Johnny Carson still the king

The King of Late Night, Johnny Carson, was crowned the number one television icon in Entertainment Weekly and on TV Land's two hour special, "The 50 Greatest TV Icons."

The special will air Friday on TV Land, and will include original talent interviews, archival clips and examples of modern stars who were influenced by Johnny Carson, as well as the other 49 icons. The same top 50 list will appear in the upcoming issue of Entertainment Weekly.

Some of the other TV stars who made the list include Lucille Ball, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, Susan Lucci, Bill Cosby, Simon Cowell, Kermit the Frog, James Gandolfini and Homer Simpson.

"The Brady Bunch"

Here's a clip that is a great example of the hokey humor that defined "The Brady Bunch." The family is eating dinner when the vase in the center of the dinner table begins to spring leaks all over the place. The best part about the scene is how much discussion is required between Mike and Carol to discover why this is happening.  Maybe the six completely silent children played a role?  Anyways, enjoy the clip!

Happy Birthday Johnny Carson!

On this day in 1925, the "King of Late Night" Johnny Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, to parents Homer and Ruth Carson. Thirty-seven years later, he became the host of "The Tonight Show," and another 30 years after that, upon his retirement, he became known as the greatest talk show host of all time.

 

"The Tonight Show's" bandleader says farewell

Carl "Doc" Severinsen, famous as the band leader of the NBC Orchestra on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," entertained a crowd of 5,200 at the Pan American Center this past Saturday during his farewell performance.

During his career with "The Tonight Show," his orchestra was the most widely known big band in the United States because of the exposure they received. He often presented well-known, revamped jazz scores from some of the great jazz artists, including Cole Porter and Dizzy Gillespie.  Severinsen would sometimes stand-in for Ed McMahon as the announcer and guest on the show. 

In 1992, when Johnny Carson retired, Doc Severinsen also decided it was time to go.  He had a long, successful career, and has been referred to as the "world's greatest trumpet player." According to an article from the Las Cruces Sun News about his final concert, he showed the world that he still had it.

Carl "Doc" Severinsen

Classic Johnny Carson quotes

What made "The Tonight Show" great was Johnny Carson, and one of the many things that made Carson great was his ability to talk in sound bites; quotable one-liners.  In fact, after watching the Johnny Carson box set,  you could almost break up the entire transcript of each show into a list of great one-liners.  This is a collection of Classic Television Blog's Top 10 Carson quotes:

1 "Democracy means that anyone can grow up to be president, and anyone who doesn't grow up can be vice president."

2 "For three days after death, hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off."

3 "I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself."

4 "I was so naive as a kid I used to sneak behind the barn and do nothing."

5 "If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of the television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners."

6 "Married men live longer than single men. But married men are a lot more willing to die."

7 "If variety is the spice of life, marriage is the big can of leftover Spam."

8 "If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead."

9 "Never use a big word when a little filthy one will do."

10 "Happiness is your dentist telling you it won't hurt and then having him catch his hand in the drill."

You can view a longer list of quotes from "The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson" at BrainyQuote.com.

Johnny Carson's hometown creates a memorial in his name

In June 2008, a memorial park will be dedicated to Johnny Carson in his hometown of Norfolk, Neb.  City council members Karl Reeder and Connie Geary were the first to recognize the city's obligation to tribute the man who has done so much to help. Carson donated millions to Norfolk; in June 2005 his estate donated $5 million to Faith Regional Health Services, one of the premier health care systems in Northeast Nebraska. 

The park will be converted from a parking lot that is owned by the city and will include a large bronze statue of Mr. Carson.  It will be dedicated next June during the first-ever Carson Comedy Festival.

This will not be the first park bearing Johnny Carson's name.  The Burbank Parks & Recreation Department in Burbank, Calif. dedicated a park that sits right across the street from NBC Studios—where "The Tonight Show" is filmed—in his name.  Jay Leno donated $15,000 to pay for playground equipment for the parks Tonight Show Playground.

Flashback video friday with Johnny

This week we're bringing you more classic television goodies with hilarious video clips from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."  While reviewing the clips and various episodes, it dawned on us that his show never aged—the jokes are still as fresh as ever, and the moments still real and heartfelt.  It truly stands the test of time.

