"Clown Prince of Basketball" dead at 83

PSM · 12-28-2015, 14:50

Rest in Peace Meadowlark Lemon!

Quote:

[Meadow George] Lemon changed his first name to the distinctive "Meadowlark" in the 1950s because, he later said, “The birds named meadowlark are known for their sweet and happy songs. I always tried to put a song in the hearts of my fans.”

Over the next 22 years, Lemon was the most visible member of the Globetrotters during an era when their popularity rivaled that of most NBA teams. Their barnstorming tour took them across America and around the world. Those who couldn't get tickets could watch their regular appearances on ABC's "Wide World of Sports."

I was fortunate enough to see Meadowlark and the Globetrotters live twice in the '60s, once in Jr. High and again in High School on the school court. Loads of fun.

Pat

Sohei · 12-28-2015, 15:21

Rest In Peace, Meadowlark!

**Pete** · 12-28-2015, 16:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSM

.....and again in High School on the school court. Loads of fun.

Pat

Must of been 70 or 71 when they came to play in our High School Gym. The place was packed.

Loved the show.

cedsall · 12-28-2015, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Must of been 70 or 71 when they came to play in our High School Gym. The place was packed.

Loved the show.

Same here. They played to a full house in our high school gym in the early 70's.

RIP Meadowlark Lemon. You brought a lot of laughter to the world.

JJ_BPK · 12-28-2015, 17:54

RIP Meadowlark..

I remember seeing the trotters in the early 60t's. My dad worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie, and they would bring the GlobeTrotters in every year to play at the country club. The court was the size of most HS,, small... Every seat was front row..

It was awesome...

kalanis · 12-29-2015, 06:42

The Globetrotters came to my YMCA when I was a kid, and later my mom took me to the Neal Blaisdell Center to see the show.

RIP

**Pete** · 12-29-2015, 07:01

Back in the Day there was a lot of talent traveling through America playing at these small venues like High School Gyms.

They didn't hold "that" big a crowd and the tickets were not "that" expensive.

When was that last time folks went to a tent 3 ring circus? Mine was about 20 years ago.

Some call it progress I guess.

Donkey Basketball? They played that in the HS Gym also. That was a hoot.