WILLIE TYLER AND LESTER MAKE HALL OF FAME

WILLIE TYLER AND LESTER MAKE HALL OF FAME

LAS VEGAS (Wireless Flash) -- Not much has been heard from ventriloquist Willie Tyler and his dummy Lester since their heyday on 1970s-era variety shows, but they're still on the lips of the world's ventriloquists. On June 14 the duo will become the latest members of the International Ventriloquism Association's Hall Of Fame. Tyler and Lester have been entertaining for nearly 40 years, including an eight-year stint as the road show emcee for Motown Records. Although 59-year-old Tyler worked with singers like Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross, he admits they sometimes preferred talking to his dummy, Lester. The ventriloquist admits the honor leaves him speechless but hasn't decided whether he or Lester will make the acceptance speech.