Recognitions and Awards
Throughout his career, Fred Waring received many awards, but none was as illustrious as his last one. In 1983, the 83-year-old Waring — by now considered king of popular choral music — was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest honor for a civilian, by President Ronald Reagan.
Fred Waring died suddenly of stroke on July 29, 1984 at the place where it all began — Penn State University — just after videotaping a concert with his ensemble and completing his annual summer choral workshop. He conducted many such workshops at Penn State in his later years, and in 1984, designated Penn State to house his collection of archives and memorabilia. He also served his alma mater as a trustee and was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University. Although many believe that Waring Commons at Penn State is named for him, it is actually named for his grandfather, William Waring. In Long Beach, California, there is a Fred Waring Drive named for him. Another Fred Waring Drive is a major arterial road in the Palm Desert-Indio area of Southern California (where many major roads are named for post-World War II era entertainers).
The Waring Golf Course north of Harrisburg, PA was named after Waring, and he had an ownership interest in it. It ceased operation around 1960.
Fred Waring was the Shepherd (President) of The Lambs from 1939-1942. The Lambs is America's oldest professional theatrical club, www.The-Lambs.org
In 1997, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.
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