September 19, 1963-April 1, 1966. In 1963 Dean hosted a prime-time hour variety series on ABC, which lasted three seasons. Regulars included Karen Morrow, Molly Bee, Chuck McCann, the Chuck Cassey Singers and Rowlf the Muppet, the first of the puppet creations of Jim Henson to be featured on national TV.
Roger Miller cleans up with many awards, including favorite single of the year, "King of the Road."
The 18th annual Country Western Music Awards are presented on tonight's show. Scheduled guests are Country and Western singers Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Minnie Pearl, Norma Jean Beasler, Del Reeves and the team of Roy Drusky and Priscilla Mitchell. On hand to present the awards are singers Tex Ritter and Roy Acuff; Gov. Frank Clement of Tennessee; and Mrs. Francis Preston, of the Country Music Association. Rowlf, Chuck Cassey Singers, Jimmy Dean hosts.