It was banned in Boston---but still hit the #1 position on the Billboard charts on this date in 1957.
“It” was the song “Wake Up Little Susie” by the Everly Brothers. Following their smash, “Bye Bye Love”, “Susie” was their first number one hit. Radio stations in Boston thought the lyrics a bit too suggestive (can you imagine how those same radio guys would react TODAY after hearing the radio?)
The Everly Brothers were one of the most important and influential duos in rock & roll history. Three and four-part harmonies were common—as the gospel singing that gave way to doo-wop and early rock and roll featured this type of sonic portrait.
The Everly Brothers created a whole new sound altogether. Being realted probably helped-as their extremely tight two-part harmonies were paired with acoustic guitars and a backbeat rhythm that was truly unique. Genetically similar vocal chords had to play a part, no?
Don and Phil Everly began singing together at the tender ages of 8 and 6 respectively. Their parents had a radio show in Iowa. When the family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1953, the duo sought work as songwriters in Nashville.
Complete failure.
Even retooling and trying things out as a performing duo and attempting to put out a record of their own, the Everly Brothers couldn’t even crack the low end of the Country and Western charts.
The move that changed their careers forever was their migration to Cadence Records—and the tutelage of producer and session man Chet Atkins—and songwriters Felice and Boudreaux Bryant. “Bye Bye Love” made it to #2—and the rest is history!
Here’s an early TV appearance of the Everlys singing their #1 hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icy84NQ9zXY&feature=related
That song wouldn’t be their last #1 however—scoring two more with “All I Have To Do Is Dream” in 1958 and “Cathy’s Clown” in 1960.
Then came their highly publicized breakup-although the details of WHY are somewhat obscured. After a stint in the Marines (where they were out of the spotlight), battles with drug addiction and the British Invasion of the Beatles and other new groups, the ability of the Everly Brothers to make hits and sell albums suffered greatly.
In 1970, Don Everly released a solo album, but it was not a success. The brothers would not speak to each other for the next TEN YEARS, only getting together once in 1975 to attend their father’s funeral.
The two got back together in 1983, appearing at the Royal Albert Hall in London. They still perform, but rarely. I got to see them at the Simon and Garfunkel reunion tour “Old Friends” in 2003 and 2004.
They were still amazing—and it was weird to see The Everly Brothers as essentially the “opening act” for a duo so infuenced by their music. I give credit to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, who showcased them and praised them from the stage. No strangers to feuds themselves, it was good to see both legendary duos back together again.
In all, The Everly Brothers had 26 Billboard Top 40 singles –35 in the Top 100 –which still holds the record for a duo. Only Hall & Oates have more Top 40 singles (29).
Appropriately, The Everly Brothers were among the first 10 artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Since then, they have received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, been inducted into the Country Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame (who knew there WAS one?) and the Vocalist Hall of Fame (ditto)
An incredible legacy—and all they had to do was dream.
And sing.
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Split Second Defines A Life
THIS IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG
With the Red Sox sitting at home watching baseball on TV like you and me, it’s hard to get too excited over this year’s post season run for a World Series title. The Rangers dispatched the Rays last night—and now, all of New England will speak with a Texas drawl as we root the Rangers on to victory over the Yankees!
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of a DARK DAY in Chicago Cubs history (there are many).That was the day in 2003 that a die-hard Chicago fan made a split-second decision that adversely affected his team—and probably ruined his life.
His name is Steve Bartman—and he will likely be hated in Chicago for all time—or at least until the Cubs win the World Series-which may of course be one and the same. In the same way that Boston held a grudge against Bill Buckner for allowing a grounder to scoot between his legs at the WORST possible moment, Steve Bartman will be forever detested for possibly ruining the Cubs run at a title.
In case you don’t remember, allow me to re-enact the scene:
It was the 8th inning of the 6th game of the NLCS against the Florida Marlins—and the Cubs were just 5 outs away from their first World Series since 1945. Pitcher Mark Prior had a 3-0 lead. Switch hitter Luis Castillo stepped to the plate, worked a full count and then slammed a hard drive towards the left field fence. Moises Alou raced back, jumped up and reached for the ball. Looks like he would have had it too----IF Steve Bartman had not reached out and grabbed it before it would have landed in Alou’s glove! Alou was visibly upset-as the umpire called it a foul ball.
The rest is history. Castillo returned to the plate, where a rattled Prior walked him. The Marlins started hitting and eventually won the game—and then the next one to take the series.
Here is a video clip of Bartman being escorted out of Wrigley Field after the incident:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoumAUfwnI8
Following the game, the Sun-Times printed his name and picture under the headline “Cursed”. Death threats, the loss of his job, friends and more awaited Mr. Bartman. A Chicago alderman suggested he move away from Chicago—far away. Florida governor Jeb Bush gleefully suggested he move to the Sunshine state where he would be welcomed with open arms.
Since Bartman clearly was caught up in the moment-after a few beers-you HAVE to feel a little bit sorry for him! One instant he was an anonymous fan—the next, he was vilified and ridiculed nationwide---and his life was completely turned upside down. It is interesting to note that SEVERAL people had their arms out to catch that ball. Can you IMAGINE their post-game relief that they weren’t the “lucky” fan to snag that fly? Unless Steve Bartman discovers a cure for cancer, it is likely that his ENTIRE LIFE will be defined by that SPLIT SECOND, ill-fated decision.
Not fair.
