‘Buddy’ Deane, 78; Charmed Teenagers With TV Dance Show
Winston Joe “Buddy” Deane, 78, a Pied Piper to a generation of Baltimore teenagers with his rock ‘n’ roll television dance show that became an inspiration for the hit film and Broadway musical “Hairspray,” died Wednesday in Pine Bluff, Ark., of complications from a stroke.
The Arkansas native worked in radio stations in Little Rock and Memphis, Tenn., before moving to Baltimore’s WITH in 1951. He soon became the city’s top radio personality and a popular disc jockey for teen dances, which gave him insight to the kind of music youngsters preferred.
In 1957, he was asked to host a television dance show for teenagers on Westinghouse Broadcasting Co.’s WJZ-TV, called “Buddy Deane Bandstand.”
Deane eventually inspired the character Corny Collins in John Waters’ 1988 movie “Hairspray.” The motion picture was translated to the stage last year and earned the 2003 Tony for best Broadway musical.
Deane telecast his final show Jan. 4, 1964, playing “The Party’s Over.” He then returned to Arkansas, where he owned a series of radio stations.
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