The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

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JohnnyCarson (1,969 episodes, 1962-1992)

Regular Guest Hosts:

Joan Rivers (54 episodes, 1965-1986)

Jay Leno (44 episodes, 1977-1992)

Other Guest Hosts:

David Letterman (46 episodes, 1978-1992)

Jerry Lewis (33 episodes, 1965-1982)

Art Linkletter

Joey Bishop

Les Crane

Robert Cummings

Jimmy Dean

Arlene Francis

Merv Griffin

Peter Lind Hayes

Mary Healy

Steve Lawrence

Jack E. Leonard

Hal March

Groucho Marx

Jan Murray

Donald O’Connor

Regis Philbin

Mort Sahl

Soupy Sales

Bill Cosby (43 episodes, 1964-1992)

Gary Shandling (9 episodes, 1981-1987)

Harry Belafonte (7 episodes, 1968-1973)

Martin Mull (4 episodes, 1979-1985)

Richard Dawson (3 episodes, 1972-1980)

Arthur Godfrey (2 episodes, 1963)

Guest Announcers:

Jack Haskell

Ed Herlihy

ANNOUNCER: Ed McMahon

BANDLEADER: Doc Severinsen (1967-1992)

Tommy Newsom (Substitute)(1968-1992)

Milton DeLugg(1966-1967)

Skitch Henderson(1962-1966)

Dick Carson (15 episodes, 1962-1964)

Bobby Quinn (6 episodes, 1968-1992)

Robert Ostberg (3 episodes, 1984-1991)

Frederick De Cordova producer/executive producer (1,848 episodes, 1970-1992)

Peter Lassally producer/co-producer/ (653 episodes, 1979-1992)

Rudy Tellez producer (442 episodes, 1968-1971)

Jeff Sotzing producer/associate producer (234 episodes, 1987-1992)

Art Stark producer (188 episodes, 1962-1968)

Jim McCawley co-producer (119 episodes, 1990-1992)

Perry Cross producer (9 episodes, 1962-1963)

Sy Kasoff associate producer (1962-1966)

Stan Irwin producer

Wendell E. Niles Jr. producer

Sylvester L. Weaver Jr.

Jim Mulholland (1,720 episodes, 1970-1992)

Michael Barrie (1,463 episodes, 1968-1992)

Hank Bradford (1,127 episodes, 1969-1975)

Tom Finnigan (594 episodes, 1980-1992)

Raymond Siller (559 episodes, 1977-1988)

Bob Howard (475 episodes, 1972-1973)

Hal Goodman (454 episodes, 1979-1988)

Larry Klein (454 episodes, 1979-1988)

Kevin Mulholland (454 episodes, 1979-1988)

Darrell Vickers (350 episodes, 1985-1992)

Joe Bigelow (260 episodes, 1970-1971)

Stan Daniels (260 episodes, 1970-1971)

Stan Dreben (260 episodes, 1970-1971)

Ed. Weinberger (260 episodes, 1970-1971)

Nick Arnold (259 episodes, 1972)

Tom Moore (256 episodes, 1972-1973)

Andrew Nicholls (234 episodes, 1987-1992)

Tony DeSena (213 episodes, 1988-1992)

Bob Keane (179 episodes, 1982-1992)

Bob Smith (176 episodes, 1979-1992)

Bob Reynolds (166 episodes, 1969-1970)

Ralph Goodman (159 episodes, 1969-1970)

Gary Murphy (154 episodes, 1980-1983)

David Lloyd (121 episodes, 1963-1970)

Greg Fields (116 episodes, 1979-1981)

Patric Verrone (112 episodes, 1987-1990)

Norm Liebmann (105 episodes, 1977-1979)

Sidney Reznick (99 episodes, 1969-1970)

Marshall Brickman (96 episodes, 1969-1970)

Gary Belkin (93 episodes, 1986-1987)

Pat McCormick (58 episodes, 1980-1981)

Herbert Sargent (43 episodes, 1962-1963)