I hope for the sake of Bartman and his family that Chicago Cubs fans have at least BEGUN to forgive him—and realize that it was still the CUBS who lost the pennant that year—not an obscure fan with a tad too much Miller Lite in him to know any better!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
With the Red Sox sitting at home watching baseball on TV like you and me, it’s hard to get too excited over this year’s post season run for a World Series title. The Rangers dispatched the Rays last night—and now, all of New England will speak with a Texas drawl as we root the Rangers on to victory over the Yankees!
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of a DARK DAY in Chicago Cubs history (there are many).That was the day in 2003 that a die-hard Chicago fan made a split-second decision that adversely affected his team—and probably ruined his life.
His name is Steve Bartman—and he will likely be hated in Chicago for all time—or at least until the Cubs win the World Series-which may of course be one and the same. In the same way that Boston held a grudge against Bill Buckner for allowing a grounder to scoot between his legs at the WORST possible moment, Steve Bartman will be forever detested for possibly ruining the Cubs run at a title.
In case you don’t remember, allow me to re-enact the scene:
It was the 8th inning of the 6th game of the NLCS against the Florida Marlins—and the Cubs were just 5 outs away from their first World Series since 1945. Pitcher Mark Prior had a 3-0 lead. Switch hitter Luis Castillo stepped to the plate, worked a full count and then slammed a hard drive towards the left field fence. Moises Alou raced back, jumped up and reached for the ball. Looks like he would have had it too----IF Steve Bartman had not reached out and grabbed it before it would have landed in Alou’s glove! Alou was visibly upset-as the umpire called it a foul ball.
The rest is history. Castillo returned to the plate, where a rattled Prior walked him. The Marlins started hitting and eventually won the game—and then the next one to take the series.
Here is a video clip of Bartman being escorted out of Wrigley Field after the incident:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoumAUfwnI8
Following the game, the Sun-Times printed his name and picture under the headline “Cursed”. Death threats, the loss of his job, friends and more awaited Mr. Bartman. A Chicago alderman suggested he move away from Chicago—far away. Florida governor Jeb Bush gleefully suggested he move to the Sunshine state where he would be welcomed with open arms.
Since Bartman clearly was caught up in the moment-after a few beers-you HAVE to feel a little bit sorry for him! One instant he was an anonymous fan—the next, he was vilified and ridiculed nationwide---and his life was completely turned upside down. It is interesting to note that SEVERAL people had their arms out to catch that ball. Can you IMAGINE their post-game relief that they weren’t the “lucky” fan to snag that fly? Unless Steve Bartman discovers a cure for cancer, it is likely that his ENTIRE LIFE will be defined by that SPLIT SECOND, ill-fated decision.
Not fair.
I hope for the sake of Bartman and his family that Chicago Cubs fans have at least BEGUN to forgive him—and realize that it was still the CUBS who lost the pennant that year—not an obscure fan with a tad too much Miller Lite in him to know any better!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
John Denver-Gone, But Not Forgotten
I like John Denver.
OK…… there, I said it.
There was a time that admitting you actually liked John Denver’s music was like admitting you enjoyed opera. Usually met with a “Oh…..that’s nice”, your friends and casual acquaintances would then edge slightly away.
It’s not that I don’t “get it”…..John Denver really wasn’t cool. Never was. With the big glasses and bowl haircut and down vest, he didn’t launch any fashion trends or fuel passion among the fast crowd.
But on this, the 13th anniversary of his death in an ultra light aircraft accident, you have to admit that the man could sing. A crystal clear voice—combined with considerable songwriting talents—and in spite of his persona (or perhaps because of its novelty)—a star was born.
John Denver sounds a tad more show-biz than his given name: Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr, which doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Contrary to popular belief, he wasn’t born in the mountains of Colorado or West Virginia, but rather, in Roswell, New Mexico (yes, THAT Roswell) Maybe he was an alien.
The song that put John Denver on the map was “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in 1971. That song made it to #2 on the Billboard charts. He was really no stranger to hits by then, though—as the songwriter for “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, a #1 smash for Peter, Paul and Mary in 1969.
Here’s a video of that first hit of John’s, set to some beautiful scenery from the state of West Virginia—which, as you know from the song is “almost heaven”---enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k49paH8plfY
The 70’s were good to Denver, who recorded more Top 10 hits, including “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, “Annie’s Song” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy”. He released 11 albums that went platinum, making him one of the most successful artists of the 70’s.
And who knew he could act? Jumping into TV and film, his most memorable roles were opposite George Burns in the “Oh, God!” series of movies.
By the 1990’s, his commercial popularity had waned, although Denver still performed live regularly. Along the way, he also became an accomplished pilot, with more than 2,700 hours on single and multi-engine aircraft. However, on this day in 1997, he was at the helm of an ultra-light aircraft with which he was not familiar. He lost control over Monterey Bay and lost his life.
A singer, songwriter, actor and political activist, John Denver sold more than 32 MILLION albums in the United States alone.
Maybe I wasn’t the ONLY one who liked him after all.
If you’d like my bog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
OK…… there, I said it.
There was a time that admitting you actually liked John Denver’s music was like admitting you enjoyed opera. Usually met with a “Oh…..that’s nice”, your friends and casual acquaintances would then edge slightly away.
It’s not that I don’t “get it”…..John Denver really wasn’t cool. Never was. With the big glasses and bowl haircut and down vest, he didn’t launch any fashion trends or fuel passion among the fast crowd.
But on this, the 13th anniversary of his death in an ultra light aircraft accident, you have to admit that the man could sing. A crystal clear voice—combined with considerable songwriting talents—and in spite of his persona (or perhaps because of its novelty)—a star was born.
