Black Facts = 1980 (Nov. 18) – Wally “Famous” Amos’s signature panama hat and embroidered shirt are donated to the National Museum of American History’s Business Americana collection. It is the first memorabilia added to the collection by An African American entrepreneur and recognizes the achievement of Amos who built his company from a mom and pop enterprise to a $ 250 million cookie manufacturing business.
Wally Amos was born on July 1, 1936, in Tallahassee, Florida. He started in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency and in 1962 became the first black talent agent in their history. As an agent, he signed Simon & Garfunkel and headed the agency’s rock ‘n’ roll department. In 1975, he opened the first Famous Amos store. In 1998, Keebler purchased the brand, keeping Amos as the spokesperson. #theraydiotwins
