WGN Morning News Blog (old)

Unless you've been to one, you really can't describe a WORLD STAGE event. Every concertgoer anticipates those rare moments when a guest star "drops in" and provides a chance to see and hear artists play together who might not normally share the stage at the same time. Imagine a whole concert like that…

Well, this morning, singer/songwriter Jim Peterik (IDES OF MARCH, SURVIVOR) and singer/songwriter Kelly Keagy (NIGHT RANGER) gave our viewers a taste of that…with the equally talented assistance of Mike Aquino ( on mandolin) and singer Lisa McClowry.

Here they are after the show giving us a special web exclusive performance off of Kelly Keagy's new solo album called "I'm Alive." It drops, as the kids say, on August 17th. This song called "A Life Worth Remembering" was written by Kelly and Jim Peterik. For more information on both of these great artists and about Jim Peterik's World Stage 2007, go to www.jimpeterik.com or www.myspace.com/kellykeagy

-- Jeff Hoover, producer

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Charlie Murphy deserves a lot more than just being referred to as if he only exists as a shadow of his Oscar nominated brother. He was one of the best guests that we've had on the show this week. He was energetic. He told great stories. Unlike some of the guests that arrive with huge entourages and surround themselves with "people" so they don't have to talk to anyone, Charlie was more than friendly, easy going and hugely professional. He was a complete gentlemen to the entire staff; from the interns, to the crew, to the producers and even Larry, Robin and I on the air. Mario "Dancing with the Stars" Lopez could learn some basic manners from Charlie.

The only semi-juicy behind the scenes story is how he "de-blinged" himself before he came on the air. Rings, chains, necklaces and either a bracelet or a watch were whipped off and handed to the man that accompanied him just before he came on-set. It was almost like being at Rogers and Holland's on delivery day.

I was expecting someone trying to live off of his brother's fame without much substance and what I got was a solid talent on his own. The co-writer of hit films like "Norbit" and others who's proven himself on venues like Dave Chappelle's show. He said that he doubted Chappelle would be returning to his Comedy Central show. I mentioned to him that he'd make a natural replacement. With that trademark "Murphy" smile and a twinkle in his eye, he said, "if it can be pulled off properly, I'd love it."

Behind the scenes Charlie told us about his new DVD of true Hollywood stories and how he's not so crazy about some of the people who are disputing his stories.

Enjoy, Dean

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When he walked down the long hallway, there was an aura around this legend of show business. Holy crap! He's the guy that sat next to Johnny for 30 years!! Hi-ooooooo!

I'm not often star struck but I have to admit it was pretty cool to meet him and have the chance to talk with Ed McMahon. I mentioned to him just before we taped our "web only" interview that there is a certain level of professionalism that he brought with him that we don't see in some of the up and comers (again, hello Mario Lopez.) He was happy to sign autographs, to take pictures with anyone who asked and mostly was a consummate professional at everything that we threw at him. He was terrific in the on-air interview, it was just like the old days during the "Konrac the Magnificent" segment in which we paid homage to Johnny and Ed's old "Carnac" routine with a Morning News twist. He didn't bat an eyelash when we asked him to introduce rockers, The Smithereens, "Johnny-style."

Now 84 years old, Ed is a little more frail than the last time that we've seen him. He had an assistant with him every step of the way; holding his arm, keeping him steady, helping him in and out of chairs and up and down the steps that are on our news set. He seemed frail but was as sharp as a tack and completely with it during our interview and especially during our "after the show-web only" interview where we had some time to dig a little deeper than we ever seem to have time to do during the show. He reflected on his appearance on our show, the good old days, behind the scenes with Johnny Carson and his legacy.
Enjoy, Dean

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Hot on the heels of their first studio album in years, we were thrilled to have 80's legends, The Smithereens, live on the show today. They did a couple of songs from their new album of Beatles classics, "Meet The Smithereens" and also their first hit song, "Blood and Roses."

They were especially excited to be on the show on the same day that Ed McMahon was. From historic studio one where they were performing, they were peeking out into the hallway to catch a glimpse of Ed. Lead singer, Pat Pat DiNizio, whispered to me how they'd love to get a picture with him (they did) and they'd love it if Ed could introduce one of their songs that they were going to perform (Ed did; Heeere's Johnny style.)

The guys were like school kids when Ed came into the studio telling him how they grew up watching him and mentioned that they missed being on the Tonight show with him and Johnny by about a week. They were on during Jay Leno's first week as the host.

DiNunzio also mentioned to me that he spends a huge amount of time here in Chicago to be near his daughter who lives here. He's got a place in the DePaul/Lincoln Park neighborhood while also maintaining an apartment in New York.

After the show, The Smithereens, did an extended "web-only" performance of "Blood and Roses."

Enjoy, Dean

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I found Andy Dick to be quite an anxiety-producing interview subject. The guy is actually as sweet as pumpkin pie- truly, a very nice man- but he's Andy Dick. The man has licked another man's head in public. And in light of some recent inappropriate public comments involving a high-profile figure, we are in DEFCON 5 MODE here (I began to sweat when I blurted out that I was a high school wrestler). Anyway, Andy and I had a quick Q & A and then he performed a montage of songs, most of which are appropriate for your viewing. Those that weren't have been edited out.

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In his new movie, Jamie Kennedy plays a former 80's break dance king waking up from a 20-year coma in the present-day. To research what it feels like to wake up from a 20-year coma, he spent a day working my shift. We chatted about all things 80's, including his character's outfit, which looked like it had been purchased at a boardwalk shop in Seaside Heights, NJ. Jamie was very nice. He even gave me one of his snap-on bracelets. His movie "Kickin' It Old Skool," opens April 27.

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