Q: In the 1970s, we watched the variety show “Hee Haw,” hosted by Buck Owens and Roy Clark. There was a singer named Susan Raye, who also had a couple of hits with Owens. After the TV show, she continued a solo singing career. Then she just disappeared. What happened to her? I think she married the drummer in Buck Owens’ band. — T.&L.P., Fort Smith, Ark.

A: Susan Raye entered the world on Oct. 8, 1944, in Eugene, Ore. Early in her career, she was a nightclub performer, a radio disc jockey and a TV host. In the late 1960s, she teamed with Buck Owens; they released several successful records. She also became a regular on “Hee Haw” after it went on the air in 1969. Two years later, she married Jerry Wiggins, a drummer with Buck Owens. She also enjoyed a successful solo career. Although she retired toward the end of the 1970s, she did make a few appearances over the next few years. After earning a degree in psychology, she is now a successful psychologist. Still married to Wiggins, she has six children.

Q: What do you call someone from the state of Wisconsin? — E.P., Havertown, Pa.

A: Folks from Wisconsin are called “Wisconsinites.” Fans of the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League refer to themselves as “cheeseheads.”

Q: The “Can you hear me now?” guy in the Verizon commercials is possibly one of the most recognizable faces in the country. I have long tried to find out who he is, but I keep coming up empty. Can you help? — S.R., San Pedro, Calif.

A: Verizon provides few details about the “Test Man,” insisting he is the embodiment of all those employees who work out in the field, testing the reliability of their network. His name is Paul Marcarelli, a 39-year-old actor from New York City. Apart from acting, he is also a screenwriter and voiceover artist. He has a twin brother, who is a lieutenant in the New Haven (Conn.) Fire Department. And yes, those are his horn-rimmed glasses.

Q. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, there was a well-known NBC newsman named Frank McGee. I once heard him say that Frank wasn’t his real name. Would you happen to know his true first name? — M.P.M., Gadsden, Ala.

A. Born on Sept. 12, 1921, in Monroe, La., Frank McGee began his career as a television journalist in the 1950s and continued to work until his death from bone cancer in 1974. He is buried in Woodville, Va.; the name on his tombstone is Frank McGee.

Q: I came across a baseball card of Gene Lamont. What can you tell me about him? Does the card have any worth? — No initials, e-mail

A: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1965, Gene Lamont did not break into the majors until 1970 as a catcher. He remained with the Tigers during his five-year playing career. He played in only 89 games, with 159 at-bats and 37 hits. His first at-bat came versus the Boston Red Sox — and he hit a home run. Unfortunately for Lamont, he would only hit three more homers during his career. His lifetime batting average was .233. Following his major-league career, he moved to the minor leagues where he played for several years. Eventually, he became manager of the Chicago White Sox (1992-1995) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (1997-2000). He is currently the third-base coach with the Detroit Tigers. As for the value of his baseball card, I suggest you contact an expert.

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Copyright 2009, Gary Clothier

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