Al Jean (34 episodes, 1987-1988)

Mike Reiss (34 episodes, 1987-1988)

Walter Kempley (5 episodes, 1964-1967)

Mickey Rose (2 episodes, 1969-1984)

Johnny Carson (unknown episodes)

Hal Goldman (unknown episodes)

Jay Leno (unknown episodes)

Richard Marcus (unknown episodes)

George Tricker (unknown episodes)

Allyn Warner (unknown episodes)

Terry M. Pickford (1985)

Steven B. Ross

4531

October 1, 1962 – May 22, 1992

“Johnny’s Theme” by Paul Anka and Johnny Carson

Preceded by Tonight Starring Jack Paar (1957–1962)

Followed by Tonight Show With Jay Leno"
(1992–present)

United States

English

American Comedy Awards

1993 Won American Comedy Award Funniest Female Performer in a TV Special (Leading or Supporting) Network, Cable or Syndication Bette Midler for: the special "2nd To Last Tonight Show"

1987 Won American Comedy Award Funniest Male Performer in a TV Series (Leading Role) Network, Cable or Syndication Johnny Carson


Directors Guild of America

1993 Won DGA Award Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical/Variety Bobby Quinn, James Kantrowe (associate director) (plaque), Mike Gray (associate director) (plaque), Kevin R. Quinn (stage manager) (plaque) for: episode with guests Robin Williams and Bette Midler


Emmy Awards

1992 Won Emmy Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program Bette Midler (performer) for: episode with guests Robin Williams and Bette Midler

1992 Won Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program (Series) Frederick De Cordova (executive producer), Peter Lassally (executive producer), Jeff Sotzing (producer), Jim McCawley (co-producer),Johnny Carson (host) for: episode with guests Robin Williams and Bette Midler

1992 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement in Directing in a Variety or Music Program Bobby Quinn (director)

1992 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement in Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Drama Series, Variety Series, Miniseries or a Special William Merrill (lighting director)

1992 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or a Special Dave Cone (audio), Roger Cortes (audio)

1992 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Variety or Music Program Darrell Vickers & Andrew Nicholls (head writers), Bob Smith, Tony DeSena, Michael Barrie,J im Mulholland, Bob Keane & Tom Finnigan (writers)

1992 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Technical Direction/Camera/Video for a Series Ray Figelski (technical director), Kurt Tonnessen, Don Barker & Bruce Bottone (camera operators), Harold C. Ingels (video control)

1991 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Drama Series, Variety Series, Miniseries or a Special William Merrill (lighting director) for: episode with guests Louie Bellson, magician Dean Dill and Cirque du Soleil cast members.

1991 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Technical Direction/Camera/Video for a Series Ray Figelski (technical director),Kurt Tonnessen, Don Barker, Brooke McKusick & Debra Brawner (electronic camerapersons),Harold C. Ingels (senior video control) for: episode with guests Dolly Parton and comedian 'Mark Schif'

1991 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Frederick De Cordova & Peter Lassally (executive producers),Jeff Sotzing (producer),Jim McCawley (co-producer),Johnny Carson (host) for: episode "28th Anniversary Show"

1990 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Drama Series, Variety Series, Miniseries or a Special William Merrill (lighting director)

1990 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Technical Direction/Camera/Video for a Series Ray Figelski (technical director); Bruce Bottone, Don Barker &Brooke McKusick (camera operators);Hal Ingels (senior video control)

1989 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or a Special Ron Estes (mixer),Roger Cortes (mixer) for: episode with guests Jonathan Winters and Kenny Loggins

1989 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program Raymond Siller (head writer),Michael Barrie (writer),Jim Mulholland (writer),Bob Keane (writer),Andrew Nicholls (writer),Darrell Vickers (writer),Tony DeSena (writer),Patric Verrone (writer),Bob Smith (writer),Hal Goodman (writer),Larry Klein (writer),Kevin Mulholland (writer)

1988 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or a Special Ron Estes (sound mixer),Roger Cortes (sound mixer) for: the show with host Jay Leno and guests Dan Aykroyd and Miami Sound Machine.

