Larry (Bozo) Harmon is dead at the age of 83 of congestive heart failure. Harmon didn't originate the character of Bozo The Clown, but he made it a brand and franchised it out to Bozo's all over the US. Bozo had a daily kids show in different markets around the country. Weather buffoon Willard Scott got his start as Bozo in the DC area. The show aired on WOR channel 9 in New York in the 60s. Bozo would select one lucky boy to be his circus assistant "Butch For The Day." Oh, how I longed for such an honor, much like the longing to hear my name mentioned in the "Magic Mirror" segment of "Romper Room."
There was also a truly lame Bozo cartoon, which I knew sucked even then.
Anyway, let's all sing the Bozo theme song:
I am such a funny clown
I like to travel round and round
The Circus is my home
I always seem to roam
In a rocket ship I soar
I explore the ocean floor
But you must know, I'll never go
Unless you come along!
Bozo, Bozo, always laughs, never frowns
Bozo, Bozo, Bozo the clown!
