Early in 1982, Omega Productions dba Omega Audio received a call to record an upcoming NBC Television Special starring Bob Hope and a bevy of well-known celebrities. Omega used their 24-track mobile unit to capture all the action, including dialogue and music. No doubt the project was a high point in our career, since Bob Hope had always been a favorite. In fact, the Omega Productions Credits Page is titled, “Thanks for the memories…”, a term often used by Mr. Hope over the years.
“Bob Hope’s Stars Over Texas Special” was a major television variety show that originally aired on NBC on Monday, May 3, 1982.
The program was filmed entirely on location before a live audience in the newly opened Performing Arts Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
The Guest Lineup
True to the Lone Star theme, the one-hour broadcast mixed Bob Hope’s signature topical comedy monologues with prominent Texas icons and variety stars:
- Morgan Fairchild: The Dallas-born actress, then starring in NBC’s Flamingo Road, served as the special’s headline co-star.
- Dottie West: The Grammy-winning country star joined the program for musical segments and a running comedy bit where she used a prop pistol to force Bob Hope into an impromptu guitar lesson.
- Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers: The Texas-native country music group delivered the principal musical performances of the night.
- Jack Lemmon: The Oscar-winning Hollywood legend made a marquee guest appearance to perform alongside Hope.
- Elizabeth LuAnn Caughey: Miss Texas
The show was directed by veteran television director Norman Abbott and produced under the entertainer’s own banner, Hope Enterprises, with Hope serving as Executive Producer. The writing team, which included longtime Hope collaborators Gig Henry and Robert L. Mills, as well as Bob Keane, specifically tailored the material to celebrate Texas culture and the University of Texas backdrop. Music by Bob Alberti, some selections by Ray Charles.
We will forever be indebted to NBC and the producers for giving us this one-time opportunity to work with our hero.