1987 Won Emmy Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or a Special Roger Cortes (sound mixer),Ron Estes (sound mixer), Carroll Pratt (sound mixer) for: the show with guests Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and George Hamilton.

1987 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Frederick De Cordova (executive producer), Peter Lassally (producer), Johnny Carson (host)

1987 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program Raymond Siller, Michael Barrie, Jim Mulholland, Kevin Mulholland, Bob Keane, Andrew Nicholls, Darrell Vickers, Hal Goodman, Larry Klein & Gary Belkin (writers)

1986 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety or Music Series or a Special Ron Estes (sound mixer)

1986 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Frederick De Cordova (executive producer);Peter Lassally (producer);Johnny Carson (host)

1986 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program Raymond Siller, Kevin Mulholland, Bob Keane, Hal Goodman, Andrew Nicholls, Jim Mulholland, Darrell Vickers, Gary Belkin, Larry Klein & Michael Barrie (writers) for: episode with guests David Letterman, Maureen McGovern and 'Adela Rivera'

1985 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Frederick De Cordova (executive producer); Peter Lassally (producer); Johnny Carson (host)

1984 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Individual Achievement - Special Sound Achievement Ron Estes (stereo recordist),John Strain (stereo recordist) for: episode with Linda Ronstadt and Nelson Riddle with Strings

1984 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Frederick De Cordova (executive producer),Peter Lassally (producer),Johnny Carson (host)

1983 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Frederick De Cordova (producer),Peter Lassally (co-producer),Johnny Carson (host)

1981 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or a Music Program John Shrum (art director) For episode with Charles Nelson Reilly on 31 December 1980.

1981 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program Frederick De Cordova (producer),Peter Lassally (co-producer),Johnny Carson (star)

1981 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Writing in a Variety, Music or Comedy Program Raymond Siller (writer),Hal Goodman (writer),Larry Klein (writer),Michael Barrie (writer),Jim Mulholland (writer),Bob Smith (writer),Gary Murphy (writer),Greg Fields (writer),Pat McCormick (writer),Kevin Mulholland (writer) For episode "18th Anniversary Show" on 29 September 1980.

1980 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Program Achievement - Special Class Frederick De Cordova (executive producer),Peter Lassally (producer),Johnny Carson (star)

1979 Won Emmy Outstanding Program Achievement - Special Class Frederick De Cordova (producer),Johnny Carson (star)

1978 Won Emmy Special Classification of Outstanding Program Achievement Frederick De Cordova (producer),Johnny Carson (star)

1977 Won Emmy Special Classification of Outstanding Program Achievement Frederick De Cordova (producer),Johnny Carson (star)

1976 Won Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Tape Sound Mixing Dave Williams For the anniversary show (1 October 1975).

1976 Won Emmy Special Classification of Outstanding Program and Individual Achievement Frederick De Cordova (producer),Johnny Carson (host)

1975 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design Rick Andreoli

1975 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design Susan Cuscuna

1972 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety Series - Talk Frederick De Cordova (producer),Johnny Carson (host)

1971 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety Series - Talk Rudy Tellez (producer),Frederick De Cordova (producer),Johnny Carson (host)

1967 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety Series Art Stark (producer)

1966 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Variety Series Art Stark (producer)

