MDA Telethon Boasts Hot Music, Big Names

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 28, 2001 - Some of today's hottest musical acts, most hilarious comedians and most renowned entertainment celebrities top the still-growing list of performers scheduled to appear on the Jerry Lewis Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The Telethon will air for 21½ hours starting at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday, Sept. 2. Check local listings for stations and start times. The nation's most successful Telethon raises funds to support MDA's research and services programs for people with neuromuscular diseases.

Jerry Lewis & Ed Mc Mahon

As always, MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis is the star of the Telethon. He'll be assisted by anchor Ed McMahon and co-hosts Jann Carl, Norm Crosby and Cynthia Garrett. The national broadcast will be augmented by local segments from MDA's "Love Network" of 200 television stations nationwide.

Musical talent scheduled to perform on the national show includes: high-energy bands Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dream Street and Los Tucanes de Tijuana; jazz greats Dave Brubeck and Cleo Laine & John Dankworth; popular artists Gloria Gaynor, Ringo Starr, Wayne Newton, Merv Griffin and Andy Williams; song stylist Maureen McGovern, Broadway and television star Kristin Chenoweth and actor/singer Tony Danza; country music stars Reba McEntire, Billy Gilman, Dwight Yoakam, Charley Pride, Tammy Cochran, Mickey Gilley, Alan Jackson and the Oak Ridge Boys.

The Telethon is synonymous with variety, and this year's broadcast boasts the magic and illusions of Siegfried and Roy, Penn & Teller, and a live Las Vegas remote with Lance Burton. In addition, viewers will be treated to the comedy of Max Alexander, Elayne Boosler, Wayne Brady, Cathy Ladman, Kevin Meaney and Freddy Roman; as well as tap dancing sensation Savion Glover and Latin powerhouse Charo.

Tony Danza

Several television actors and personalities will make appeals during the national broadcast, including Ray Romano, Barbara Walters, Regis Philbin, Dennis Franz, Mexican singer/actress Lucero, Leeza Gibbons, Casey Kasem, "Cristina" host Cristina Saralegui, Bob Costas, Angela Lansbury and Don Francisco, host of the Spanish-language television hit "Sábado Gigante." They'll join singer Martina McBride, bluesman B.B. King, and the television casts of "Family Law," "Three Sisters" and "Resurrection Boulevard" in asking viewers to pick up their phones and make pledges.

Two performers who'll appear on the Telethon are affected by neuromuscular diseases that MDA fights. Country singer Bradley Walker of Athens, Ala., will perform with Lost Horizon, and vocalist Calvin Ray Johnson of Mt. Washington, Ky., will highlight the Telethon entertainment lineup.

Broadway will be represented by performances from the musical "Contact." Children will be entertained by the likes of Kermit the Frog and Bear from "Bear in the Big Blue House."

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases that affect children and adults through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.