John Denver sounds a tad more show-biz than his given name: Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr, which doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Contrary to popular belief, he wasn’t born in the mountains of Colorado or West Virginia, but rather, in Roswell, New Mexico (yes, THAT Roswell) Maybe he was an alien.
The song that put John Denver on the map was “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in 1971. That song made it to #2 on the Billboard charts. He was really no stranger to hits by then, though—as the songwriter for “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, a #1 smash for Peter, Paul and Mary in 1969.
Here’s a video of that first hit of John’s, set to some beautiful scenery from the state of West Virginia—which, as you know from the song is “almost heaven”---enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k49paH8plfY
The 70’s were good to Denver, who recorded more Top 10 hits, including “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, “Annie’s Song” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy”. He released 11 albums that went platinum, making him one of the most successful artists of the 70’s.
And who knew he could act? Jumping into TV and film, his most memorable roles were opposite George Burns in the “Oh, God!” series of movies.
By the 1990’s, his commercial popularity had waned, although Denver still performed live regularly. Along the way, he also became an accomplished pilot, with more than 2,700 hours on single and multi-engine aircraft. However, on this day in 1997, he was at the helm of an ultra-light aircraft with which he was not familiar. He lost control over Monterey Bay and lost his life.
A singer, songwriter, actor and political activist, John Denver sold more than 32 MILLION albums in the United States alone.
Maybe I wasn’t the ONLY one who liked him after all.
If you’d like my bog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!
Can you believe that SNL made its debut THIRTY FIVE YEARS ago?
Yep, the original cast of Saturday Night Live assaulted America from studio 8H in the GE Building at Rockefeller Center for the first time on this date in 1975. If you’ve been on a studio tour of NBC in New York as I did years ago, you were stunned at just how SMALL that studio is.
Of course, for a fledgling show that had no idea how big it would get, it was an appropriate venue. Unknown cast, unpredictable audience response and an untried idea got its initial workout.
Needless to say, things worked out OK.
The show was originally called “NBC’s Saturday Night”—as ABC had a show called “Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell”. The naming rights were purchased by NBC in 1977.
The brainchild of producer Lorne Michaels, the original cast of John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radnor, Dan Ackroyd, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman were known as the “Not Ready For Prime Time Players”. Each opening sketch was concluded with one of the actors shouting, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
A different guest host was employed each week, someone with marquee value and ability to draw in audience. As time passed as the ensemble cast of SNL each became individual huge stars, the guest host’s “star” often paled in comparison with the regular cast. Not so on that first broadcast, when comedian George Carlin became the very first guest host.
Here’s a clip of John Belushi’s screen test to become part of that winning team:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwqorRnsfMo&feature=related
Chevy Chase left the show after the second season. He was replaced by Bill Murray. Throughout the history of the program, which has had its ups and downs, it has remained a touchstone for edgy humor and has contributed many of the memorable characters and and comedians. In addition to the original cast—and Bill Murray, other SNL alumni include:
Eddie Murphy
Dana Carvey
Phil Hartmann
Jon Lovitz
Dennis Miller
Kevin Nealon
Joe Piscopo
Al Frankin
Robert Downey, Jr.
Mike Myers
Chris Farley
Chris Rock
Adam Sandler
Rob Schneider
David Spade
Will Ferrell
Norm McDonald
Tina Fey
Amy Poehler
Seth Meyers
Am I leaving anyone out?
Probably…but the star power and talent of the above list is amazing!
Most folks who remember the original cast will say that no one can top that ensemble—and its true that the magic of those first few seasons can never be recaptured. Part of it has to do with the novelty factor. Truth is that if you watch those old episodes again, you will likely laugh only in remembrance of how you did back then.
The comedy seems tame in comparison with what is out there now…but one can appreciate the material for the times. It sure made us laugh back then, but then again, some of us weren’t sober when those shows originally aired!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Yep, the original cast of Saturday Night Live assaulted America from studio 8H in the GE Building at Rockefeller Center for the first time on this date in 1975. If you’ve been on a studio tour of NBC in New York as I did years ago, you were stunned at just how SMALL that studio is.
Of course, for a fledgling show that had no idea how big it would get, it was an appropriate venue. Unknown cast, unpredictable audience response and an untried idea got its initial workout.
Needless to say, things worked out OK.
The show was originally called “NBC’s Saturday Night”—as ABC had a show called “Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell”. The naming rights were purchased by NBC in 1977.
The brainchild of producer Lorne Michaels, the original cast of John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radnor, Dan Ackroyd, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman were known as the “Not Ready For Prime Time Players”. Each opening sketch was concluded with one of the actors shouting, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
A different guest host was employed each week, someone with marquee value and ability to draw in audience. As time passed as the ensemble cast of SNL each became individual huge stars, the guest host’s “star” often paled in comparison with the regular cast. Not so on that first broadcast, when comedian George Carlin became the very first guest host.
Here’s a clip of John Belushi’s screen test to become part of that winning team:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwqorRnsfMo&feature=related
Chevy Chase left the show after the second season. He was replaced by Bill Murray. Throughout the history of the program, which has had its ups and downs, it has remained a touchstone for edgy humor and has contributed many of the memorable characters and and comedians. In addition to the original cast—and Bill Murray, other SNL alumni include:
Eddie Murphy
Dana Carvey
Phil Hartmann
Jon Lovitz
Dennis Miller
Kevin Nealon
Joe Piscopo
Al Frankin
Robert Downey, Jr.