1964 Nominated Emmy Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Variety


Golden Globes

1976 Nominated Golden Globe Best TV Actor - Musical/Comedy Johnny Carson

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The contrast between Jack Paar and Johnny Carson was marked. As emotional and likely to blow up as Paar was, that is how calm and unflappable Carson was. Like Paar, Carson had been spirited away from another network; in fact he had previously had shows on both CBS and ABC. His biggest asset, other than his durability was probably his knack for salvaging disasters with a perfect reaction take (a comic expression of resignation whenever something did not work). Carson opened each show with a monologue and then spent most of the remainder of the evening chatting with guests. Unlike Paar, Carson tended to avoid anything controversial and was usually content to keep his audience amused. Features that were used on his show with varying frequency included “Stump the Band”, in which members of the studio audience would ask the band to try to play obscure songs by giving them only the titles; “Carnac the Magnificent” (first seen in 1964), with Carson as an inept magician; “Aunt Blabby” (1964); “The Mighty Carson Art Players” (1966), spoofing movies, TV shows, or events in the news; “Carswell” (1967), with Carson as a fortune-teller predicting the future; “The Great Carsoni” (1967); “Faharishi” (1968), with Carson as a yogi; “The Art Fern Tea Time Movie” (1971), with Carol Wayne as the original “Matinee Lady”; super-patriot “Floyd R. Turbo” (1977); “Father Time” (1977); and the one holdover from Paar, periodic displays of strange-looking contraptions with even stranger functions.

Perhaps the most celebrated telecast and certainly the one with the most enormous audience, was that of December 17, 1969, on which Tiny Tim married Miss Vicki. Other highlights were seen on annual anniversary shows, in which Carson reprised often embarrassing moments from past years.

When Carson started, the show was originating from New York and was taped on the same evening that it aired. Johnny was on all five nights and began his monologue when the show began, at 11:15 p.m. (On his first show, Carson was introduced by Groucho Marx; Johnny’s first words, reacting to the applause as he walked onstage for the first time: “Boy, you would think it was Vice President Nixon”). In February 1965 he refused to do the 11:15 – 11:30 p.m. segment any longer, leaving that to Ed McMahon and Skitch Henderson. Many local stations carried local news until 11:30 p.m., preempting the first fifteen minutes of ‘The Tonight Show’ and Carson wanted to save his monologue until the full network was in place. Two years later, on January 2, 1967, this first 15 minutes was dropped altogether. A few months later, in March 1967, Carson fought another skirmish with NBC, this time over money. This led to his walkout, which lasted for several weeks until he was finally lured back with a contract reported to provide more than $1 million per year.

In May 1972 “The Tonight Show’ moved permanently from New York to Burbank (previously periodic telecasts were done from the West Coast) and for a time after that taping was done a day before the show aired. Because so much immediacy was lost, ‘Tonight’ returned to same-night taping in May 1974. Carson also started cutting back on his appearances at about this time. After July 1971 he was no longer seen on Mondays. Then in March 1978 he obtained a highly publicized new $3-million-per-year contract that required him to work only three nights per week. (Steve Allen had worked only three hours per week for a time in 1956. He also had a primetime show to do). In 1980, after threats of a walkout, the program was cut back to an hour per night, with Carson on Tuesday through Friday. Carson’s irregular appearances opened the way for a large number of substitute hosts, some of whom became almost as familiar to viewers as Johnny himself. Seen most often during the first 21 years were Joey Bishop (177 appearances as guest host), followed by Joan Rivers (93), Bob Newhart (87), John Davidson (87), David Brenner (70), McLean Stevenson (58), Jerry Lewis (52) and David Letterman (51). Joan Rivers was the “permanent” (and only) guest host from September 1983 until 1986, when she quit, launching her own ill-fated late-night show opposite Carson. ‘The Tonight Show’ reverted to various guest hosts after Joan left, with Jay Leno the most frequent. Leno became the exclusive guest host in the fall of 1987.

Johnny’s final telecast on May 22, 1992, was a national event: A quiet reminiscence (without big-name guests) about the show’s golden moments over the past 30 years, it was, predictably, one of the top-rated programs of the year. Many, however, felt that the next-to-last show was the best; in it, Bette Midler sang a wistfully comic love song to Johnny that expressed what most viewers felt – there would never be another quite like him.

For more than a decade, from January 1965 until September 1975, taped repeats of ‘The Tonight Show’ were offered to NBC stations for airing after the 11:00 p.m. news on Saturday and Sunday.

In the fall of 1985 a collection of edited comedy sketches from ‘The Tonight Show’ was syndicated to local stations under the title ‘Carson Comedy Classics’.