This first video is an interview of fan favorite Joan Embry with her orangutans.

This second video is an interview of then comedian, now director/producer, Albert Brooks.  Brooks had excellent impersonations, with a twist. 

Carson Transcends Time and Medium!

Our good friends at JohnnyCarson.com have been hard at work to bring you as much Carson on DVD as they possibly can. Though, if you like your Carson on-the-go, you can now get Carson on your iTunes, or iPod! 

While dorking around on the web a good friend of ours referred us to a Matt Lauer interview of Johnny Carson on iTunes. We bought, downloaded and watched the interview several times, and all we can say is that Carson never lost his touch.  He's definitely one of a kind, check it out!

Another Carson Classic Passed

Assistant band leader and occasional step-in for Doc Severson on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," jazz saxophonist Tommy Newsom has passed away at the age of 78.  Newsom was most famously known for his bland look and expressions, leading him to become the shtick to many of Carson's jokes. 

In the Washington Post's coverage of this passing, this quote was unearthed,
"As a child, one time Tommy got lost and his parents couldn't describe him to the police."

Below you'll find a video of one of Tommy Newsom's most recent TV performances, a tribute to the late Johnny Carson, which Newsom performed with Doc Severson on Letterman.

ClassicTelevionBlog Video... Take One!

Hey all you classic television lovers!  We just wanted to announce our latest installment into the blog, which we know you'll be delighted over.  Why?  Mainly because we already know that you love watching television, and if you're here, well, you obviously love CLASSIC television.

If you've glanced over to the right, you probably noticed that we embedded some classic television footage from YouTube.  Well, that's our Classic Television Channel!  We hope you'll subscribe and check out the clips regularly, as we've obtained clearance from various artists to use footage from their DVD libraries.

So, give the videos a gander and let us know if there's something you've been dying to see and we'll do our best to get it to you ASAP! And now for your viewing pleasure, the always hilarious Dom Irerra!!!

All Time Greatest Television Hosts

MSNtv's put together a list of the greatest television hosts of all time.  The list contains the ground-breaking entertainment styles of Johnny Carson and heart-felt emotions of Oprah, to the slap-stick political bashings of Jon Stewart.  Some notable and impactful hosts have been left off the list, however this list gets the job done.

We've reported on possible replacements in the near late night future, think any of them could possibly be the next great host?  From what we saw from Sandler as Letterman's fill-in, we're thinking we might need to keep looking.  What do you think?

Johnny Carson Classics

The former Mrs. Carson, or ex-wife of Johnny Carson, recently released a DVD of original segments from The Johnny Carson Show. Joanne Carson, now 78 years old, held the rights to 10 carefully maintained episodes from the first season of the Carson Show, which aired between 1955 and 1956. The DVD, Shout Factory, gives Carson fans a look back into early career of the late TV icons miraculous career.

At first thought you might think the classic TV era (circa 1955) of Mr. Carson might be a little dated, but to the contrary, reviews of the Shout Factory DVD praise it for pushing the boundaries of classic entertainment. Thanks to YouTube, here's a short clip of the original Johnny Carson Show from 1955:

The Tonight Show Doc Signing Off

Most famously known for his work on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Doc Severinsen, 79, is also renowned in the music world as one of the worlds greatest trumpeters.  Severinsen has announced that he will not continue playing with his orchestra or touring with them.  For more information check out the Argus Leader's article.

A Toast To TV Drinking

In our ever more politically correct world, drinking on television has become a bit watered down. If someone is drinking on a show, it’s usually friends consoling each other at the corner bar, or a couple sitting across a table sipping wine over dinner, wondering how their lives became so pitiful and dull. No one’s ever drunk. Even Cheers, a show about a bar rarely showed the regulars out of control.

There was a time on TV when having a bit too much was not only prevalent; it played a comedic roll in some of TV’s most popular shows. Crazy Guggenheim’s tipsy “heya, Joe” was a staple of The Jackie Gleason Show. Foster Brookes built his entire comedic career on showing up drunk and stumbling through his routine. Otis Campbell, the town drunk from Mayberry R.F.D. actually locked himself in jail regularly to sleep it off.