Mike Myers
Chris Farley
Chris Rock
Adam Sandler
Rob Schneider
David Spade
Will Ferrell
Norm McDonald
Tina Fey
Amy Poehler
Seth Meyers
Am I leaving anyone out?
Probably…but the star power and talent of the above list is amazing!
Most folks who remember the original cast will say that no one can top that ensemble—and its true that the magic of those first few seasons can never be recaptured. Part of it has to do with the novelty factor. Truth is that if you watch those old episodes again, you will likely laugh only in remembrance of how you did back then.
The comedy seems tame in comparison with what is out there now…but one can appreciate the material for the times. It sure made us laugh back then, but then again, some of us weren’t sober when those shows originally aired!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, October 8, 2010
Just The Facts, Man
We need a new format to debate the political issues of the day.
I’m all for this “free speech” stuff, but opinions presented as facts are doing damage to our country.
Why?
Because the dissemination of these lies and distortions is so pervasive that a great majority of Americans are now basing THEIR opinions on falsehoods. The truth is obscured in a haze of “us versus them” discourse which is factually flawed.
Unfortunately, political debates have been reduced to an exercise in filling the time without having to explain specifics or diversionary tactics that few moderators have the guts to challenge.
Rush Limbaugh and Ed Shultz flourish in their respectively polar environments for a couple of reasons:
1) Opinions presented as facts are NEVER challenged.
2) “Guests” on these shows are not offering opposite viewpoints. They are, in essence….”ditto-heads” (just they way the hosts like it)
3) The host has the microphone—and callers who challenge the host’s opinions are quickly dispatched.
My guess is neither of these talking heads would perform well in a format where opinions needed to be based on facts. Same deal for Glenn Beck, Keith Olbermann or anyone else whose impassioned arguments sometimes stray from the factual to the incendiary without the factual foundation to make their arguments persuasive.
In my dream forum, the setup would be as follows:
A) Time frame would be measured in HOURS, not minutes. This would be a marathon.
B) The moderator—or moderators would be equipped with copious FACTUAL data, including a timeline of events.
C) The moderator would be the ultimate judge and jury—with an on/off switch to the microphone of each combatant. Frequent interruptions by the moderator to challenge the so-called “facts” espoused by the debater would be the primary activity.
D) Getting started would be easy. Either party could start the dialogue by making a broad statement about the direction of the country and who was to blame. With the moderator’s constant insertion of facts to refute the stream of lies and distortions, it would be great theatre to watch Rush or Ed or whomever reduced to a bumbling, stammering mess.
That’s exactly what would happen. At least to some of the so-called “experts”
Fox News is almost criminal in its presentation of outright, deliberate lies (President Obama’s religion, for instance) as “news” or “facts”. At the other end of the spectrum, MSNBC is equally biased, although I believe more balanced—especially with the excellent “Morning Joe” program, hosted by a conservative Republican who is surrounded by mostly liberal colleagues, save for Pat Buchanan. Joe Scarborough takes shots at Obama---legitimate criticism of his policies—without succumbing to the dominant Republican orientation to demonize everything about our President. His is a reasonable voice of dissent, a fair man who understands the enormity of the mess that Obama inherited from the Bush Administration. This morning show features spirited debate without getting mean-spirited.
Here are a couple of different viewpoints of the bias of both MSNBC and FOX News:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpT5EFpd6gg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DTUpKAuyhU&feature=fvst
That’s the way Congress used to operate.
MSNBC is guilty of focusing too much attention on petty minutia, like the TV ad about Christine O’Donnell claiming she’s “not a witch”.
OK-she’s an idiot. Truly a space cadet, one who is quickly burying herself with her own words. Even Karl Rove thinks she’s a joke. MSNBC doesn’t need to play clips of her wild assertions about mice with human brains or whatever the hell she said. This is not news. It is the self-destruction of a marginally intelligent lightweight—and this cable network is taking glee in watching this train-wreck unfold. The only thing more amusing is watching conservatives like Buchanan try to defend her. Let it go.
So, would Rush, Beck, Ed, Olbermann or any of these self-described “voices of the people” ever agree to square off against their polar opposite—in a forum where factual answers, opinions based on facts and ONLY facts were allowed—all with a moderator who wouldn’t waste a second to expose their hypocrisy, their lack of knowledge, their inability to wage a war of words without distortion—all in a setting where it would last for hours and they would not be “in control”?
I doubt it---but I would love to see it.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, let me know! tim.moore@citcomm.com
I’m all for this “free speech” stuff, but opinions presented as facts are doing damage to our country.
Why?
Because the dissemination of these lies and distortions is so pervasive that a great majority of Americans are now basing THEIR opinions on falsehoods. The truth is obscured in a haze of “us versus them” discourse which is factually flawed.
Unfortunately, political debates have been reduced to an exercise in filling the time without having to explain specifics or diversionary tactics that few moderators have the guts to challenge.
Rush Limbaugh and Ed Shultz flourish in their respectively polar environments for a couple of reasons:
1) Opinions presented as facts are NEVER challenged.
2) “Guests” on these shows are not offering opposite viewpoints. They are, in essence….”ditto-heads” (just they way the hosts like it)
3) The host has the microphone—and callers who challenge the host’s opinions are quickly dispatched.
My guess is neither of these talking heads would perform well in a format where opinions needed to be based on facts. Same deal for Glenn Beck, Keith Olbermann or anyone else whose impassioned arguments sometimes stray from the factual to the incendiary without the factual foundation to make their arguments persuasive.
