Interview: Chuck Corson (Fred Waring; Big Bands; Disneyland’s nighttime entertainment)

Chuck Corson
Chuck Corson (left), Chuck and jazz legend Pete Fountain (right)

Chuck Corson was the director of entertainment for Disneyland and Walt Disney World beginning in 1959.

AUDIO INDEX
:59 Production stage manager for Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians,

1:35 Disney Night at the Hollywood Bowl and “Tinker Bell,” Tommy Walker, casting shows such as “Mickey Mouse Club,” and “Elfego Baca,” Jimmie Dodd

3:40 Disneyland’s start of nighttime entertainment, the first fireworks at Disneyland

5:44 The big bands at Disneyland, Benny Goodman, a surprise for Benny wife

8:00 His start with Disney as an apprentice in casting at the studio

10:15 Working with Walt Disney, the Squaw Valley Olympics, getting stranded with Walt, getting big name performers for Disneyland, big band festivals