Clark Jones, 82; Directed Early TV Cultural Arts and Variety Programs
Clark Jones, 82, who directed many of television’s early live arts programs, died March 28 at his home in Key West, Fla. The cause of death was not announced.
Born in Clearfield, Pa., Jones attended Northwestern University.
He began his broadcasting career in 1941 at an experimental station in Schenectady, N.Y., and served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Europe and North Africa.
After the war, Jones moved to New York City and began directing shows, including “Voice of the People” and “The Eddie Condon Show.”
His forte as a director seemed to be large-scale cultural telecasts. He directed early broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera in the 1950s, “Peter Pan” with Mary Martin, and a Royal Ballet production of “Cinderella.”
Jones also directed many variety programs, including “The Carol Burnett Show” and “The Perry Como Show,” and a number of specials.
He was the first director of the Tony Awards and held that post until his retirement in 1987.
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