Johnny Grant, dubbed the honorary mayor of Hollywood, was one of the towns biggest supporters for over 50 years. He served as the chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee and the Hollywood Historic Trust. He was also chairman and executive producer of the Hollywood Centennial Celebration, orchestrating the 100th birthday extravaganza.
The Acadamy of Television Arts and Sciences paid tribute to Grant in 1988, bestowing their highest honor – The Los Angeles Area Governors Award emmy.
Grant also helped to revamp and revitalize the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. The event, under a different name at the time, was in danger of going under when he signed on to shore it up. He enlisted 100 Hollywood celebrities to be part of the festivities and the rest is history. The annual televised event is considered one of the world’s largest celebrity events.
Grant got his start on radio. He created and hosted KMPC’s ‘Freeway Club’ from 1951 to 1959. He was the first disc jockey to report on freeway traffic between music and guest spots.
Johnny Grant died at the age of 84.
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