Ralph Saggesse (1906-1993), the first contestant, was the owner of The Peppermint Lounge that was open from 1958 until 1965 at 128 W 45th St. in New York City. It was considered the launchpad for the global 'Twist' dance craze in the early 1960s and famous for its house band 'Joey Dee and The Starliters'. The movie 'Hey, Let's Twist! (1961)' is a fictional story of Dee and the club.
Dee Purcello, the second contestant, gave lessons and exhibitions sponsored by the American Machine & Foundry Co. (AMF), which had moved into the bowling business in 1941, when it automated bowling equipment (pinsetters) and bowling centers became profitable business ventures.