LOCAL

St. Jude Hospital Founder Danny Thomas

Memphis-Unknown
A jubilant Danny Thomas hoists Bruce Frager up towards the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus in front of St. Jude Research Hospital at Jackson and Lauderdale at the formal opening of the hospital February 4, 1962. "This is the greatest day of my life," the television performer observed. "If I should die this minute, I would know why I was born." Some 9,000 people turned out for the opening.
A jubilant Danny Thomas hoists Bruce Frager up towards the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus in front of St. Jude Research Hospital at Jackson and Lauderdale at the formal opening of the hospital February 4, 1962. "This is the greatest day of my life," the television performer observed. "If I should die this minute, I would know why I was born." Some 9,000 people turned out for the opening.
Fred Griffith, The Commercial Appeal
Danny Thomas kisses the toe of St. Jude Thaddeus as Mrs. Thomas looks on during the formal opening of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital February 4, 1962. "This is the greatest day of my life," the television performer observed. "If I should die this minute, I would know why I was born." Some 9,000 people turned out for the opening.
Danny Thomas kisses the toe of St. Jude Thaddeus as Mrs. Thomas looks on during the formal opening of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital February 4, 1962. "This is the greatest day of my life," the television performer observed. "If I should die this minute, I would know why I was born." Some 9,000 people turned out for the opening.
The Commercial Appeal
Ann Hill (center), the victim of a rare muscle disorder that confined her to a wheelchair who raised over $200,000 for St. Jude Hospital, had a 14-year relationship with St. Jude founder Danny Thomas (left).
Ann Hill (center), the victim of a rare muscle disorder that confined her to a wheelchair who raised over $200,000 for St. Jude Hospital, had a 14-year relationship with St. Jude founder Danny Thomas (left).
CA Files
The late Danny Thomas, whose vision and tireless efforts in the founding of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are well known, will always be remembered for his lasting impact on Memphis and children around the world. Less known is his connection to Beale Street, a name made famous by W.C. Handy's "Beale Street Blues." Arriving for the first local fundraiser for St. Jude in 1955, the entertainer said, "All my life I've been hearing about and singing about Beale Street . Now I discover it's an avenue. Beale Street belongs to the nation. This avenue business isn't right." In earlier years, the city had designated all east-west streets as avenues. Thomas even penned a tune for the event, "Bring Back My Beale Street Blues." Mayor Frank Tobey and the city commission agreed. Thank you, Danny, for St. Jude and for putting the street back in Beale.
The late Danny Thomas, whose vision and tireless efforts in the founding of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are well known, will always be remembered for his lasting impact on Memphis and children around the world. Less known is his connection to Beale Street, a name made famous by W.C. Handy's "Beale Street Blues." Arriving for the first local fundraiser for St. Jude in 1955, the entertainer said, "All my life I've been hearing about and singing about Beale Street . Now I discover it's an avenue. Beale Street belongs to the nation. This avenue business isn't right." In earlier years, the city had designated all east-west streets as avenues. Thomas even penned a tune for the event, "Bring Back My Beale Street Blues." Mayor Frank Tobey and the city commission agreed. Thank you, Danny, for St. Jude and for putting the street back in Beale.
The Commercial Appeal
Tennessee Ernie Ford (left), Danny Thomas (center) and Sammy Davis, Jr. (right) chat back stage prior to the St. Jude Shower of Stars at the Mid-South Coliseum on May 29, 1971. Also performing at the benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital were Bob Hope, Vikki Carr and Frank Sinatra. The benefit raised an estimated $175,000 for the hospital.
Tennessee Ernie Ford (left), Danny Thomas (center) and Sammy Davis, Jr. (right) chat back stage prior to the St. Jude Shower of Stars at the Mid-South Coliseum on May 29, 1971. Also performing at the benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital were Bob Hope, Vikki Carr and Frank Sinatra. The benefit raised an estimated $175,000 for the hospital.
Barney Sellers, The Commercial Appeal
February 4, 1962 - A jubilant Danny Thomas kissed a little Chinese-American girl as youngsters representing every racial and ethnic group in thc city clustered about the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus in front of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at Jackson and Lauderdale at the formal opening of the hospital. "This is the greatest day of my life," the television performer observed. "If I should die this minute, I would know why I was born." Some 9,000 people turned out for the opening.
