Respected showbiz and sports promoter, the late Donovan Andree’s 50th death anniversary, falls on July 4 is remembered with number of activities including donation of meals and radio programmes.
Andree, ‘entrepreneur of entertainment’ launched and promoted a host of our singers and many were the international entertainment acts he brought into the country then to give Sri Lankans numerous opportunities to enjoy these foreign acts.
He helped to bring down the best in showbiz and sports; to mention a few, the best of all was the show ‘Holiday on Ice’, Harlem Black Birds, Tony Brent, the Duke Elling Band, Golden Gate Quartette, International Wrestling and Boxing.
In 1955 Donovan Andree was elected as the Personality of the Year in the contest organized by the Observer, when he beat the then Prime Minister Sir John Kotalawala. He helped many a star in the music and sports field in our country and artistes Cliff Foendander, Bill Forbes and the greatest of all Queen of Songs Erin de Selfa who rose to fame here in Sri Lanka and internationally and went to sing at the Windsor Castle.
She started off her music career as Dinah and the Red Tails before she acquired the name Erin de Selfa. However, his son Malcolm who took over continued the work of Donovan.
He also helped the country to win first Asian Gold in Athletics in 1958 when he helped Ediriveerasingham, the high jumper by sponsoring him for the journey when the A.A.A. had no funds to send an athlete at that time. In 1955, Ceylon’s Maureen Hinghert was helped by Andree and his son Malcolm to win the second runner-up in the Miss Universe Contest held at the Long Beach, California.
In remembrance of Donavan Andree meals will be given on July 2 and 3 to 35 people each day at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels at Polwatte.
A radio programme on SLBC will be aired on July 4 presented by Nihal. |
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