You Bet Your Life - The Sylvers

A delightful couple (Leon & Shirley) participate in the game show that is "You Bet Your Life."
The Twist: Their children (Olympia, Leon, Charmaine, James, Edmund, and baby Joseph) join them for a cute, little musical interlude. In case you didn't know, these children, who started out as The Little Angels, went on to form the Disco group, The Sylvers. I believe this is their first television performance, but I am open to correction. : )
If you wish to purchase this, you can get this episode, along with other enjoyable ones, here: www.amazon.com/Groucho-Marx-Yo...

[@meandemjay]

what a good baby....he's just sitting there, not cranky from waking up or anything.....

[@joseescamilla]

This is such a sad moment for me. Edmund and I were very close friends. Wow....what a flash back. JE

[@battlegirldeb]

Leon and Shirley went on to have not just one more, but three more kids for a total of 10. They kids went on to start a singing group in the 70's call The Sylvers with hit like Boogie Fever and Hotline.

[@lenb7275]

good info thanks

[@frankburns8946]

It's plain to see that Groucho had no truck with racism. He oozes fairness. I expected nothing else. My favourite Grouch line: ''I usually remember a face...in your case I'll forget it!!''

[@kiasky1]

Sweet kids. Very well behaved

[@COP20VOW]

Mommee is pregnant with Angie here.

[@4687878]

Rest In Peace Shirley Sylvers,.. you did a fabulous job creating a wonderful talented family !!!

[@stuartperry8141]

+SilkySlim What was she a mad scientist? I believe they both until this point had something to do with forming and raising their family. But I do not believe that scientists started creating people until the 1970s.

[@georgemosley4181]

Great Couple! Educated! Positive image of Black People! Props to Groucho !!

[@tonytune4342]

+George Mosley Positive example to ALL people.

[@lloydcollins]

Wow Groucho predicted all of their success!

[@LaptopLarry330]

Groucho definitely had an eye (and ear) for talent. He stated on the show that he did some "Vaudeville Era" shows in Memphis, Tennessee. I'm sure that he got to see and hear a lot of Blues and Jazz bands and singers at that time. Groucho knew from first-hand experience what worked, and what did not work in what used to be called "Black Music" at that time.

[@alvinfrazierTV]

This is priceless. Sad that Leon & Shirley split a few years later. Whats great is what happened to this awesome group of children. The Sylvers!!!

[@Tblack301]

I'm beside myself. I was such a huge fan and still advocate for the Sylvers. As much as I liked the Jackson 5 I loved the Sylvers more. To be able to see their parents in such a sane respectful setting ( Thank you Graucho ) really made my heart warm. "Boogie Fever" is a great song but you REALLY must hear this entire families work, Fosters solo stuff, Edmund and Leon is one the worlds best kept producer secrets. They have all made incredible music over the years. I am grateful to them. I"m with Graucho. I'm glad they won too. They are a wonderful family.

[@looksrdeceivn]

i loved this too... yes i didnt realize how kind groucho was...

[@Pirate7X]

Yes! Props to Groucho as a classy & edgy guest with total respect and the Sylvers who were as witty and professional as him. And yes folks, check out all their incredible music that often rivaled or beat the best of the Jackson family. Salutes to all.

[@regvision]

i wish i had a wife as beautiful and faithful as she was and wonderful talented kids like this guy had, i would never had bailed out on them for nothing in the world, nothing!

[@n2dabloo]

Beautiful family, and Graucho, you were a class act.

[@jww312]

My aunt Shirley was so beautiful. Looks a lot like my sister Stephanie.

[@lenb7275]

are shirley and leon still alive wonderful family I remember the sylvers songs boogie fever and hot line

[@jww312]

Sadly, no. I've never met Leon Sr, but I know he died many years ago and my aunt Shirley died just a few years ago.

[@lenb7275]

***** I read that he developed a drinking problem and left her with 10 children ?? He looks like such a nice man !

[@jww312]

That sound like a probable explanation, but I'm not privy to what happened exactly. From what I've heard about him, he was an awesome guy. Highly intelligent, but as I know all too well, alcoholism can change a person entirely. All the siblings on my dad's side, with the exception of aunt Shirley, were alcoholics, so she wasn't a stranger to that. She lived a pretty good life, otherwise. She'd come visit us in TX from time to time during her later years. She was an amazing woman and we missed her. She was the very last of her siblings after my dad passed in 08.