February 4, 1962 - A jubilant Danny Thomas kissed a little Chinese-American girl as youngsters representing every racial and ethnic group in thc city clustered about the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus in front of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at Jackson and Lauderdale at the formal opening of the hospital. "This is the greatest day of my life," the television performer observed. "If I should die this minute, I would know why I was born." Some 9,000 people turned out for the opening.
Fred Griffith, The Commercial Appeal
May 30, 1970 - Danny Thomas and daughter Marlo Thomas arrive at Memphis International Airport on May 30, 1970. They are in town, along with Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore and Jerry Lewis for the Shower of Stars at the Mid-South Coliseum to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
May 30, 1970 - Danny Thomas and daughter Marlo Thomas arrive at Memphis International Airport on May 30, 1970. They are in town, along with Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore and Jerry Lewis for the Shower of Stars at the Mid-South Coliseum to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Barney Sellers, The Commercial Appeal
Letters containing contributions for St. Jude Hospital overflowed the desk of Mrs. Dottie Creason of 850 Biggs, secretary at National Bank of Commerce on May 24, 1955. Mail was pouring in from all over the country as a result of a television appeal by Danny Thomas. Three days later, a benefit was held at Crump Stadium.
Letters containing contributions for St. Jude Hospital overflowed the desk of Mrs. Dottie Creason of 850 Biggs, secretary at National Bank of Commerce on May 24, 1955. Mail was pouring in from all over the country as a result of a television appeal by Danny Thomas. Three days later, a benefit was held at Crump Stadium.
Robert Williams, The Commercial Appeal
Danny Thomas, Frank Sinatra, Marlo Thomas and Jerry Lewis are shown backstage waiting for the Shower of Stars benefit concert to begin at the Mid-South Colisuem on May 30, 1970.
Danny Thomas, Frank Sinatra, Marlo Thomas and Jerry Lewis are shown backstage waiting for the Shower of Stars benefit concert to begin at the Mid-South Colisuem on May 30, 1970.
Jim Shearin, The Commercial Appeal
Comedian Danny Thomas holds a photograph taken by Judy Boucher (with camera), of 2101 Charjean, during a meeting, on Mar. 6, 1965. Mr. Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, met with Mid-South youngsters who are captains of the Teenagers March for St. Jude, which is held each year to raise funds for the hospital.
Comedian Danny Thomas holds a photograph taken by Judy Boucher (with camera), of 2101 Charjean, during a meeting, on Mar. 6, 1965. Mr. Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, met with Mid-South youngsters who are captains of the Teenagers March for St. Jude, which is held each year to raise funds for the hospital.
Barney Sellers, The Commercial Appeal
Danny Thomas signs the cast of Bill Dunn at St. Joseph Hospital in the summer of 1953. Bill was born with spina bifida and was recovering from tendon surgery at St. Joseph Hospital when Thomas came visiting. Thomas was laying ground work for St. Jude Children's Hospital, which opened nine years later in 1962.
Danny Thomas signs the cast of Bill Dunn at St. Joseph Hospital in the summer of 1953. Bill was born with spina bifida and was recovering from tendon surgery at St. Joseph Hospital when Thomas came visiting. Thomas was laying ground work for St. Jude Children's Hospital, which opened nine years later in 1962.
Courtesy Of Bill Dunn
Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Hospital officiates at the opening of the children's research hospital on 4 Feb 1962. He gave several million dollars to St. Jude and was the catalyst who inspired others to give.
Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Hospital officiates at the opening of the children's research hospital on 4 Feb 1962. He gave several million dollars to St. Jude and was the catalyst who inspired others to give.
The Commercial Appeal
"He's just resting," quipped Danny Thomas after removing the side of a crate for a look at the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus, the television comedian's gift for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on April 13, 1961. "He'll be standing on his feet for a long time," said Thomas. Smiling broadly also is Joe Gattas, city director of American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, which will maintain St. Jude. The hospital opened in February, 1962.
"He's just resting," quipped Danny Thomas after removing the side of a crate for a look at the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus, the television comedian's gift for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on April 13, 1961. "He'll be standing on his feet for a long time," said Thomas. Smiling broadly also is Joe Gattas, city director of American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, which will maintain St. Jude. The hospital opened in February, 1962.
Barney Sellers, The Commercial Appeal
Marlo Thomas, wife of talk show host Phil Donahue, right, looks at the Congressional Gold Medal presented to her father Danny Thomas during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, April 16, 1985.
