Walt Disney Art Classics Convention 2004 - Part 2
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Randy Thornton interjected with his OWN Ludwig von Drake impression, and for a few minutes there was an amusing exchange between the “dueling Ludwigs.�? As they finished up, Burton pointed out that Randy Thornton was the best writer for von Drake, “’Cause he knows how he talks!�? And he added, Ludwig must also be a good cook—since he sounds exactly like Wolfgang Puck.
Burton then returned to legendary voice actor Paul Frees, saying that he was the reason he chose his career.
Paul Frees
Burton had always wanted to do cartoon voices, he said, but it was the distinctive sound of the Haunted Mansion’s Ghost Host that really made him want to get into the industry, so he could work with the owner of that memorable voice. Since Burton’s uncle was acquainted with prolific voice actress June Foray (Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Broom Hilda, Magica de Spell, Grandmother Willow), he was able to get into a Cap’n Crunch recording session and meet Paul Frees.
Burton admitted he resisted providing the voice of Ludwig von Drake after Frees died. Les Perkins called, but Burton urged him to use another performer. Perkins pleaded with him, and finally made him listen to all the other attempts to recreate the voice. (Burton mused about the “ethical�? considerations of this.) But hearing the tapes convinced him to take the part. There is one big difference between the new von Drake and the old; Paul Frees’ tracks were speeded up slightly, since his voice was naturally deeper.
For the Haunted Mansion Holiday voice over, Burton said, “I sort of carry on the legacy of what inspired me.�? He modestly added that his Ghost Host was not as good as that of the great Paul Frees.
When asked about the Forward he wrote for Daws Butler book of scripts, Burton mentioned he had attended Butler’s work shop, despite the fact that, “I was incredibly shy. Still am.�?
“As Corey Burton,�? Hodgkins teased.
“Oh yes.�?
Burton explained he attended the work shop in order to become an accomplished radio actor. This, he said, is now a lost art.
Hodgkins agreed, pointing out that today, most character voices are provided by a performer with a distinctive voice. Burton added that in the past, “voice men�? could perform many vocal tricks, using techniques refined through radio, vaudeville, the Chautaqua, and going on back to the time of Greek drama.
Randy Thornton chimed in at this point, saying that the bulk of the work he did for Disney Records was spoken word. “It’s a real joy to have someone like Corey come in,�? he said. Most performers provide only one voice, he said, but Burton has so many tricks. As a “real artist,�? he continued, he knows how to use them, as well as microphone techniques to create voices, just as in the days of radio. “It’s a real talent,�? Thornton concluded.
Hodgkins asked for details on Burton’s work as the Ghost Host for Haunted Mansion Holiday, and how Burton considered it not an imitation, but as a way to honor Paul Frees.
