So Long, Johnny.
So, Johnny Carson died. For me, that’s really a sad moment. That’s kind of why I waited a day to write this.
Growing up, I became a fan of Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show as a young guy. I blame Johnny for my being a lifelong night owl. Not sure what was up with my parents, but they didn’t seem to have any problem with me staying up late watching the Tonight Show. Even when I was in grade school. Maybe we had some fights about it and they just gave up, or they figured it wasn’t a big deal. Either way, I ate Johnny up. Watched him regularly.
I recall a story sometime back in the ’80s in which Johnny or one of his producers was interviewed during the time that Arsenio Hall’s talk show was bringing in the big ratings, especially in those “key demos.” Well, the story goes, Johnny was tired of being beat by this young upstart and reapplied himself to his show. If I recall correctly within one quarter Johnny was tied with Arsenio in the key demo and three months later was beating him soundly in all ratings groups. Soon there after Arsenio sang his swan song.
I remember watching Johnny’s final week on NBC. I still have that video tape around here somewhere. I remember the last show was sad to watch. I remember that following Monday watching Leno’s first show as regular host and got even sadder. For me it was always about Johnny and Dave.
For me, Johnny wasn’t just one of the best stand-up comics ever, but also a damn good interviewer. He could switch from heads of states to some grandmother from Texas with ease. He had interpersonal skills far and above most on television. And he had class.
Johnny’s silence following his unceremonious departure from NBC was equally refreshing and sad (read “The Night Shift” for the full story). I would have loved to hear more from Johnny since 1992, but it was also nice to see him go out on top and live his retirement the way he wanted to – quietly and privately. Last week some news stories surfaced about Johnny writing jokes and sending them to Letterman in recent months. Apparently Dave used a number of them on his show. Nice big slap to Leno, the mutant chinned dork.
Johnny’s had a big affect on my life. His humor and wit have been a major influence. His ushering of David Letterman in to the limelight was equally affecting. Letterman is one of my all time favorites and who knows where he’d have gotten to if not for Johnny.
It saddens me to think there’s a generation growing up out there right now that have no concept of what Johnny Carson was and the effect he had on television and comedy.
Goodnight, Johnny. Thanks for the laughs.