Marlo Thomas, wife of talk show host Phil Donahue, right, looks at the Congressional Gold Medal presented to her father Danny Thomas during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, April 16, 1985.
BARRY THUMMA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rodney the theatrical dog sticks out his tongue so's not to be out-mugged by comedian Danny Thomas, as the pair get photographed going over the script for a television show on which they both appear in Hollywood on Dec. 19, 1951.
Rodney the theatrical dog sticks out his tongue so's not to be out-mugged by comedian Danny Thomas, as the pair get photographed going over the script for a television show on which they both appear in Hollywood on Dec. 19, 1951.
Ellis Bosworth, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pianist Liberace, left, 22-year-old dancer Joanne Rio, and actor Danny Thomas, center, have a laugh at the Moulin Rouge cafe in Hollywood, Oct. 20, 1954.
Pianist Liberace, left, 22-year-old dancer Joanne Rio, and actor Danny Thomas, center, have a laugh at the Moulin Rouge cafe in Hollywood, Oct. 20, 1954.
AP
Entertainer Danny Thomas cheers former president Gerald Ford's hole in one at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic at Colonial Country Club's fifth hole on June 9, 1977.
Entertainer Danny Thomas cheers former president Gerald Ford's hole in one at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic at Colonial Country Club's fifth hole on June 9, 1977.
Associated Press
June 7, 1978 - Danny Thomas signs an autograph for nursing technician, Evelyn Matthews, as he and former President Gerald Ford were on a tour of St. Jude. Thomas teased reporters that he was running for president and "Jerry Ford is going to be my advisor."
June 7, 1978 - Danny Thomas signs an autograph for nursing technician, Evelyn Matthews, as he and former President Gerald Ford were on a tour of St. Jude. Thomas teased reporters that he was running for president and "Jerry Ford is going to be my advisor."
Robb Mitchell, The Commercial Appeal
Danny Thomas, star of the TV show "Make Room For Daddy," is seen as he receives four Father's Day ties - all the same - from his wife and children, on June 13, 1955. Seen from left to right are: son Tony, daughter Teresa, wife Rosemarie Thomas, and daughter Margaret (Marlo).
Danny Thomas, star of the TV show "Make Room For Daddy," is seen as he receives four Father's Day ties - all the same - from his wife and children, on June 13, 1955. Seen from left to right are: son Tony, daughter Teresa, wife Rosemarie Thomas, and daughter Margaret (Marlo).
ASSOCIATED PRESS
President George H. W. Bush gestures as he paid a drop-by on Saturday, March 18, 1989 in Washington at a St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital charity dinner in honor of White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, standing center. At left is actor Danny Thomas, who is active in the St. Jude's Hospital charities.
President George H. W. Bush gestures as he paid a drop-by on Saturday, March 18, 1989 in Washington at a St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital charity dinner in honor of White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, standing center. At left is actor Danny Thomas, who is active in the St. Jude's Hospital charities.
Rick Bowmer, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Former President of the Pontiac Pack, a Memphis Pontiac Dealers Association, Pat Carter poses with Danny Thomas after the group made an $18,000 donation for the Ronald McDonald House.
Former President of the Pontiac Pack, a Memphis Pontiac Dealers Association, Pat Carter poses with Danny Thomas after the group made an $18,000 donation for the Ronald McDonald House.
CA Files
Debbie Reynolds with Danny Thomas arrives at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Oct. 14, 1985, to attend the Thalians 30th Anniversary Ball in which actress Lana Turner was honored.
Debbie Reynolds with Danny Thomas arrives at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Oct. 14, 1985, to attend the Thalians 30th Anniversary Ball in which actress Lana Turner was honored.
Nick Ut
Three show business legends, from left, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar and Danny Thomas, ham it up during a news conference on Feb. 23, 1988 at New York's Friars Club. The trio announced their upcoming TV movie, " Side by Side " the CBS Sunday Movie for March 6. The show is described as comic tale of three men who refuse to be labeled as too old.
Three show business legends, from left, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar and Danny Thomas, ham it up during a news conference on Feb. 23, 1988 at New York's Friars Club. The trio announced their upcoming TV movie, "Side by Side" the CBS Sunday Movie for March 6. The show is described as comic tale of three men who refuse to be labeled as too old.
