Johnny Carson (1925-2005)Johnny Carson passed away Sunday. He was 79. This kinda caught me off-guard. It was just a few days ago that it was reported that Johnny has been secretly writing for none other than David Latterman. No one reported any health concerns about him at the time..
It may sound kinda corny, but Johnny Carson's Tonight Show were responsible for some of my fondest memories growing up. As a kid I was never allowed to stay up late enough to watch the news, much less Johnny Carson. But I can remember laying awake in bed and hearing that famous theme song being played by Doc Severinsen and the NBC Orchestra, inevitably followed by Ed McMahon's booming voice. To me it represented some sort of special world just for adults. No kids allowed.
For me, one of the benefits of getting older was getting to stay up late on occasion. I'd feel special watching Johnny Carson with my folks while my sisters were sleeping. Usually my dad would fall asleep in his recliner, and my mom and I would sit and laugh, especially when The Mighty Carson Art Players were on. The anniversary shows were like an event for us. I guess you could say watching Johnny was one of the great bonding experiences I had with my folks.
Looking back on it, Johnny was unique in that although he always carried himself with class and dignity, he still seemed down-to-earth and genuine. In 1982 I got to see the Tonight Show live. My mom and I stood in line for hours waiting for tickets. One of the things that struck me was how cool Johnny was when the cameras were off. He just seemed like a smart, regular guy, in a land of egos.
One of my fondest memories of Johnny is from his next to last appearance on the Tonight Show (May 21, 1992) when Bette Midler serenaded him. I cried like a baby. Although he was certainly sad stepping down, it was clear he was comfortable stepping down. Television hasn't been quite the same without him.
Thanks for everything Johnny.
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