Fred Foy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick William Foy
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| Born | March 21, 1921 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | December 22, 2010 (aged 89) Woburn, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1946 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 14th Special Service Company |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Other work | Radio and television announcer |
Frederick William Foy (born March 27, 1921 – died December 22, 2010) was an American radio and television announcer and actor. He is best known for being the voice of The Lone Ranger. A radio expert named Jim Harmon once said Foy was "the announcer, perhaps the greatest announcer-narrator in the history of radio drama."
Foy started working in radio in 1938, right after high school. He had a part-time job at a small station in Detroit called WMBC. In 1942, he moved to WXYZ, another radio station. But his radio career was put on hold because of World War II.
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Serving in World War II
Fred Foy joined the American military on August 28, 1942. He became a Sergeant in the 14th Special Service Company. This company helped entertain soldiers.
While serving, Fred Foy became the American voice on Egyptian State Broadcasting. He delivered news and special programs to Allied soldiers in Cairo. He also helped share American recordings across the Middle East. He announced local broadcasts of popular shows like Command Performance and Mail Call.
Foy also worked with the Stars and Stripes newspaper. He created a weekly news summary from America called American News Letter. He also shared sports news and updates from different war zones. For movie theaters in Cairo, he announced Headline News of the Day. Foy also helped put on shows for the USO. These included a Jack Benny broadcast and a concert with Andre Kostelanetz and Lily Pons.
Foy wrote his own radio shows too. One was Up To Scratch, which played popular songs. Another was Shows on Parade, which he hosted. He wrote and directed Christmas Overseas, which was broadcast from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This show won top awards from Washington. It featured Christmas music and a story about why the war was being fought. He also helped broadcast the World Series play-by-play to soldiers.
Foy was praised for staying at his post from August 10 to August 15, 1945. During this time, he made sure soldiers always had the latest news about the Japanese surrender. He left the army on January 3, 1946.
His Famous Radio Career
After the war, Foy went back to WXYZ in Detroit. He became the announcer and narrator for The Lone Ranger radio show. He started on July 2, 1948, and continued until the show ended on September 3, 1954. His unique voice became a well-known part of radio. He also worked on other radio shows like The Green Hornet and Challenge of the Yukon.
His powerful way of speaking the show's introduction excited listeners for years. It helped The Lone Ranger become even more popular. Many radio experts agree that Foy's Lone Ranger opening is the most famous in American radio history:
- Hi-Yo, Silver! A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty "Hi-Yo Silver"... The Lone Ranger! With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early Western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof-beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again!
Moving to Television
In 1955, Foy used his famous "Return with us now..." opening for The Lone Ranger television series. In 1961, Foy joined the ABC network in New York. For ABC Television, he spent five years as an announcer and on-camera person for commercials on The Dick Cavett Show. He also announced for quiz shows like The Generation Gap.
For ABC Radio, he narrated a news show called Voices in the Headlines. He also hosted and narrated ABC's radio drama series, Theatre 5 (1964–65). He narrated TV specials honoring important people like Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. Foy also did commercials for big companies like Colgate and General Motors. He stayed with ABC until 1985.
Awards and Later Work
Fred Foy was honored for his work. He was added to the National Radio Hall of Fame in March 2000. He also received the Golden Boot Award in August 2004. This award celebrates people who have made a big impact on Western films and TV.
In August 2000, Foy performed his "Return with us now..." Lone Ranger opening live at the Hollywood Bowl. He was joined by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In 1986, he wrote a book about his life called Fred Foy from XYZ to ABC: A Fond Recollection. He also released a CD/cassette of his memories called Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch.
His Passing
Fred Foy passed away on December 21, 2010, from natural causes.
Listen to
- Fred Foy's Lone Ranger edited for TV opening
- Leonard Lopate interviews Fred Foy