Ray Stubblebine, AP
February 7, 1991 - Beatrice Howard mops the marble floor in front of the crypt in the Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavillion that will soon be the resting place of Danny Thomas. The pavilion sits near the main entrance to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
February 7, 1991 - Beatrice Howard mops the marble floor in front of the crypt in the Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavillion that will soon be the resting place of Danny Thomas. The pavilion sits near the main entrance to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Lisa Waddell, The Commercial Appeal
Entertainer Danny Thomas plays the piano while his nine-year-old daughter Margaret (Marlo) accompanies on vocals at their home in Beverly Hills, Ca., Nov. 16, 1947.
Entertainer Danny Thomas plays the piano while his nine-year-old daughter Margaret (Marlo) accompanies on vocals at their home in Beverly Hills, Ca., Nov. 16, 1947.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Actress Loretta Young is seen with comedian Danny Thomas March 7, 1955, displaying their "Emmies" received from the Television Academy in Hollywood.
Actress Loretta Young is seen with comedian Danny Thomas March 7, 1955, displaying their "Emmies" received from the Television Academy in Hollywood.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jerry Lewis, left, and Frank Sinatra, right, joke as Danny Thomas cuts the huge star-shaped birthday cake at a party to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 25, 1956.
Jerry Lewis, left, and Frank Sinatra, right, joke as Danny Thomas cuts the huge star-shaped birthday cake at a party to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 25, 1956.
Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lots of Hope but not much hope is the outlook for Danny Thomas, center, and Bing Crosby, buried head-deep in the sand in a scene taped in Hollywood, Los Angeles on April 1, 1966 for the NBC-TV Danny Thomas Special. Bob Hope, playing himself as a well-known Hollywood golfer, is happy about finding two of his competitors sunk in a sand trap. The scene is a spoof on Road to Lebanon.
Lots of Hope but not much hope is the outlook for Danny Thomas, center, and Bing Crosby, buried head-deep in the sand in a scene taped in Hollywood, Los Angeles on April 1, 1966 for the NBC-TV Danny Thomas Special. Bob Hope, playing himself as a well-known Hollywood golfer, is happy about finding two of his competitors sunk in a sand trap. The scene is a spoof on Road to Lebanon.
Harold Filan, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Entertainer Danny Thomas and his daughter Marlo are shown at the opening party of the Jerry Lewis Restaurant on Hollywood's Sunset Strip, Ca., Feb. 15, 1962.
Entertainer Danny Thomas and his daughter Marlo are shown at the opening party of the Jerry Lewis Restaurant on Hollywood's Sunset Strip, Ca., Feb. 15, 1962.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Singer Frank Sinatra, second from left, laughs on stage at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, Dec. 15, 1963, during an appearance to celebrate the safe return of his kidnapped son. Others, from left, are Sammy Davis, Jr., Sinatra, Danny Thomas, Gary Morton, Sands chief Jack Entratter, Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and Dean Martin. (AP Photo)
Singer Frank Sinatra, second from left, laughs on stage at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, Dec. 15, 1963, during an appearance to celebrate the safe return of his kidnapped son. Others, from left, are Sammy Davis, Jr., Sinatra, Danny Thomas, Gary Morton, Sands chief Jack Entratter, Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and Dean Martin. (AP Photo)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Former President Gerald Ford, left, waves to the crowd after scoring a hole in one during the pro-am at Memphis, Tenn., June 8, 1977. With the president is entertainer Danny Thomas, after whom the tournament is named.
Former President Gerald Ford, left, waves to the crowd after scoring a hole in one during the pro-am at Memphis, Tenn., June 8, 1977. With the president is entertainer Danny Thomas, after whom the tournament is named.
Jack Thornell, AP
Golfer Al Geiberger left, gets a big hug from Danny Thomas after Geiberger won the Danny Thomas Classic golf tournament in Memphis, Tenn. Geiberger fired a fifteen-under-par 273 to grab the win on June 13, 1977.
Golfer Al Geiberger left, gets a big hug from Danny Thomas after Geiberger won the Danny Thomas Classic golf tournament in Memphis, Tenn. Geiberger fired a fifteen-under-par 273 to grab the win on June 13, 1977.
AP
Marlo Thomas blows a kiss after accepting a special Bob Hope humanitarian award for her late father Danny Thomas, during the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Marlo Thomas blows a kiss after accepting a special Bob Hope humanitarian award for her late father Danny Thomas, during the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
KEVORK DJANSEZIAN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Danny Thomas in front of Lansky's Beale Street Store.