Then there were the shows where showing up drunk wasn’t an act. Ed McMahon was regularly accused by Johnny Carson of having a little hooch in his mug on The Tonight Show. Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In had their Cocktail Hour, and The Match Game had an open bar backstage between tapings. Well, gotta go. It’s five o’clock somewhere.

Here’s to great reception
Jim

David Steinberg's "Sit Down Comedy"

No comedian appeared on Johnny Carson "The Tonight Show" more often than David Steinberg, and after watching his show "Sit Down Comedy"  it's easy to see why.  Steinberg is as much of a comedian today as he was in his hay day, but, more so, he has a way of bringing out the best in his guests.  Stories, bits and quips that are lost on most talk show hosts, and that may be because none of his segments are staged or scripted. 

The one thing that he does more so than any other host before him is listen.  He has in-depth conversations with his guests that turn out to be completely hilarious, the one exception being Robin Williams, possibly due to the fact that he's still that child that can entertain himself for hours on end regardless of audience.  This style can be attributed to his guest hosting of "The Tonight Show" in Carson's absence.

Steinberg's audience list is a walk down comedy fame, with this season opening with one of the greatest Jerry Seinfeld.  TV Land, where the show is aired, allows you to watch previews and past episodes online!  Check out recordonline.com's review of the first episode of Steinberg's second season.

There's only one thing wrong with this show, it's only 30 minutes! 

Johnny Carson in the Making

We're always intrigued to watch stars come into fruition, and now we have the chance to do the same with Johnny Carson.  The NYTimes reported that Johnny's second wife Joanne Carson will be releasing 10 episodes of Johnny's first stint as a host, "The Johnny Carson Show."  The episodes will be released in DVD format through Shout Factory.

He's as witty and marvelous as he was on "The Tonight Show," and you can catch a glimpse of what's to come here.

Honoring the "Pioneers of Television"

Forbes.com reports that PBS has begun production of "Pioneers of Television," a four part documentary featuring the legends of sitcom, variety, late night, and game shows.  It's slated to debut winter/spring of 2008 with fresh interviews of living members of the golden age of television, along with remastered clips and images for High Definition.

The list of entertainers on interviewed is incredible, which includes Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Barker, and many more.  Apparently, the producers/interviewers were on set the EXACT day Bob Barker announced retirement.  AMAZING.  Additionally, they have a clip of the early years of Johnny Carson, back when he was in his early 20's and just learning the ropes! 

This will definitely become part of the Classic Collection. 

Carson Continues to Blaze The Laughing Trail

The age old notion that a comedian wasn't bona fide until they received the nod from the King of Late Night, Johnny Carson.  The notion continues to this day, as a few folks in Norfolk, NE are planning a Johnny Carson Comedy Festival in 2008.  The festival give young aspiring comics a chance to show their worth.  With the hype behind "The Last Comic Standing" it'll be interesting to see the resurgence of stand-up laughter.

If the next Seinfeld, Roseanne, or Steve Martin comes from this festival, how much stronger will Carson's strength over the comic world be?

"Nut Lady" Passes at 94

Most famous for her appearances on the "Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," Elizabeth "Nut Lady" Tashjian has passed on at the age of 94.  Tashjian famed as founder and preserver of a nut museum in her home, which showcased her artwork and sculptures made from her favorite snack, nuts.

Here are a few more articles detailing her life and works, Boston.com and Newsday.com.

Ellen Degeneres on not "Suck"ing at Oscars

EW's Dan Snierson recently sat down with comic/actress/host Ellen Degeneres, and spoke about her hosting the 79th Annual Academy Awards.  Here's a few snippets of the interview:

"ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Finish this sentence: As host I promise not to...
ELLEN DEGENERES: Suck?"

"Who is your favorite Oscar host?
When I was growing up, I remember watching Johnny Carson doing it. He had a classiness about him that I was drawn to. He just made you feel good watching him. And it had nothing to do with if he was the funniest. You were in good hands when he walked out."

"Are there any good-luck rituals you'll do right before you walk out?
I like to rub mayonnaise on my thighs... It's not so much a ritual — it's just how I get pants on, now that I think about it."

