Long Live The King Of Late Night

I started watching Johnny Carson almost religiously during the start of my senior year in late 1984. I had watched him off and on before that, but it became a ritual to at least watch his opening monologue before I went to sleep.

He was able to connect with his audience in a way no one else has before or since. He had an infectious laugh that rarely failed to get you laughing. And you knew when he genuinely liked a comedian, especially when he would invite them to sit with him after their 8-minute set.

Johnny was a master of the reaction shot. And he was at his best when his jokes were bad.

He was a great interviewer because he was actually interested in his guests, even more so when they were average people with unusual talents.

There is no equivalent to Johnny today. Jay Leno couldn't interview to save his life, and hasn't been funny since the late 80's. David Letterman is good, but he doesn't have the warmth to connect with his audience. Conan O'Brien is too goofy on all accounts. And no one else mattered.

I feel honored that I was able to attend five tapings of The Tonight Show, including ones with Arnold Schwarzenegger promoting Raw Deal and Madonna's first-ever talk show appearence in 1987.

There is no way I could do him justice by mentioning his characters and skits, so I would highly recommened renting or buying the Ultimate Carson Collection.

I'll miss Johnny, and I wish his family all the best.