[@lenb7275]

***** I love that video I've watched it twice now thanks for all the info by the way are u a son of one of the original sylvers just curious ?

[@rjam1974]

Wow this is touching and sad at the same time. You don't see family acts regardless of color anymore

[@jaymanix39]

Mrs Sylvers was pregnant with Angie who is known as number 7 because she was the 7th child in the family.

[@SirStevereno]

Groucho was truly no grouch. He had a BIG heart and this priceless video...proves it! Thank you.

[@KiddSkunkadelic]

Now that's HISTORY!!

[@Baybay25]

It looks like Charmaine and Olympia were very close. They all look like they are a very close knit family. Beautiful clip.

[@AventuraLuver]

Groucho is so cute around children!

[@slice39]

A total of 10 kids, I loved the Sylvers as a kid; "Hotline" and "Boogie Fever" were the best hits!!!

[@preciousbash3749]

AWESOME...... Now I see where their children got their good looks and presence from. Lovely couple!! :-):-) CLASSY!1!

[@preciousbash3749]

...and intelligence and class!!!

[@DrummaSean]

preciousbash A worthy addition.

[@DexterHaven]

Is this the same group that did "Hot Line" in the '70s?

[@DrummaSean]

Dexter Haven Indeed, it its. : )

[@preciousbash3749]

Dexter Haven YUP :0)

[@cleteconnor]

WOW, my Uncle used to tell me that the Sylvers were on this show when they were little kids, and I told him he was crazy. Guess I was wrong.,

[@Ethergirl]

They are so adorable! Their parents were so cute, too!

[@Diggy22]

The Sylvers, pre-afro days. :-D That song has a bit of a Harry Belafonte feel to it. I like it.

[@kittycolemckenzie]

Awesome Sylvers history. This was heart warming to watch.

[@DavisNetPromos5550]

It just breaks my heart that their father did not stay with the family. He seems like such a sensitive and caring man. I wonder what would have happened to his amazing and beautiful family had he stayed with them. God bless Olympia and the spirit of Edmund especially .....who both had to endure a truly unfair amount of hardship.

[@DeliCaines]

This sound like an old calypso song and the kids sang it in West Indian dialect!!

[@eternalthruchrist1]

I know, I didn't realize how much Edmund looked like his dad. Mrs. Sylvers looked so pretty!

[@alexisewing53]

R.I.P Shirley Sylvers, she died yesterday on November 29,2014 at 9:53 pm. Keep the sylvers family in your prayers💐💐💐🌹🌷🌻🌸🌺🌺

[@delilah8411]

I didn't know that. Sweet couple though

[@freeamerica8430]

God Bless Miss Shirley and the family!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's in heaven with Chris and Ed.

[@alexisewing53]

& their father too

[@twain103]

Alexis Ewing How sad .RIP,Mrs Sylvers.I remember seeing this old show in 74/75.She was saying her kid's name,and I realized these were The Sylvers!! How quick Groucho was with his joke about the "missing" 2 year old child.

[@alexisewing53]

twain103Yeah, very sad. I couldn't imagine her dying, I happened to look on my FB newsfeed, & Angie Sylvers announced on the fan page that she past away. I was so shocked & she looked so good for her age, well at least she's in a better place.🙏👼👼

[@stillwill2215]

LOL that Grouch is amazing, God bless him, as I recall you didn't see too many of us on tv back then. the Sylvers are also quite amazing. in all aspects.

[@COP20VOW]

I was so shocked when my 74 year old Mom said that Papa Sylvers was FINE! lol

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

Absolutely charming and what a sweet job Groucho did.

[@rexagarvin1408]

Classic!! Underrated family!

[@anonymoususer722]

I never saw the sylvers father before, just seeing the mother on unsung a few years back.

[@COP20VOW]

Jonathan holding Edmund's hand is too cute!

[@kevinbrown5222]

Rest in.peace to Ms Shirley Silvers

[@quietlady44]

Loved the clip! Beautiful family.

[@MistressGlamFairy]

In viewing this Leon the dad seemed so in tune with his wife, for him to eventually leave, how disheartening, such a talented family....he didn't finish the task....

[@ronaldjames5386]

Priceless History a lot are not aware of!

[@starbuono3333]

What a nice family!

