Pioneer TV Game Show Host James Dies Of Cancer At 79

Television pioneer Dennis James, the host of a string of hit game shows, including “The Price Is Right” and “Name That Tune,” died of cancer at age 79.

James died Tuesday at his desert home.

According to reference books, James was the first host of a TV variety show, first host of a TV sports show, first master of ceremonies of the Easter Parade telecast, first on-the-spot live TV newsreel commentator, first TV wrestling announcer and first to appear on commercial videotape.

Born in Jersey City, N.J., James started out in radio before joining the DuMont company’s experimental TV station in New York in 1938.

Starting in the 1950s, James worked as host of a string of daytime and nighttime game shows, including “The Price is Right” from 1972-79 and “Name That Tune,” from 1974-75.

He was an announcer on “The Original Amateur Hour” for many years.

James guest-starred on such TV series as “Batman,” “77 Sunset Strip,” “Fantasy Island” and “Rich Man, Poor Man.” His movie credits included “Mr. Universe,” “The One and Only” and “Rocky III.”