Jimmie Dodd Biography

Fast Facts

• His composition "Washington" was adopted as the official song of Washington, D․C
• Performed as a singer and guitarist for U․S․ troops during World War II
• Studied at the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and the Shouster Martin School of Dramatic Arts
• Became interested in music after his father began working as a salesman at a music store and he had easy access to scores and instruments
• Came to California on a tour with the Louis Prima Orchestra in 1937 and later made his screen acting debut in the film "Those Were the Days" in 1940
• Tried performing locally as a singer and dancer before getting a job at a local radio station
• Best known as the host of the 1950s Disney television series "The Mickey Mouse Club․"
• Also wrote "The Mickey Mouse Club" theme song "Mickey Mouse March," as well as more than 50 other songs used on the show
• Was selected to host "The Mickey Mouse Club" after producer Bill Walsh had him perform "The Pencil Song" for Walt Disney