[@PatrioticPirate]

YES!!! I GUESSED RIGHT!!! These are the Sylvers' PARENTS!!! And look at The Sylvers! This was WAY before Foster (and atr least 2 more children) was born... 8:36... GOLD!!!

[@clbzone]

So precious to watch. What a beautiful, talented family. Thanks for sharing.

[@glencro]

This is awesome. Groucho was such a great host and the young Sylvers are so adorable and talented

[@TONEBHURT]

Magnificent, talented family. This broadcast is a treat beyond words. The Sylvers, Best! Always love Groucho.....one of the greats!

[@robertacooper3997]

Oh how sweet! I love this family. seen a video of later years and the family has lost some and the dad left the mother with all those children plus more. shame on him. Somehow they made it.

[@mshockey73]

What a beautiful family...

[@AandP4dummieslikeme]

They are absolutely ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thx for sharing :-)

[@MrJoeybabe25]

The went on to some great success in the 70's! Sylvers - Boogie Fever HQ

[@NkrumahTure]

After seeing this video I can see why Mr. and Mrs, Sylvers kids are so talented

[@LaurenCantrelle]

Would have loved to see their Chritmas Eve performance at that time. An amazingly talented and gorgeous family. R.I.P. Shirley Sylvers

[@HoSoandDivine]

This is priceless. I have always said the Sylvers are the single greatest family act in music history. This episode of You Bet Your Life only supports my assertion. No other family act can claim to span seven decades and still out-harmonize any act ever. I wonder why this appearance was left out of the Unsung episode?

[@annehamilton8190]

Wow.....what a beautiful family, the children were just too precious!....Thanks for the upload on this, brought back so many memories when everything was in black & white.

[@Arbed6]

How adorable!

[@keonta81]

its hard to believe olypia and leon are now in their 60s

[@CRSTLDIOR]

I've been looking all over for this, I knew it existed but could never find it; what a handsome couple and the children are so adorable. Thanks for posting it.

[@mpjproducer]

This was AMAZING!!! I loved seeing Mom & Dad Sylvers and the family - so inspiring!!

[@edwinachikere]

Very nice and thank you for posting this. They never talked much about the dad and it was great seeing him taking the lead with his family. It was unfortunate that things ended differently.

[@funkbox1000]

looking at this interview it's hard to believe that it was so much of racism going on in the country at the time what a class act

[@jamesandrews6465]

Loved this episode!

[@stephaniewalls2382]

I loved the Sylvers!☺

[@MelodyMaker151]

Wow they are soooooo tiny here. Very cute.

[@Jazzysis]

Such a beautiful and happy family.

[@soulfyrestar]

First time seeing this. What a beautiful & lovely family!!!

[@sdwillis100]

Edmund looks so cute, aborable and very busy. It agree this is a beautiful family.

[@genowilcher]

Lord have mercy I really adore the sylver family. I am 49 in age . I grew up buying a lot of thier albums. Wow Patricia favors thier mother the most. All of them are very attractive though. I hope to meet them before I leave this earth. So much more i want to express but i will leave it at that.

[@gracemartin1480]

I love groucho . I am 69 years young and have enjoyed him since I was a teenager . His doughter is a great singer . He loves his family very much. Groucho is a comicle Guinness. You bet your life is a intertwining show

[@BloggerToo]

This episode of "You Bet Your Life" came out during an election year itself: 1960. (Edmund turned three years of age that year, and was- according to Joel Whitburn's book "Top R&B Singles-" a month away from his next birthday.)

[@alexisewing53]

Leon Jr. kinda reminds me of Laurence fishburne,the sylvers are some beautiful people

[@DrummaSean]

My humble pleasure. The funny thing is is that I learned about The Sylvers through this clip, because when I uploaded it, the You Tube side bar showed that their was a music group of the same name, and that is how I discovered and got into their music. Weird, eh!?

[@kimmy1984]

Beautiful! Huge fan of the Sylvers back in the 70's thanks for sharing.

[@whizard78]

one of the most underated groups of all time. you don't see janet, latoya, and rebbie doing a full fledge album with their brothers. but the sylvers broke that record. they should have went to Motown right after the jacksons left. and should have left capitol and Casablanca records alone. al ross is a dirty crook for mismanaging this group.

[@TheAteeyah]

Yeah!! He should not have bailed out on his family.He had beautiful family.MEN!!