In my dream forum, the setup would be as follows:
A) Time frame would be measured in HOURS, not minutes. This would be a marathon.
B) The moderator—or moderators would be equipped with copious FACTUAL data, including a timeline of events.
C) The moderator would be the ultimate judge and jury—with an on/off switch to the microphone of each combatant. Frequent interruptions by the moderator to challenge the so-called “facts” espoused by the debater would be the primary activity.
D) Getting started would be easy. Either party could start the dialogue by making a broad statement about the direction of the country and who was to blame. With the moderator’s constant insertion of facts to refute the stream of lies and distortions, it would be great theatre to watch Rush or Ed or whomever reduced to a bumbling, stammering mess.
That’s exactly what would happen. At least to some of the so-called “experts”
Fox News is almost criminal in its presentation of outright, deliberate lies (President Obama’s religion, for instance) as “news” or “facts”. At the other end of the spectrum, MSNBC is equally biased, although I believe more balanced—especially with the excellent “Morning Joe” program, hosted by a conservative Republican who is surrounded by mostly liberal colleagues, save for Pat Buchanan. Joe Scarborough takes shots at Obama---legitimate criticism of his policies—without succumbing to the dominant Republican orientation to demonize everything about our President. His is a reasonable voice of dissent, a fair man who understands the enormity of the mess that Obama inherited from the Bush Administration. This morning show features spirited debate without getting mean-spirited.
Here are a couple of different viewpoints of the bias of both MSNBC and FOX News:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpT5EFpd6gg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DTUpKAuyhU&feature=fvst
That’s the way Congress used to operate.
MSNBC is guilty of focusing too much attention on petty minutia, like the TV ad about Christine O’Donnell claiming she’s “not a witch”.
OK-she’s an idiot. Truly a space cadet, one who is quickly burying herself with her own words. Even Karl Rove thinks she’s a joke. MSNBC doesn’t need to play clips of her wild assertions about mice with human brains or whatever the hell she said. This is not news. It is the self-destruction of a marginally intelligent lightweight—and this cable network is taking glee in watching this train-wreck unfold. The only thing more amusing is watching conservatives like Buchanan try to defend her. Let it go.
So, would Rush, Beck, Ed, Olbermann or any of these self-described “voices of the people” ever agree to square off against their polar opposite—in a forum where factual answers, opinions based on facts and ONLY facts were allowed—all with a moderator who wouldn’t waste a second to expose their hypocrisy, their lack of knowledge, their inability to wage a war of words without distortion—all in a setting where it would last for hours and they would not be “in control”?
I doubt it---but I would love to see it.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, let me know! tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Curse Of Cain
Is the story of Lincoln’s assassination---and the fate of his killer incomplete?
After hearing of a book by a direct descendant of John Wilkes Booth, I am wondering if such rumors may be true.
I’m something of a history buff, particularly with regard to the murder of Abraham Lincoln. Maybe it’s my upbringing in Washington, D.C., where, as a youngster I took a class trip to Ford’s Theatre.
We walked the narrow hallway where Booth on that fateful night crept, sneaking up to the door of the President’s box. We saw the small hole he drilled in the door in order to spy into that box, biding his time and planning his attack.
We also visited the house across the street where the 16th President was carried—and where he died. We saw the bed-upon which Lincoln was laid diagonally (because of his height)—and one of the blood soaked pillows, encased in glass.
It is a sobering sight—and immediately transports you back to that awful day—and the circumstances which created a turning point in our history.
The book is called, “The Curse of Cain”, written by Theodore J. Nottingham. Nottingham makes no attempt to absolve his distant relative of the crime. He does, however, make several claims in the book, the most startling of which is his assertion that Booth did not die in a burning barn under a hail of gunfire.
Nottingham states that Booth escaped to live overseas for many years—and then returned to the United States.
Check out this video promoting the book-embedding the video was disabled by request, so you’ll have to click directly on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcozhIHMq3U&feature=grec_index
Here is a two-part ,well done amateur video of the events of April 14, 1865:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaDCQOMWcug&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqPVrd9qzIw&feature=related
The revelation of a conspiracy is really nothing of the sort---that much is historical fact. Nottingham’s assertion that it was internationally influenced IS something new. It’s also interesting to realize the level of celebrity that Booth enjoyed at the time of the killing. John Wilkes Booth was a very famous actor. He likened it to Tom Cruise assassinating a sitting U.S. President.
How much is fact, how much is fiction and how much is flawed research may never be conclusively decided.
The only thing I know for sure is that I’m going to buy and read this book!
If you’d like my blog in your inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
After hearing of a book by a direct descendant of John Wilkes Booth, I am wondering if such rumors may be true.
I’m something of a history buff, particularly with regard to the murder of Abraham Lincoln. Maybe it’s my upbringing in Washington, D.C., where, as a youngster I took a class trip to Ford’s Theatre.
We walked the narrow hallway where Booth on that fateful night crept, sneaking up to the door of the President’s box. We saw the small hole he drilled in the door in order to spy into that box, biding his time and planning his attack.
We also visited the house across the street where the 16th President was carried—and where he died. We saw the bed-upon which Lincoln was laid diagonally (because of his height)—and one of the blood soaked pillows, encased in glass.
It is a sobering sight—and immediately transports you back to that awful day—and the circumstances which created a turning point in our history.
