Ask “Mr. Music”
Jerry Osborne



FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 20, 2020

DEAR JERRY: In the '50s or early '60s, a game show ran on TV called "I've Got a Secret," hosted by, as I recall, Gary Moore. My wife and I were discussing this, as well as other old game and quiz shows recently, and she brought up a recollection about a pop song also titled "I've Got a Secret."

Alas, neither of us can remember a thing about this tune, but it must have had something to do with the TV show. Right?

Can you provide the details along with whether or not it is available?

How many years did the show run, and who were the panelists?
—Alan Graham, Lancaster, Pa.

DEAR ALAN: About the TV show. "I've Got a Secret" ran on CBS-TV from June 1952 through April 1967 — much longer than you may have realized. Garry (note spelling) Moore hosted it from the beginning until 1964, when Steve Allen assumed the reins.

In 1976, a reconstructed "I've Got a Secret," hosted by steadfast TV gamer and one-time "Secret" panelist Bill Cullen, aired briefly on CBS.

Comprising the four panelists over the years are the following participants: Orson Bean (1952); Laura Hobson (1952); Melville Cooper (1952); Laraine Day (1952); Louise Allbritton (1952); Eddie Bracken (1952); Kitty Carlisle (1952-1953); Faye Emerson (1952-1958); Jayne Meadows (1952-1959); Bill Cullen (1952-1967); Henry Morgan (1952-1976); Betsy Palmer (1957-1967); Bess Myerson (1958-1967); Pat Collins (1976); Richard Dawson (1976); and Elaine Joyce (1976).

In the '50s and '60s — long before the success of "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy" — "I've Got a Secret" was regarded as the most popular game show in television history.

As for the song you have in mind, I believe it is "My Secret," a 1959 release by the Platters (Mercury 71538). In this tune, which has nothing whatsoever to do with the TV show, the phrase "I've got a secret" is heard a few times, probably leading to the confusion.

"My Secret" is included on the 50-track, double-CD collection, "The Magic Touch - Platters Anthology" (Mercury 314 510 314-2).

Years before the general public became aware of the comedy of Allan "Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh" Sherman, he served as producer for CBS-TV's "I've Got a Secret."


Return to "Mr. Music" Home Page