[@Deayjay]

Pregnant with Angie...Angie is the 7th

[@MamaCee518]

I Love this!!!

[@alexisrenee4205]

It saddens me... I saw Unsung today and it was of course about the Sylvers. Well, I was amazed by the song Olympia and to have as much exposure as they had during that time is awesome. what saddens me is what happened to Olympia. her innocence totally taken. And the obvious love Shirley & Leon had for each other end with Shirley's struggle. It's breaking, but I absolutely love the song Olympia and to see their performance of it

[@royalescorpio]

+Alexis Renee Yes!!! Their Unsung was great.

[@MileyonDisney]

Very interesting episode. I was a big fan of The Sylvers. They seemed like such well-behaved children. Really cute.

[@heatherjefferson8687]

Wow, I'm from Opelousas, Louisiana too

[@elleusive]

Aww so cute! Thank you so much for sharing. Amazing quality too.

[@blsdmomof4]

That is simply precious!

[@bobthetvfan]

Groucho was about two light-years ahead of most hosts of the era in presenting African-Americans in the best possible light ,((I could say the same for Ed Sullivan and Ted Mack.) I don't think he saw color, as long as they were funny and/or entertaining.

[@ALBERTABERTASENNAH]

I love the Sylver's music I'm happy to have seen them. As for their Dad ..had he continued to pursue becoming a doctor they'd probably would have never lived in those projects. But because he listened to & hung around wife beater Ike Turner the Sylver's suffered needlessly. They are bright , intelligent & seems to be really nice people.. .Sometimes Dad's lead their children to live among wolves & expect them not be harmed. If you can keep your kids out of the projects by all means do it!

[@darkchoc24]

Who would have thought the Sylvers had been around singing when they were only toddlers! Incredible. Only youtube could have presented this footage to the public mind! I started watching Marx films last year, and he is perhaps the funniest man who ever lived, with his quick wit and all. And this is why I spend so much time on youtube, lol. Thank you, youtube for being here and showing us THIS. Sylvers forever. Forever.

[@Janvsone]

ha..ha papa leon said...they werent going n to show business...wolla..The Sylvers, Thanx mama and papa sylvers...

[@marellamofo]

What a treasure. Great looking family and so well behaved for the very little ones. Pat look so much like her mother even though she wasn't born yet.

[@hidoll22]

The kids are so cute and so well behaved

[@hassan1814]

wow this is soo great. they seemed like such a happy family then. that song the father wrote is very crafty and the kids got the west indian accent right.

[@nunyabiznez6381]

I have noticed that Groucho, on other episodes, would often tell jokes or poke fun at people related to their nationality, ethnicity etc. though always in his usual lighthearted manner. I saw none of that here and in fact he seemed like he went out of his way, as compared to some of the period, to target African Americans for a little extra respect he might not have afforded other groups. Am I alone in observing this?

[@passion4posh]

He most certainly did.before it was fashionable.I saw old clips of Milton Berle, Ed Sullivan do the same.

[@SDG.12]

the reason is pretty obvious

[@terranceedwards1091]

No! It did seem that way.

[@kevon1242]

priceless!

[@bapakhammad]

OMG Groucho is too much!

[@howard33072]

Beyond COOL

[@jonsey617]

so sweet! what a cute clip

[@soulchildsacomin]

Leon Sylvers Jr. hung out with Ike Turner and alot of bad ppl so you fill in the blanks

[@kenmorgan6641]

Papa was a rolling stone.............wherever he left his hat and coat was his home.6:00 shame on leon for leaving his beautiful wife and kids.

[@Achoti7]

Ken Morgan .... I agree!

[@acsmooth110]

Hi thanks for posting this episode of You Bet Your Life. I remember seeing this on the replays of the show. Just a couple of week I was watching some old repeats of Soul Train and Rick & Edmond introduced Foster, Patricia and Angela performing "Misdemenor." Both of these episodes of "You Bet Your Life" and "Soul Train" was the beginning of The Sylvers again thanks for posting.

[@lbushquizeanic1]

Black Royalty....

[@underdogglory2530]

It's amazing how this family has a great history in entertainment.

[@mrstep2me]

How could any man walk away from his family? I'll never understand it. Weak move Mr. Sylvers.

[@breezy501]

Take that Osmond brothers! LOL

[@northrify]

This vid is a must-see! Esp after watching The Sylvers Unsung. Great post!