Walter Kaner
Encyclopedia
Walter Kaner was an American
journalist and philanthropist.
, one of three children of Philip and Ida Kaner. He grew up in New York City.
, Kaner aired on US Army Radio, answering Tokyo Rose
’s broadcasts. In occupied Japan, his “Moshi, Moshi Ano-ne” theme song, sung to the tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down,” was so popular with Japanese children and GIs alike that Stars and Stripes
, the Army paper, called it “the Japanese occupation theme song.” Elsa Maxwell
’s column and radio show in 1946 referred to Kaner as “the breath of home to unknown thousands of our young men when they were lonely.”
Following his discharge from the Army, Kaner was a columnist for the original daily Long Island Press
(Not to be confused with the present-day alternative weekly of the same name), the New York Daily News
, the Queens Gazette and other publications for more than 50 years.
He married to Billie Elliot, who died on September 29, 2004. Kaner always referred to his wife in his columns as “Doll Face”.
Kaner once stood in for Ed Sullivan
, jokingly reminding his television audience that he was the one who rejected acts such as Harry Belafonte
and Barbra Streisand
.
, New York, in 2005 at the age of 85.
Pn May 2006, Amboy Lane between Jamaica Avenue and Springfield Boulevard in Queens was renamed "Walter Kaner Street" in his memory in ceremonies at the intersection of Amboy Lane and Springfield Boulevard.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
journalist and philanthropist.
Early life
Kaner was born in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, one of three children of Philip and Ida Kaner. He grew up in New York City.
Career in Journalism
As “Tokyo Mose” during and after World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Kaner aired on US Army Radio, answering Tokyo Rose
Tokyo Rose
Tokyo Rose was a generic name given by Allied forces in the South Pacific during World War II to any of approximately a dozen English-speaking female broadcasters of Japanese propaganda. The intent of these broadcasts was to disrupt the morale of Allied forces listening to the broadcast...
’s broadcasts. In occupied Japan, his “Moshi, Moshi Ano-ne” theme song, sung to the tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down,” was so popular with Japanese children and GIs alike that Stars and Stripes
Stars and Stripes (newspaper)
Stars and Stripes is a news source that operates from inside the United States Department of Defense but is editorially separate from it. The First Amendment protection which Stars and Stripes enjoys is safeguarded by Congress to whom an independent ombudsman, who serves the readers' interests,...
, the Army paper, called it “the Japanese occupation theme song.” Elsa Maxwell
Elsa Maxwell
Elsa Maxwell was an American gossip columnist and author, songwriter, and professional hostess renowned for her parties for royalty and high society figures of her day....
’s column and radio show in 1946 referred to Kaner as “the breath of home to unknown thousands of our young men when they were lonely.”
Following his discharge from the Army, Kaner was a columnist for the original daily Long Island Press
Long Island Press
The Long Island Press is a free newsweekly serving Long Island with extensive coverage of arts and entertainment, sports, and alternative political viewpoints. The newspaper started in 2003 after its parent company, Morey Publishing, bought The Long Island Ear, which was a free bi-monthly...
(Not to be confused with the present-day alternative weekly of the same name), the New York Daily News
New York Daily News
The Daily News of New York City is the fourth most widely circulated daily newspaper in the United States with a daily circulation of 605,677, as of November 1, 2011....
, the Queens Gazette and other publications for more than 50 years.
He married to Billie Elliot, who died on September 29, 2004. Kaner always referred to his wife in his columns as “Doll Face”.
Kaner once stood in for Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan
Edward Vincent "Ed" Sullivan was an American entertainment writer and television host, best known as the presenter of the TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show. The show was broadcast from 1948 to 1971 , which made it one of the longest-running variety shows in U.S...
, jokingly reminding his television audience that he was the one who rejected acts such as Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte
Harold George "Harry" Belafonte, Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, actor and social activist. He was dubbed the "King of Calypso" for popularizing the Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s...
and Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
.
Walter Kaner Children’s Foundation
In 1950, Kaner founded the Walter Kaner Children’s Foundation to help poor, handicapped and mentally disabled kids in New York. His foundation has enhanced the lives of more than 250,000 physically and mentally challenged, economically disadvantaged children in the New York Metro area. Kaner truly loved children and delighted in making them laugh and improving their lives. He served on the boards of and supported numerous children’s organizations.Memorials
Kaner died in Port WashingtonPort Washington, New York
Port Washington is a hamlet and census-designated place in Nassau County, New York on the North Shore of Long Island. As of the United States 2010 Census, the community population was 15,846....
, New York, in 2005 at the age of 85.
Pn May 2006, Amboy Lane between Jamaica Avenue and Springfield Boulevard in Queens was renamed "Walter Kaner Street" in his memory in ceremonies at the intersection of Amboy Lane and Springfield Boulevard.