Sherman Hemsley Contemplating the Meaning of Tales of Topographic Oceans.
In Progressive Rock circles, it’s been known for years that Sherman Hemsley was a Prog Rock fan. But with the recent death of the actorbest loved for his role as the peripatetic George Jefferson in The Jeffersons and All In The Family, here’s a few glimpses into the George Jefferson no one might have expected, not even “Weezie.”
Apparently Hemsley, a jazz pianist, was also a big fan of the psychedelic progressive band, Gong. Gong founder, Daevid Allen related a wild bacchanalian tale of meeting his “biggest fan” in Magnet.
He was also a fan of Nektar, who he managed to slip into a Jefferson’s episode.
During an appearance on the Dinah Shore show, Dinah! Hemsley performed a dance to the Gentle Giant song “Proclamation” from The Power and the Glory . Then he gave a five minute speech about the band. I would love to find that clip.
You never know where a Progressive Rock fan might be listening. Here’s to Sherman Hemsley, who died on July 24, 2012. He’s riding the great Flying Teapot in the sky.
~© 2012 John Diliberto ((( echoes )))
The Daevid Allen story is quite a lie. He was quiet, busy and his house boy was usually the only person in his home even when guests were staying. And believe me he ne had no women around to provide services being bot gay and a gentleman.
Is it a lie from Daevid Allen or a lie employing Allen as the vehicle? It seems like a far-fetched story for Allen to have contrived. He’s got enough bizarre tales without having to fabricate them.
Any luck finding the clip of Hemsley dancing to “Proclamation” on Dinah!? I’m writing a paper about The Power and the Glory and would love to hear what he had to say.
Seems like its disappeared from youtube.