Danny Thomas in front of Lansky's Beale Street Store.
Bernard J. Lansky Collection
June 27, 1979 - Joshua Alan Gregory, 4, got a chance to demonstrate his golf swing during yesterday's pro-am at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic at Colonial Country Club. Gregory earned his pro-am appearance after being introduced to pro Andy Bean on Monday. Bean, the defending champion at the tournament, asked that the youthful golfer accompany him to the No. 1 tee yesterday. Young Gregory shows his swing to (From Left) Bean, Danny Thomas and former president Gerald Ford. Gregory's father James, is squatting at Left. Gregory went on to win the state individual prep golf title while playing for Christian Brothers High School and played collegiate golf at Southern Methodist University. He is now the Director of Golf and men's golf coach at Augusta (Ga.) State University. Photo by Barney Sellers, Staff Photographer / The Commercial Appeal / Memphis, TN.
June 27, 1979 - Joshua Alan Gregory, 4, got a chance to demonstrate his golf swing during yesterday's pro-am at the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic at Colonial Country Club. Gregory earned his pro-am appearance after being introduced to pro Andy Bean on Monday. Bean, the defending champion at the tournament, asked that the youthful golfer accompany him to the No. 1 tee yesterday. Young Gregory shows his swing to (From Left) Bean, Danny Thomas and former president Gerald Ford. Gregory's father James, is squatting at Left. Gregory went on to win the state individual prep golf title while playing for Christian Brothers High School and played collegiate golf at Southern Methodist University. He is now the Director of Golf and men's golf coach at Augusta (Ga.) State University. Photo by Barney Sellers, Staff Photographer / The Commercial Appeal / Memphis, TN.
Barney Sellers, The Commercial Appeal
Sat, 23 June 07 (mdmalsac) Photo by Mike MAPLE Fif?ty years ago Danny Thomas rallied friends in Chicago to form ALSAC with their goal to build support for a new hospital called St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Saturday survivors gathered at the Cannon Center and told their stories. Waiting in the wings off stage are two of those survivors, (at left) Christian Gizara (CQ), 11, of Amsterdam, NY, patient number 20,278, and Dwight Tosh (CQ), 58, of Jonesboro, AR, patient number 17, the longest living survivor of the St. Jude patients. Tosh was admitted to St. Jude April 23, 1962.
Sat, 23 June 07 (mdmalsac) Photo by Mike MAPLE Fif?ty years ago Danny Thomas rallied friends in Chicago to form ALSAC with their goal to build support for a new hospital called St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Saturday survivors gathered at the Cannon Center and told their stories. Waiting in the wings off stage are two of those survivors, (at left) Christian Gizara (CQ), 11, of Amsterdam, NY, patient number 20,278, and Dwight Tosh (CQ), 58, of Jonesboro, AR, patient number 17, the longest living survivor of the St. Jude patients. Tosh was admitted to St. Jude April 23, 1962.
Mike MAPLE, Mike MAPLE
021712-------STAND ALONE----STAMP-------February 16, 2012 - Tony Thomas, son of entertainer and St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, greets St. Jude employees, patients and hospital guests during a unveiling of a commemorative Forever Stamp of his father by the United States Postal Service at children's hospital on Thursday. The stamp's arrival is synced with the 50th anniversary of St. Jude and Danny Thomas' 100th birthday. 14,000 stamps were brought to St. Jude for employees to purchase and all were sold in hours. Currently, 50 million stamps on printed.
021712-------STAND ALONE----STAMP-------February 16, 2012 - Tony Thomas, son of entertainer and St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, greets St. Jude employees, patients and hospital guests during a unveiling of a commemorative Forever Stamp of his father by the United States Postal Service at children's hospital on Thursday. The stamp's arrival is synced with the 50th anniversary of St. Jude and Danny Thomas' 100th birthday. 14,000 stamps were brought to St. Jude for employees to purchase and all were sold in hours. Currently, 50 million stamps on printed.
Kyle Kurlick
U.S. Postal Service Honors Danny Thomas on Forever Stamp. It goes on sale Feb. 16.
U.S. Postal Service Honors Danny Thomas on Forever Stamp. It goes on sale Feb. 16.
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