Carson Takes Over "Tonight"

When old folks like me read those lists that drive home the reality of today’s young people, one of statements always made is:

“For someone 30 years old or younger, there has never been a host other than Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show””

That’ll make you feel ancient, especially if you also remember Jack Paar!

Yes, Jay Leno has been the host of “Tonight” for 18 years (except for that little Conan O’Brien interlude). Assuming you didn’t watch that show until you were at least in your mid-teens, that math holds up.

Johnny Carson took over from Jack Paar (one of 94.9 WHOM’s former owners!) on this date in 1962. Can’t say I remember it, as I was 4 years old at the time. Paar did such an amazing job with the show after taking over for Steve Allen, many thought that Carson wouldn’t last.

Well, he did last—for three DECADES!

What was his secret? Poring over hundreds of shows, many TV critics believe that it was a combination of intense planning ahead of time—and then controlled spontaneity during the broadcast itself. Carson flirted with adult humor---some pretty racy stuff for the times, but his squeaky clean cut image and “aw shucks” demeanor kept him away from real trouble with network executives and the public.

Paired with Ed McMahon and the show’s bandleader, Doc Severinsen, the model of the modern talk show was born and refined. An opening comedy monologue, sidekick conversation and guests on the couch, punctuated by skits, musical and standup performances—as well as a few out of the studio “field trips”

Here’s a clip of Carson with comedian Don Rickles-a close friend and “somewhat” regular guest:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfmHjUXUUTg


While Carson was widely liked and admired by most people in show business, not everyone was a fan. Singer Wayne Newton feuded with Carson for years. According to Newton’s autobiography, he and Carson almost came to blows in Carson’s dressing room after Newton confronted him, demanding that he cease his endless stream of jokes about Newton-tinged with homosexual connotations.

He also reportedly gave the cold shoulder to former guest hosts John Davidson and Joan Rivers when they got their own talk shows. Carson reportedly blamed Jay Leno for ushering him into retirement earlier than he had planned—as the “heir apparent” to the “Tonight Show” throne.

Who knows what really happened?

A good overall glimpse into the man comes from this “60 Minutes” interview--you'll have to CLICK on the links as embedding has been disabled:

PART ONE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR4u85LlOf4

PART TWO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Je8SnnveQ8&feature=related


From “Carnac the Magnificent” to “Art Fern” to “Aunt Blabby” and all the other inCARnations of Johnny, there will never be anyone quite like the one and only Johnny Carson.

If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com