Charles Alvin LISANBY Jr.

LISANBY, JR., Mr. Charles Alvin Passed away peacefully in the presence of his family in Los Angeles, California, on August 23, 2013, at the age of 89. Mr. Lisanby had a seven decade career in the arts and entertainment industry, marked by 16 Emmy Nominations and 3 Wins for Baryshnikov on Broadway, Ben Franklin, The Ambassador - mini series, and (Barry) Manilow: Big Fun on Swing Street. Born in Princeton, KY, Mr. Lisanby arrived in New York City at the age of 16 to pursue art studies and an apprenticeship with the legendary Broadway & Film Art Director, Cecil Beaton. Following a stint in the Army, he landed a position at CBS and later at ABC as their first Art Director. He worked on many variety shows including the Garry Moore Show, where Carol Burnett, among others got their start. In fact, it was Charles who recommended Ms. Burnett to Moore's producer, Bob Banner.
Bob Banner, hired Charles for many variety shows, for Alan King, Paul Lynde, Bob Hope, Kathy Lee Gifford, Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand, Carol Burnett & Julie Andrews, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Diana Ross. Twelve of his musical specials won Emmys for best Variety Show. He did multiple Motion Picture Academy Awards Shows, the Grammys, and the first MTV Awards shows. Commercial producers also reached out to Mr. Lisanby to design, the CLIO award winning original, Merrill Lynch "bull" commercials, and 7 Dr. Pepper commercials & the Panasonic "hands" commercials. He was the designer of Radio City's Christmas Show from '78 thru '95 and the full run of their Easter show during that period. His one act play adaptation of "Christmas Carol" ran for 7 years at Radio City. Commencing in 1980, he was the designer of the Crystal Cathedral's Christmas and Easter Productions for their entire run. Mr. Lisanby wrote an original musical entitled, "Family Tree", which became the basis for the musical, "Children of Eden" with lyrics & music by Stephen Schwartz. He also wrote the title and dialogue for Andy Warhol's, "25 Cats Name Sam & One Blue Pussy," which earned both of them their first copyrighted work. Charles has been honored by the Art Directors Guild at the Museum of Television & Radio, the Television Academy with his election to their Hall of Fame as the first in his peer group, Production Designers/Art Directors and a display of a major body of his designs at the Los Angeles Main Public Library in Getty Hall. Mr. Lisanby is survived by his nieces, Dr. Sarah Hollingsworth Lisanby of Durham, NC, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Lisanby Bianchi of Huntsville, AL; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Gladys Elnora Kemp Lisanby of Princeton, KY; and his partner Mr. Richard Bostard. He is preceded in death by his brother, Rear Admiral James Walker Lisanby, USN Ret, and his parents Rebecca Hollingsworth Lisanby and Charles Alvin Lisanby, Sr. Funeral services will be held at 3PM on Sunday, September 1st, at Morgan's Funeral Home at 301 W Washington St Princeton, KY 42445 Princeton, KY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Charles Lisanby Center Checks should be made to: JMU Foundation -- Charles Lisanby Center, Mailing address: James Madison University, Advancement Gifts and Records, MSC 3603, 220 University Blvd., Harrisonburg VA 22807.