Edd 'kookie' Byrnes

Kookie @ 77 Sunset Strip Edd 'kookie' Byrnes

Between 1958-63, US private detective series 77 SUNSET STRIP, nominally starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr. And Roger Smith, was one of the most popular shows on television. A support character, Jive-talking, hair-combing Gerald Lloyd "Kookie"Kookson III, played by EDD "KOOKIE" BYRNES, became a cult figure overnight. At the peak of the show's popularity, Byrnes was receiving more weekly fan mail than anyone else in the US, with the exception of Elvis and Ricky Nelson. On the back of this he was persuaded to cut a record, 'Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb', with actress Connie Stevens, which became a surprise million-seller, following which he also charted with a couple of follow-ups and a cash-in LP, "Kookie, Star Of 77 Sunset Strip". The show also span off a million-selling soundtrack LP, by WarrenBarker. This unique compilation features all of Byrnes' 45s and his hit album, plus Barker's soundtrack LP, and for good measure also includes Don Ralke's hit version of the show's TVtheme and a further cash-in hit 45 by Roger Smith.