The book is called, “The Curse of Cain”, written by Theodore J. Nottingham. Nottingham makes no attempt to absolve his distant relative of the crime. He does, however, make several claims in the book, the most startling of which is his assertion that Booth did not die in a burning barn under a hail of gunfire.
Nottingham states that Booth escaped to live overseas for many years—and then returned to the United States.
Check out this video promoting the book-embedding the video was disabled by request, so you’ll have to click directly on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcozhIHMq3U&feature=grec_index
Here is a two-part ,well done amateur video of the events of April 14, 1865:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaDCQOMWcug&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqPVrd9qzIw&feature=related
The revelation of a conspiracy is really nothing of the sort---that much is historical fact. Nottingham’s assertion that it was internationally influenced IS something new. It’s also interesting to realize the level of celebrity that Booth enjoyed at the time of the killing. John Wilkes Booth was a very famous actor. He likened it to Tom Cruise assassinating a sitting U.S. President.
How much is fact, how much is fiction and how much is flawed research may never be conclusively decided.
The only thing I know for sure is that I’m going to buy and read this book!
If you’d like my blog in your inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Nuclear Threats--Then and Now
THIS IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG
The revelation of Iran’s nuclear missile program and Pakistan’s instability has reawakened the U.S. and the world to the possibility of a nuclear attack. Rational or irrational, it doesn’t really matter. It’s a gut level emotional response to the thought that a rogue nation could conceivably strike at the heart of America.
Of course, it isn’t the first time we have felt this way.
It was on this date a half CENTURY ago--- 1960 that President Kennedy advised families to build bomb shelters to protect themselves from nuclear fallout should an attack occur. The hoarding of canned goods began and an entire industry was created by opportunistic companies looking to cash in on the fear.
And cash in they did.
Thousands of backyard bomb shelters were constructed— supplied with food, water, blankets and batteries. Schools conducted drills that began with a shrill siren and ended up with us kids under our desks, wondering what the hell was going on. Our government had already produced the propaganda of preparation for consumption by an apprehensive public. Check out this video—and count the number of lies, half-truths and exaggerations regarding our safety following an attack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V47Qs9Eyus
Avoiding panic may have been the objective, but dismissing things like radioactive fallout borders on criminal.
Here is the first part in a series on how to survive in a bomb shelter. We all remember the “Fallout Shelter” signs and that black and yellow 3-triangle logo. There were a bunch on the walls of Annunciation School in Washington, D. C. when I was growing up. Check out this “how to” series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Zgyp4HgNU
Pretty depressing, no?
Back then, a good percentage of the population would have never believed that we would go 50 years without some kind of nuclear attack. The Soviets were the only threat back then. Today, we have still avoided the doomsday scenario, but the players have multiplied—more countries with the Bomb.
So, a half century has passed, but what has changed? And what should our response be to those who build nuclear weapons?
One school of thought is to simply negotiate or sanction like crazy any nation so disposed to building a nuclear program. Not likely to eliminate the threat.
Another school of thought is to vaporize these facilities militarily. Perhaps not a good public relations move on the world stage, but destroying capability at every location it is discovered would certainly help alleviate the nuclear threat-if only by delaying indefinitely and continuously the ability of any hostile regime to deploy such weapons. Such actions would likely have a side effect of increasing terrorist attacks on the country or countries engaging in the strategic bombing. This may be a game of numbers, where the greater good forces elimination of facilities at the risk of more sporadic (and certainly less catastrophic) attacks.
Foreign nations will point to OUR possession of nuclear weapons—and the fact that the U.S. is the only nation in world history to have used them (no matter how justified)—as argument to their own sovereign rights to self defense.
Admittedly, a good argument.
But the U.S. is also possessed of a record of NOT being the aggressor unless provoked, of not being a nation-builder or a country bent on conquest. As former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice remarked, “The only land we have ever sought is that small piece to bury those who didn’t return home” (sic)
There is a time for negotiation—and a time for action. And while a war in Iraq or Afghanistan can be sold as being fought for American security, destroying nuclear missile facilities may prove to be a far more effective way of safeguarding Americans (and those of other nations) from the decisions of a madman.
No ground troops….just smart-bomb, bunker-busting, GPS guided missiles to send a clear message to Iran that thumbing their nose at the world community is tantamount to suicide. Rendering nuclear facilities useless would be a public service of the highest order.
Like President Kennedy during the Cuban missile crisis, the line was drawn in the sand. Kennedy gave Khrushchev no options about dismantling the missile bases in Cuba—and this was long before American military superiority and technical warfare from afar were a reality.
We should do the same.
Vacillating at this juncture is not an option. Failure to act in a timely manner may someday be compared with the appeasement of Hitler prior to World War II. Let’s hope that we have learned from the past-and will use that knowledge to create a safer future for our children.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The revelation of Iran’s nuclear missile program and Pakistan’s instability has reawakened the U.S. and the world to the possibility of a nuclear attack. Rational or irrational, it doesn’t really matter. It’s a gut level emotional response to the thought that a rogue nation could conceivably strike at the heart of America.
Of course, it isn’t the first time we have felt this way.
It was on this date a half CENTURY ago--- 1960 that President Kennedy advised families to build bomb shelters to protect themselves from nuclear fallout should an attack occur. The hoarding of canned goods began and an entire industry was created by opportunistic companies looking to cash in on the fear.
And cash in they did.
