Walter Kaner
Walter Kaner (born May 5, 1920 in New York City, died June 27, 2005 in Port Washington, N.Y.) was an American journalist and philanthropist.
Early life
Kaner, the son of Philip and Ida Kaner, was born in New York City.
Journalism
As “Tokyo Mose” during and after World War II, Kaner aired on US Army Radio, answering Tokyo Rose’s broadcasts. In Japan, his “Mushi, Mushi Ano-ne” theme song, sung to the tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down,” was so popular with Japanese children and GIs alike that Stars and Stripes , the Army paper, called it “the Japanese occupation theme song.” Elsa Maxwell’s column and radio show in 1946 referred to Kaner as “the breath of home to unknown thousands of our young men when they were lonely.”
After World War II, Kaner was a columnist for the Long Island Press, the New York Daily News, the Queens Gazette and numerous publications for more than 50 years.
Television
Kaner stood in for Ed Sullivan, jokingly reminding his audiences that he was the one who rejected such acts as Harry Belafonte and Barbra Streisand.
Walter Kaner Children’s Foundation
Kaner founded the Walter Kaner Children’s Foundation in 1950 to help poor, handicapped and mentally disabled kids in New York. His foundation has enhanced the lives of more than 250,000 physically and mentally challenged, economically disadvantaged children in the New York Metro area. Kaner truly loved children and delighted in making them laugh and improving their lives. He served on the boards of and supported numerous children’s organizations.
Legacy
Amboy Lane between Jamaica Avenue and Springfield Boulevard in Queens was renamed "Walter Kaner Street" in ceremonies at the intersection of Amboy Lane and Springfield Boulevard in May 2006.
Personal life
He was married to Billie Elliot Kaner, who died on September 29, 2004. Kaner referred to Billie as “Doll Face” in his columns.
His siblings Kay Barkan and Augusta Gordon predeceased him. Kaner died in Port Washington, N.Y. on 27 June 2005.