George Klein Establishes Scholarship at the U of M
For release: January 14, 2004
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

George Klein, longtime radio and television celebrity and friend of Elvis Presley, has donated $50,000 to establish a scholarship in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis.

Recipients of the scholarship must be full- or part-time undergraduates majoring in broadcast communication. The first award will be made in the fall 2004 semester.

"George Klein is a highly respected, legendary radio and television personality," said Dr. Robert McDowell, associate professor of communication. "Throughout his career he has been very instrumental in helping a multitude of new artists break into the music business. Over the past 40 years his continual and generous support of area charities through funds raised at his annual George Klein Christmas Party event is unparalleled."

Klein was host of the popular WHBQ television show Talent Party, which ran in the 1960s and 70s. He now is a host at the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica. His Christmas Charity Show and Auction featured such talent as Jerry Lee Lewis, the Righteous Brothers, the Bar-Kays, Black Oak Arkansas, Dr. John, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. The show provided the funding for the scholarship.

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