The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

(left to right) Johnny Crawford and Rex Morgan
WFIL-TV, Channel 6 (now WPVI-TV)
circa 1962

Johnny Crawford became well-known in 1955 as being one of the original Mouseketeers. However, his real claim to fame is his portrayal of Mark McCain, the son of Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) on ABC-TV's "The Rifleman" TV series that ran from 1958 to 1963. In 1962, Crawford started a recording career and had a top ten record entitled "Cindy's Birthday."

(left to right) Johnny Crawford and Rex Morgan
WFIL-TV, Channel 6 (now WPVI-TV)
circa 1962

We believe that theses photos date from 1962 (probably during the summer). Crawford also made an appearance on "American Bandstand" which at that time originated from Studio B of WFIL-TV at 46th and Market Streets. Rex Morgan's program originated from Studio C, a slightly smaller studio next to the Bandstand facility. A good guess is that both the Morgan and Bandstand appearances were on the same day.

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com