Eugene B. Bergmann

WWW.SHEPQUEST.WORDPRESS.COM is my blog about all things Shepherd.

My SHEP'S ARMY: BUMMERS, BLISTERS, & BOONDOGGLES (Opus Books, 8/2013) is of interest not only to Shepherd fans, but to those interested in military life on the home front, and to other folk interested in humorous writing. The book contains my transcripts of dozens of Jean Shepherd's army stories. It has my extensive introduction which, among other things, discusses Shepherd's attitude toward his time in the service, and also comments on other creators' take on military life such as Bill Mauldin and the creators of Beetle Bailey and Sad Sack. I describe Shepherd's unexpected, possible tribute to an earlier, grim masterpiece about war, COMPANY K. There is humor throughout the stories and also some surprisingly serious comments/implications. The foreword is by enthusiastic Shepherd fan, commentator Keith Olbermann.

The main focus of my activities in recent years has been the art of radio humorist Jean Shepherd, as one can see, based on my two books focusing on his work. Shepherd is the author of several best-selling books of humor, the creator of several popular television series, and the creator/narrator of the popular film, A CHRISTMAS STORY.

My previous publication, EXCELSIOR, YOU FATHEAD!: THE ART AND ENIGMA OF JEAN SHEPHERD (Applause Books, 3/2005) is the standard book about his work. I've also written several published articles about him in addition to the program notes for all nine of the so-far-released CD sets of syndicated programs he recorded in 1964-65, but which had not been heard because they'd been lost and forgotten about for decades.

My other recently completed book manuscript about Shepherd is now being submitted to publishers. It details my quest for new information about Shepherd, and includes descriptions of communications I've received from his third wife, actress Lois Nettleton, letters written by his producer/fourth wife Leigh Brown, an interview with the delightful woman I call "The Vampire Lady," an extensive interview with Shepherd enthusiast, lead singer/song writer of rock band Twisted Sister, Dee Snider, and an interview with the editor/publisher of one of Shepherd's books and of Leigh Brown's book, THE SHOW GYPSIES. I comment extensively on the similarities and contrasts between Shepherd and his best friend, Shel Silverstein. I discuss the relationship between Shepherd and Hugh Hefner, and with the Beatles. I describe how Shepherd's creation for Sesame Street, the animated cartoon "Cowboy X" (which can be seen on YouTube), and his story about getting a fishing fly hook stuck in his ear, are both important metaphors for his entire career.

My picaresque travels through the land of Shep have led to many adventures and to many new and fascinating discoveries--and I continue sallying forth in all directions in search of more grails.

On January 23, 2012, the Paley Center for Media in mid-town Manhattan (formerly the Museum for Television and Radio), held a tribute to Jean Shepherd featuring Jerry Seinfeld. Seinfeld discussed his enthusiasm for Shepherd's work and indicated that he had been influenced by him. From Seinfeld Season 6 DVD special commentaries: "He really formed my entire comedic sensibility. I learned how to do comedy from Jean Shepherd."