Razz Ma Tazz

In Razz Ma Tazz, Stan Zabka gives us a glimpse into a very specialized corner of the greatest generation’s journey. Surviving the Great Depression and WWII, Stan immersed himself in the fragile field of broadcasting, popular music and movies – seemingly all at the same time. He takes us from the towers of Manhattan to sound stages of Hollywood. Never a star but always a player, Stan shows us a world few have seen and adds the perspective of an ultimate insider. --- Nick Clooney Distinguished Journalist in Residence The Newseum, Washington, D.C.

Razz Ma Tazz: My Life in Music, Television and Film is a memoir by Stan Zabka, a World War II veteran. Stan and his seven brothers served in various branches of the military during World War II, including the Army, Navy and the Marines. When Stan’s service in the Pacific Theater was complete, he returned stateside and began his career as a page with NBC. Stan was recalled to service during the Korean War era and was stationed in Europe with NBC’s 301st Broadcast and Leaflet Group, which engaged in psychological warfare during the burgeoning days of the Cold War. While in Europe with this assignment, Stan eventually became the News Chief of the American Forces Network. Upon Stan’s return to civilian life, he began an exciting and fulfilling career in the music and entertainment industry, winning music awards and also a director’s Emmy for the soap opera The Doctors. His directing duties also included Perry Como on Kraft Music Hall. Stan was a successful songwriter, the composer of the original score for The Johnny Carson Show. He also penned a classic song for our military, Christmas Eve in My Hometown, recorded by Eddie Fisher, Kate Smith, Bobby Vinton, The Living Strings, Jim Nabors, Military and Concert Orchestras, others.

In a career twice interrupted by military service, Zabka has compiled a record of achievement and peer awards in several aspects of the entertainment industry. The attached chronology details specific accomplishment in: Radio Broadcasting Network Television Production Major Motion Picture Production Music Writing, Recording, Publishing RADIO: News Chief, American Forces Network, Europe TELEVISION: NBC, New York • Johnny Carson Tonight Show, Director/ AD • The Doctors (Emmy Award), Director/AD • Philco Television Playhouse, AD • Hallmark Hall of Fame, AD • Perry Como Kraft Music Hall, AD MOTION PICTURES: Los Angeles. • Production Manager/First Assistant Director, films with Clint Eastwood, Joanne Woodward, Michael Caine, Robert DeNiro, Helen Hunt, Anthony Hopkins, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Henry Fonda, Bo Derek, William Zabka • Associate Producer, 2004 Oscar-Nominated Action Short Film, “MOST” MUSIC: Writer-Composer • “Chimes,” original Tonight Show and NBC Sports Themes • “Christmas Eve in My Home Town” (“GI Christmas Song”…AFN) • Three-time recipient, ASCAP Writer Award • Music Publisher/Recording Company executive • Guest lecturer, pianist, entertainer EDUCATION: • Illinois, Northwestern Universities • DePauw University, AB degree • Director, DePauw Radio WGRE; Eugene C. Pulliam Scholar • Charter Member, DePauw Theater Arts Players MEMBER: Sigma Nu Fraternity; Directors Guild of America; American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers; Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; AFN Legends Group.