Abbott Vaughn Meader (March 20, 1936 â€" October 29, 2004) was an
American comedian, impersonator, musician, and film actor.Meader began
his career as a musician but later found fame in the early 1960s after
the release of the 1962 comedy record The First Family, written and
produced by Bob Booker and Earle Doud. The album spoofed President
John F. Kennedy â€" who was played by Meader â€" and became the
fastest selling "pre-Beatles" album in history and went on to win the
Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1963. At the peak of his
popularity, he performed his Kennedy impersonation on variety shows
and in nightclubs around the country and was profiled in several
magazines.Meader's career success came to an abrupt end after
President Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963. Producer Bob
Booker quickly pulled The First Family from stores so not to appear to
be profiting from the deceased President, and Meader’s bookings were
cancelled. He attempted to take his career in a different direction by
performing non-Kennedy-related comedy and released a new comedy album,
Have Some Nuts!!!, in early 1964. However, sales for the album were
low as public interest in Meader had waned. His career never rebounded
as he was too closely associated with President Kennedy. Meader
eventually returned to his native Maine where he resumed performing
music and managed a pub.
American comedian, impersonator, musician, and film actor.Meader began
his career as a musician but later found fame in the early 1960s after
the release of the 1962 comedy record The First Family, written and
produced by Bob Booker and Earle Doud. The album spoofed President
John F. Kennedy â€" who was played by Meader â€" and became the
fastest selling "pre-Beatles" album in history and went on to win the
Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1963. At the peak of his
popularity, he performed his Kennedy impersonation on variety shows
and in nightclubs around the country and was profiled in several
magazines.Meader's career success came to an abrupt end after
President Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963. Producer Bob
Booker quickly pulled The First Family from stores so not to appear to
be profiting from the deceased President, and Meader’s bookings were
cancelled. He attempted to take his career in a different direction by
performing non-Kennedy-related comedy and released a new comedy album,
Have Some Nuts!!!, in early 1964. However, sales for the album were
low as public interest in Meader had waned. His career never rebounded
as he was too closely associated with President Kennedy. Meader
eventually returned to his native Maine where he resumed performing
music and managed a pub.
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