Ellen's always made entertainment history, from her first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny, to her open lifestyle as a homosexual, it's almost a given that this year's Academy Awards will be no different.  Wherever Ellen goes, hilarity always ensues!

Howie Mandel's Dealin!

Through the ups and downs, Howie Mandel's been dealing from his start early on the hit show St. Elsewhere, to Bobby's World, even through his appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and now on the hit show "Deal or No Deal."  If you remember him from way back when it's easy to see his growth, and cherish how far he's come.  Now a mature incarnation of Howie, he's able to put all the things he's been through and become one of America's most beloved hosts.

Through it all Howie still feels as though he hadn't made it until he got the beloved comic wink from Johnny.  Here's an article that we found reliving those moments and his career.

It's always great to remember where we come from, so here's a few clips of the old maniacal Howie.

The Originators of "Guy Love"- Johnny and Ed

The folks over at TV Blend have paid tribute to some of the greatest non-sexual "Guy Love"rs of all time.  Men whom not only compliment each others personality in humor, but seem to be partners in life.  They make mention of Friends characters 'Joey and Chandler', Turk and JD from 'Scrubs', and Honorable Mentions going out to Uncle Jesse and Uncle Joey of 'Full House' along with Balki and Cousin Larry from 'Perfect Strangers.'

What's missing?  Only the originators of "Guy Love," 'The Tonight Show's' Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon.  There hasn't been a duo since, and there maybe never will.  Another duo that will forever be missed and never duplicated are Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. 

What duos can you think of?

Johnny's Got The Whole World in His Hands

We all know the iconic stature of the late great Johnny Carson.  His fame run further than the borders of our country.  His legend changed the way we viewed television.  If there is such a thing as television addiction then Johnny was the cause.

Why is the stature of Johnny being discussed?  Well, according to the Wisconson News, Johnny was the cause of a toilet paper shortage in 1973.  He made light of a claim by then Wisconsin Congressman Harold Froehlich that the country was falling behind in soliciting bids to supply toilet paper.

If the man can create a national crisis over toilet paper, who knows what he could have amounted.  If Johnny had claimed that cars were a fad, would we be riding horses today? 

Johnny's "Smallest" Mega Star Making a Comeback

Any true fan of Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" will remember A.J., the miniature putt putt parakeet.  Owner David Cota is still training and showing A.J. through the media of today.

While the golden age of television has passed, Cota is monopolizing on the bubble media of today, YouTube and Myspace.  CNN reports on A.J.'s latest accomplishments and what you can expect next.

The World Wants More Carson

The good folks over at Entertainment Weekly, wrote an article/request for more talk show DVD compilations.  They also give a shout-out to The Best of Carson, Vol.1 and Carson Country! 

Johnny Carson Quotes

Here's a collection of famous quotes from American Icon Johnny Carson. One of my favorites:

"Democracy means that anyone can grow up to be president, and anyone who doesn't grow up can be vice president."

Johnny Carson's Carl Sagan Impression

During his 30 years on The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson proved to be a man of 1,000 impersonations. One of my favorites was his rendition of Carl Sagan, the popular American astronomer and successful science author. Here's a clip of this memorable Tonight Show moment, which I found on YouTube.

Heeeere's Johnny

It’s funny how today’s youth really has know idea where the catchphrase “Heeeere’s Johnny” originated; coincidentally, everyone still knows it and can use it in every facet of communication.

Johnny Carson, arguably the most remembered TV personality of all times is now being commemorated for having the most recognized TV catchphrase in all of TV land. Ed McMahon's 30 year nightly introduction of Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show ranked 1st out of the 100 most memorable Quotes and Catchphrase in TV history.

On Monday, December 11^th at 10pm ET/PT a five consecutive night TV series detailing each of the 100 Greatest TV Quotes & Catchphrases begins. Of the 100 best TV catch phrases here are a few my personal favorites, mind you; “Heeeere’s Johnny” is my first pick:

• #94 “Time to make the donuts” (Dunkin' Donuts)

• #78 “Bam!” (Emeril Lagasse)

• #70 “Schwing!” (Mike Myers as Wayne from Wayne's World, Saturday Night Live)

• #45 “Read my lips: No new taxes!” (George H.W. Bush)

• #8 “Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?” (Arnold Drummond, Different Strokes)