Thousands of backyard bomb shelters were constructed— supplied with food, water, blankets and batteries. Schools conducted drills that began with a shrill siren and ended up with us kids under our desks, wondering what the hell was going on. Our government had already produced the propaganda of preparation for consumption by an apprehensive public. Check out this video—and count the number of lies, half-truths and exaggerations regarding our safety following an attack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V47Qs9Eyus
Avoiding panic may have been the objective, but dismissing things like radioactive fallout borders on criminal.
Here is the first part in a series on how to survive in a bomb shelter. We all remember the “Fallout Shelter” signs and that black and yellow 3-triangle logo. There were a bunch on the walls of Annunciation School in Washington, D. C. when I was growing up. Check out this “how to” series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Zgyp4HgNU
Pretty depressing, no?
Back then, a good percentage of the population would have never believed that we would go 50 years without some kind of nuclear attack. The Soviets were the only threat back then. Today, we have still avoided the doomsday scenario, but the players have multiplied—more countries with the Bomb.
So, a half century has passed, but what has changed? And what should our response be to those who build nuclear weapons?
One school of thought is to simply negotiate or sanction like crazy any nation so disposed to building a nuclear program. Not likely to eliminate the threat.
Another school of thought is to vaporize these facilities militarily. Perhaps not a good public relations move on the world stage, but destroying capability at every location it is discovered would certainly help alleviate the nuclear threat-if only by delaying indefinitely and continuously the ability of any hostile regime to deploy such weapons. Such actions would likely have a side effect of increasing terrorist attacks on the country or countries engaging in the strategic bombing. This may be a game of numbers, where the greater good forces elimination of facilities at the risk of more sporadic (and certainly less catastrophic) attacks.
Foreign nations will point to OUR possession of nuclear weapons—and the fact that the U.S. is the only nation in world history to have used them (no matter how justified)—as argument to their own sovereign rights to self defense.
Admittedly, a good argument.
But the U.S. is also possessed of a record of NOT being the aggressor unless provoked, of not being a nation-builder or a country bent on conquest. As former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice remarked, “The only land we have ever sought is that small piece to bury those who didn’t return home” (sic)
There is a time for negotiation—and a time for action. And while a war in Iraq or Afghanistan can be sold as being fought for American security, destroying nuclear missile facilities may prove to be a far more effective way of safeguarding Americans (and those of other nations) from the decisions of a madman.
No ground troops….just smart-bomb, bunker-busting, GPS guided missiles to send a clear message to Iran that thumbing their nose at the world community is tantamount to suicide. Rendering nuclear facilities useless would be a public service of the highest order.
Like President Kennedy during the Cuban missile crisis, the line was drawn in the sand. Kennedy gave Khrushchev no options about dismantling the missile bases in Cuba—and this was long before American military superiority and technical warfare from afar were a reality.
We should do the same.
Vacillating at this juncture is not an option. Failure to act in a timely manner may someday be compared with the appeasement of Hitler prior to World War II. Let’s hope that we have learned from the past-and will use that knowledge to create a safer future for our children.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Beatles Get It Started
The Fab Four released their first single, “Love Me Do” on this date in 1962.
The fuse was lit.
The song, penned by Paul McCartney around 1958 while 16—and skipping school, it became the Beatles first single. In Great Britain, it reached #17. In the States, however, it went all the way to #1, giving the lads from Liverpool a jump-start on their phenomenal career.
Starting with John Lennon’s soaring harmonica to his harmonizing with Paul McCartney, the original version has Lennon singing lead. When producer George Martin decided that the vocal needed to overlap the harmonica, a switch was made and Paul took over the lead.
Actually, the Beatles recorded this song three times. The first was in June of 1962 when Pete Best was still the drummer. It was part of an audition for EMI at Abby Road studios in London and thought to be lost—since then, it was discovered and is part of the Beatles “Anthology I”. The second recording came in September, with Ringo Starr on drums, having replaced Best by then. The third time it was recorded with session drummer Andy White—since Martin was not happy with Ringo’s drum playing. Starr was relegated to banging the tambourine—and since the tambourine doesn’t appear on in the September recording, that’s the easiest way to distinguish between the two.
The Ringo Starr-on-drums version was the earliest released edition, however—but it was a journey for the Beatles to convince their producer to release a song penned by Lennon and McCartney in the first place.
Martin was advocating for the first single to be “How Do You Do It?” by Mitch Murray to be the first release, “in the absence of any stronger material”—as Martin phrased it. The Beatles had yet to impress Martin with their song writing ability.
That sentiment wouldn't last long.
Here’s that great first single—in video form as well!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xuMwfUqJJM
The Parlophone label released the track on 45, with “P.S. I Love You” on the flip side.
Beatlemania was about to begin in the United States---and world of music hasn’t been the same since that tidal wave from Liverpool arrived on our shores.
And it all started with “Love Me Do” .
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s free!
The fuse was lit.
The song, penned by Paul McCartney around 1958 while 16—and skipping school, it became the Beatles first single. In Great Britain, it reached #17. In the States, however, it went all the way to #1, giving the lads from Liverpool a jump-start on their phenomenal career.
Starting with John Lennon’s soaring harmonica to his harmonizing with Paul McCartney, the original version has Lennon singing lead. When producer George Martin decided that the vocal needed to overlap the harmonica, a switch was made and Paul took over the lead.
Actually, the Beatles recorded this song three times. The first was in June of 1962 when Pete Best was still the drummer. It was part of an audition for EMI at Abby Road studios in London and thought to be lost—since then, it was discovered and is part of the Beatles “Anthology I”. The second recording came in September, with Ringo Starr on drums, having replaced Best by then. The third time it was recorded with session drummer Andy White—since Martin was not happy with Ringo’s drum playing. Starr was relegated to banging the tambourine—and since the tambourine doesn’t appear on in the September recording, that’s the easiest way to distinguish between the two.
