Sherman Hemsley Contemplating the Meaning of Tales of Topographic Oceans.
In Progressive Rock circles, it’s been known for years that Sherman Hemsley was a Prog Rock fan. But with the recent death of the actorbest loved for his role as the peripatetic George Jefferson in The Jeffersons and All In The Family, here’s a few glimpses into the George Jefferson no one might have expected, not even “Weezie.”
Apparently Hemsley, a jazz pianist, was also a big fan of the psychedelic progressive band, Gong. Gong founder, Daevid Allen related a wild bacchanalian tale of meeting his “biggest fan” in Magnet.
He was also a fan of Nektar, who he managed to slip into a Jefferson’s episode.
During an appearance on the Dinah Shore show, Dinah! Hemsley performed a dance to the Gentle Giant song “Proclamation” from The Power and the Glory . Then he gave a five minute speech about the band. I would love to find that clip.
You never know where a Progressive Rock fan might be listening. Here’s to Sherman Hemsley, who died on July 24, 2012. He’s riding the great Flying Teapot in the sky.
~© 2012 John Diliberto ((( echoes )))
The Echoes July CD of the Month is 
Marconi Union’s Different Colours. Click on the link for review and several complete tracks. You get great CDs like this by becoming a member of the Echoes CD of the Month Club. Follo
w the link and see what you’ve been missing.
Join us on Facebook where you’ll get all the Echoes news so you won’t be left behind the next time a progressive rock fan dies.
Now you can go Mobile with Echoes On-Line. Find out how you can listen to Echoes 24/7 wherever you are on your iPhone, iPad or Droid.
Tags: Gentle Giant, Gong
The Echoes Blog 
July 28, 2012 at 9:54 am |
The Daevid Allen story is quite a lie. He was quiet, busy and his house boy was usually the only person in his home even when guests were staying. And believe me he ne had no women around to provide services being bot gay and a gentleman.
July 28, 2012 at 10:45 am |
Is it a lie from Daevid Allen or a lie employing Allen as the vehicle? It seems like a far-fetched story for Allen to have contrived. He’s got enough bizarre tales without having to fabricate them.
June 6, 2014 at 4:04 pm |
Well done, Sherman. Rest in peace.