Thoughts On An Idol! (Johnny Carson 1925-2005)

For 15 years from 1977 until May of 1992, it was really easy to find me at about 11:30 on weeknights. If he had a guest host then I tuned into to nightline on ABC. Otherwise, I made sure to simply turn on "The Tonight Show" for the first 5 minutes of monologue.

Johnny Carson was a big hit with my family and I personally idolized the man. Growing up there were three people whom I thought were the essence of 'cool'. Johnny was number one followed closely by Howard Cosell and Roger Moore as 'Bond-James Bond'.

Anyone who knows me knows how old school I am. I don't think there's a better way to gauge the level of talk show etiquette than since Johnny said goodbye in 1992. Late Night TV has yet to recover. Granted, I love and respect both Dave and Jay. But C'mon...

We turned on and tuned in to see Karnac the magnificent, Floyd R Turbo a proud redneck American, the jokes, The mighty Carson Art Players, the repartee between John and Ed McMahon or even Tommy Newsome and Doc Severinsen.

The comedians usually ended up being huge if Carson asked them to sit with him. The bands who performed. I STILL remember how crazy the fans went when David Bowie in 1980 promoted his 'Scary Monsters' album. Johnny was the man of the moment, Johnny was hip before the birth of MTV, Johnny was likeable, and we felt safe as we went to bed to the sound of his voice. That voice is no more.

Johnny passed away this weekend at the age of 79. He would have turned 80 on October 23rd. I dont watch much TV these days since I don't feel any originality emanating from the pablum spoon-fed teleprompter world of bias we call news. Be that as it may, I know Carson is in a better place.

For 15 years I laughed until I had no more tears. I am sad he is now gone. The Master was his biggest fan. Now and forever more. Condolences to the family and the exes. No doubt Johnny would have made a joke there. I am curious what Leno and Letterman will have to say in their monologues Monday Night. Expect some really wonderful accolades to reach the news the next few days as well! Thanks Johnny-You were the man!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will