No More Mr. Nice Guy
Summary
Lexicon Valley explores the phrase "Mister Nice Guy," tracing its origins from a 1930s New Jersey bike shop owner to its popular association with 1960s crooner Perry Como. Hosts Bob Garfield and Mike Volo discuss a 1957 Look magazine profile that revealed Como’s irritation with the label, noting he was actually competitive and annoyed by rival Jackie Gleason. The episode also identifies the earliest known use of the phrase "no more Mister Nice Guy," which appeared in a 1960 Hitler joke by gossip columnist Walter Winchell.
Topics discussed
Intro: The 'Nice' Phrase Series and Cardigan Sweaters
Perry Como: The 'Mister Nice Guy' Nickname
Como's Persona: Easygoing vs. Axel Rose
The 1957 Look Magazine Profile
Como's Reaction: Annoyed by the Label
Rivalry with Jackie Gleason's 'The Honeymooners'
Earlier Usage: Ted Williams as 'Mister Nice Guy'
Origin Story: Grover Parker and the Soapbox Derby
Herbert Ewing's Derby Results
The Phrase 'No More Mister Nice Guy'
Walter Winchell and the Hitler Joke
Outro: Winchell's Legacy and Closing Remarks
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