ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, October 18, 1996               TAG: 9610180033
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 9    EDITION: METRO 
COLUMN: The people column 

THE PEOPLE COLUMN MEL TORME IS SINGING THE PRAISES OF HOSPITAL FOOD. FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE HE SUFFERED A STROKE IN AUGUST, TORME IS DINING ON SOLID FOOD AND PASSING COMPLIMENTS TO A HOSPITAL CHEF FOR A MEAL OF MASHED POTATOES, TURKEY AND SPINACH.

``Doctors are thrilled with his progress,'' publicist Rob Wilcox said Wednesday.

The 71-year-old singer known as the Velvet Fog because of the smooth, silky sound of his voice, suffered a stroke Aug. 8 that caused slurred speech and weakness on his left side.

The name of the Los Angeles-area hospital where he's being treated wasn't released.

``The food's very good here,'' Torme commented, according to the publicist.

The singer added, ``Tell everyone I love them.''

After 15 years as host, David Brinkley is switching chairs on his Sunday morning program.

Brinkley, who began his TV career in 1943, will shift from host to commentator on ``This Week With David Brinkley'' beginning Nov. 10, the show's 15th anniversary.

The 76-year-old Brinkley, careful not to use the word ``retire'' in his announcement Wednesday, said he will turn his attention to longer programs starting with a look at American presidents of the 20th century.

Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts are expected to be named co-moderators of the Sunday morning show, which is yet to be renamed.

LENGTH: Short :   38 lines