985 Christmas in Washington Special, Ronald Regan: https://youtu.be/MLmMvEnpkzw?si=2oWYguE1DGYLwDki

Tom Brokaw: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tom-brokaw-announces-retirement-after-55-years-nbc-n1255367

Pat Boone: https://www.ocregister.com/2023/10/16/pat-boone-dreamt-he-had-a-hit-about-grits-so-the-89-year-old-wrote-the-song/

Kenneth Mack Jr:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/07/04/mack-the-voice/4cf29c47-76ff-46fa-99dc-d042762d9a5c/

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/06/30/Teen-prodigy-to-sing-at-Liberty-celebrationNEWLNUPI-NewsFeature-Liberty/6764520488000/

Amy Grant:

https://www.floridaheart.org/amy-grant-gives-health-update-after-open-heart-surgery-for-rare-condition

https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/03/01/amy-grant-bicycle-accident-recovery-today-interview-i-feel-fantastic/69958531007/

Ronald Reagan: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2023/06/05/On-This-Day-President-Ronald-Reagan-dies-at-age-93/4521685893214/

Nancy Reagan: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/reagans/nancy-reagan/biography-nancy-davis-reagan

Willard Scott: https://www.today.com/news/willard-scott-dead-t152927

Natalie Cole: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/music/natalie-cole-american-singer-songwriter-dies-65-n488916

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