The Ringo Starr-on-drums version was the earliest released edition, however—but it was a journey for the Beatles to convince their producer to release a song penned by Lennon and McCartney in the first place.
Martin was advocating for the first single to be “How Do You Do It?” by Mitch Murray to be the first release, “in the absence of any stronger material”—as Martin phrased it. The Beatles had yet to impress Martin with their song writing ability.
That sentiment wouldn't last long.
Here’s that great first single—in video form as well!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xuMwfUqJJM
The Parlophone label released the track on 45, with “P.S. I Love You” on the flip side.
Beatlemania was about to begin in the United States---and world of music hasn’t been the same since that tidal wave from Liverpool arrived on our shores.
And it all started with “Love Me Do” .
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s free!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Mount Rushmore-Where Do You Start?
It was on this date in 1927 that construction began on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
The idea was great, the funding always an issue—and the weather and the elements both played their part in delaying the construction of this highly ambitious project. It would be another 12 years or so before the work was done.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.
Each with a head 60 feet high, carved out of granite on the face of a mountain in what are now known as the Black Hills of South Dakota.
So, if you were the project manager, what would be the first thing YOU’D do?
Great wonders like this astound me, not because somebody THOUGHT of it, but that it was actually accomplished. To sculpt anything would be way beyond the average artist’s scope, but at least if you mess up, there’s always another block of marble or granite to start with.
Not so with Mount Rushmore.
When the primary means of shaping the mountain is dynamite, you’ve got to get it right the first time. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum did just that—as did his son Lincoln (coincidence? I think not), who finished the job.
One misplaced stick of TNT and George Washington looks like Howdy Doody—and there’s no going back. Actually, they did mess up Jefferson, who was supposed to be on Washington’s right. After two years, the face was badly cracked, leaving no alternative but to blast him off altogether and start over, tucking his image to George’s left. The original design also was intended to show the entire torso, but funding dried up and carving was abandoned in 1941.
Here’s a short video of someone’s trip to Rushmore—shot in 1986. Pretty decent video for the year, with part of the tour’s narration to give background:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ow6d5cwMu4
Washington’s face was completed in 1934, Jefferson’s in 1936—with then-president Franklin Roosevelt in attendance for the dedication. Teddy Roosevelt was completed in 1939 with Lincoln.
Total cost was just under one million dollars—and although over 400 workers toiled to complete the project, not a single death was attributed to its construction. In a canyon behind the faces is a carved chamber containing 16 porcelain enamel panels, containing the text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the biographies of the four Presidents as well as that of the sculptor Borglum.
This marvel of art and engineering has also been an icon of pop culture, with representations of additional faces—both serious and silly---morphed into the original design over the years. A serious attempt was undertaken to carve Ronald Reagan’s face alongside the existing Presidents. Not likely to happen, but you never know….
Perhaps needless to say, Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s #1 tourist attraction. I have yet to visit it, but a trip to the Black Hills is on my bucket list. Since it’s a given that MY face won’t be carved into the mountain, at least I can join the millions who stare in awe at four of our country’s great historical leaders.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The idea was great, the funding always an issue—and the weather and the elements both played their part in delaying the construction of this highly ambitious project. It would be another 12 years or so before the work was done.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.
Each with a head 60 feet high, carved out of granite on the face of a mountain in what are now known as the Black Hills of South Dakota.
So, if you were the project manager, what would be the first thing YOU’D do?
Great wonders like this astound me, not because somebody THOUGHT of it, but that it was actually accomplished. To sculpt anything would be way beyond the average artist’s scope, but at least if you mess up, there’s always another block of marble or granite to start with.
Not so with Mount Rushmore.
When the primary means of shaping the mountain is dynamite, you’ve got to get it right the first time. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum did just that—as did his son Lincoln (coincidence? I think not), who finished the job.
One misplaced stick of TNT and George Washington looks like Howdy Doody—and there’s no going back. Actually, they did mess up Jefferson, who was supposed to be on Washington’s right. After two years, the face was badly cracked, leaving no alternative but to blast him off altogether and start over, tucking his image to George’s left. The original design also was intended to show the entire torso, but funding dried up and carving was abandoned in 1941.
Here’s a short video of someone’s trip to Rushmore—shot in 1986. Pretty decent video for the year, with part of the tour’s narration to give background:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ow6d5cwMu4
Washington’s face was completed in 1934, Jefferson’s in 1936—with then-president Franklin Roosevelt in attendance for the dedication. Teddy Roosevelt was completed in 1939 with Lincoln.
Total cost was just under one million dollars—and although over 400 workers toiled to complete the project, not a single death was attributed to its construction. In a canyon behind the faces is a carved chamber containing 16 porcelain enamel panels, containing the text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the biographies of the four Presidents as well as that of the sculptor Borglum.
This marvel of art and engineering has also been an icon of pop culture, with representations of additional faces—both serious and silly---morphed into the original design over the years. A serious attempt was undertaken to carve Ronald Reagan’s face alongside the existing Presidents. Not likely to happen, but you never know….
Perhaps needless to say, Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s #1 tourist attraction. I have yet to visit it, but a trip to the Black Hills is on my bucket list. Since it’s a given that MY face won’t be carved into the mountain, at least I can join the millions who stare in awe at four of our country’s great historical leaders.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, October 1, 2010
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
“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
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