Bob Banner's life story began with an extraordinary aptitude for playing the organ, which he showcased with remarkable flair and finesse by performing at his church and within the framework of his high school band, thereby establishing himself as a talented young musician.
Following the completion of his education, Bob embarked on an extended three-year odyssey with Interstate Theater Production of College Capers, a remarkable journey that would ultimately culminate in a serendipitous encounter with his future spouse, Alice, a chance meeting that would forever alter the trajectory of his life.
After concluding his illustrious tenure in the United States Navy, Banner transitioned into the realm of television, simultaneously undertaking a rigorous pursuit of a doctoral degree at Northwestern University in 1948. His professional journey commenced as a production assistant at WMAQ in Chicago, where he had the unique opportunity to contribute to the iconic children's program Kukla, Fran and Ollie, a beloved institution that has captivated the hearts of audiences for generations.
As his experience and expertise grew, Banner evolved into the director of Garroway at Large on NBC, his work on this esteemed program further solidifying his reputation as a masterful storyteller and visual artist. In December 1949, he made the bold decision to join the esteemed ranks of CBS, where he assumed the dual roles of producer and director for The Fred Waring Show, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unrelenting passion for the art of television production.
In the final stretch of his doctoral program, Banner made the bold decision to put his academic pursuits on the backburner and instead pursue a career in television, relocating to the bustling metropolis of New York City.
It was in this new environment that he caught the attention of CBS, who saw potential in the young talent and recruited him for a key role.
Banner's early success in the industry was marked by his direction of the acclaimed series Omnibus, a program hosted by the esteemed Alistair Cooke.
His impressive resume continued to grow as he took on producing and directing duties for The Dinah Shore Show and its spin-off, The Dinah Shore Chevy Show.
As a result of his tireless efforts, Banner was rewarded with a trio of Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, and two Christopher Awards, a testament to his dedication and skill in the field.
Despite the many accolades he received, Banner's journey was not without its challenges, and he faced many obstacles along the way.
However, his perseverance and determination ultimately paid off, as he established himself as a respected figure in the world of television.
And so, his legacy lives on, a reminder to all of the power of hard work and dedication in achieving one's goals.
During the transformative decade of the 1960s, a pioneering entrepreneur, renowned for his unwavering passion and unrelenting drive, namely Bob Banner, dared to dream big, by establishing his own production company, dubbed Bob Banner Associates, a pioneering venture that would soon leave an indelible mark on the television landscape.
This groundbreaking endeavour would subsequently yield a plethora of critically acclaimed television programs, each one a testament to Banner's innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence.
One of the most notable achievements of Bob Banner Associates was the production of The Garry Moore Show, a remarkable series that not only spanned an impressive 218 episodes, but also garnered a multitude of prestigious Emmy Awards, a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to quality and its ability to consistently push the boundaries of what was possible in the world of television.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bob Banner's unwavering dedication to his craft, coupled with his unshakeable optimism and unrelenting passion, would forever leave an indelible mark on the world of television, a true testament to his enduring legacy.
Bob Banner Associates, a renowned production company, boasts an impressive portfolio of critically acclaimed productions, with Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall standing out as a shining example of their exceptional craftsmanship. This spectacular event not only left audiences in awe, but also garnered a trio of Emmy Awards, a testament to the company's unyielding dedication to excellence in all aspects of their work.
Their repertoire is equally impressive, featuring An Evening with Carol Burnett, a television special that showcases the incomparable talents of the one and only Carol Burnett. This production is a prime example of the company's ability to create memorable and entertaining content that continues to delight audiences to this day.
As the years unfolded, Bob Banner's creative trajectory continued to defy conventions, ultimately culminating in the closure of his production company with the television series Real Kids, Real Adventures in 1997, a testament to a career distinguished by groundbreaking innovation, unyielding perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the art of television production.
**Biography:**
Bob Banner was a renowned television producer, best known for his work on various popular television shows. Born in 1921, Banner began his career in the entertainment industry as a producer for the television series "The Garry Moore Show." He went on to work on numerous other shows, including "The Andy Williams Show" and "The Carol Burnett Show."
In the 1970s, Banner founded his own production company, Bob Banner Associates, which produced several successful television shows, including "The New Price is Right" and "The Real Kids, Real Adventures" series. Throughout his career, Banner was known for his innovative approach to television production and his ability to bring unique ideas to life on screen.
Throughout his life, Bob Banner received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including multiple Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and innovative television producers of his time.
It is with a profound and overwhelming sense of sorrow, grief, and regret that we announce the tragic and devastating loss of a truly legendary and iconic figure, Bob Banner, on the fifteenth of June, two thousand eleven, at the remarkable age of eighty-nine years young.
