MovieChat Forums > The Gong Show (1976) Discussion > Update on Gene Gene The Dancing Machine

Update on Gene Gene The Dancing Machine

posted 16 years ago by jonjax71
6 replies | jump to latest

My fellow Pasadenan and friend, Gene Patton the legendary Gene Gene-The Dancing Machine is doing well and is in good spirits despite being a double amputee due to diabetes complications. he enjoys life at home with his family and grandchildren and has leanred to swing and dance in his wheelchair.

He used to be a maintenence man at my high school alma mater, John Muir here in Pasadena. Gene was one of the first African Americans to work as a union stage hand.

[–] eric-chilton 15 years ago

If you could get Gene to speak to us with a phone interview it would be greatly appreciated. I host a classic TV podcast and each week we interview a celebrity of old to relive the memories ...we have been looking for anyone involved with the Gong Show for a long time. This would be phenomenal and only take 30 minutes on a Sunday afternoon. Please let me know. [email protected] Thanks!

[–] mmarcopolo 14 years ago

What was the name of the song he always danced to on the show? Does anybody know? I love that song. Good to hear Gene is doing well despite his handicap.

[–] jonjax71 14 years ago

He danced to the Count Basie Orichestra classic, Jumpin' at the Woodside as played by the Gong Show house band led by Milton De Lugg who also made ocassional appearances as a foil for Chuck Barris. Bill Basie composed that song based on real life, the Woodside was the name of the hotel that the band resided at in NY and where after gigs they would jam into the wee wee hours.

[–] mmarcopolo 14 years ago

Belated thanks. I had already looked at the soundtrack section afterwards which I should have done in the first place. Du-Ohhh!!

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Keelai 9 years ago

I loved watching him on the show.
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R.I.P.