Late-Night King Johnny Carson Dies at 79
 

Johnny Carson, 30-Year King of Late-Night TV on 'The Tonight Show,' Dies of Emphysema at 79
LOS ANGELES Jan 23, 2005 — Johnny Carson, the "Tonight Show" host who served America a smooth nightcap of celebrity banter, droll comedy and heartland charm for 30 years, died Sunday. He was 79. NBC said Carson died of emphysema at his Malibu home.

"Mr. Carson passed away peacefully early Sunday morning," his nephew, Jeff Sotzing, told The Associated Press. "He was surrounded by his family, whose loss will be immeasurable."

The boyish-looking Nebraska native with the disarming grin, who survived every attempt to topple him from his late-night talk show throne, was a star who managed never to distance himself from his audience.

His wealth, the adoration of his guests particularly the many young comics whose careers he launched the wry tales of multiple divorces: Carson's air of modesty made it all serve to enhance his bedtime intimacy with viewers.


"Heeeeere's Johnny!" was the booming announcement from sidekick Ed McMahon that ushered Carson out to the stage. Then the formula: the topical monologue, the guests, the broadly played skits such as "Carnac the Magnificent."

But America never tired of him; Carson went out on top when he retired in May 1992.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=435893

And to think, just a few days ago there was a news story about how he sometimes sent jokes in to David Letterman. :(

Frank sang it first -- but it brought tears to my eyes when Bette sang it to Johnny on the farewell show.... Somehow it seems fitting that it should be sung again at his death...

It's quarter to three, there's no one in the place
Except you and me
So set 'em' up Joe, I got a little story
I think you should know

We're drinking my friend, to the end
Of a brief episode
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road

I know the routine, put another nickel
In the machine
I feel kind of bad, can't you make the music
Easy and sad

I could tell you a lot, but it's not
In a gentleman's code
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road

You'd never know it, but buddy I'm a kind of poet
And I've got a lot of things I'd like to say
And if I'm gloomy, please listen to me
Till it's talked away

Well that's how it goes, and Joe I know your gettin'
Anxious to close
Thanks for the cheer
I hope you didn't mind
My bending your ear

But this torch that I found, It's gotta be drowned
Or it's gonna explode
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road

----
There will never be another Carson...
Theeeeeere gooes Johnny... :(

I'm sure Letterman will have a very heartfelt tribute to him on Monday. To me, it would be more meaningful than anything Leno would do. Being one of the more 'seasoned' TFPers, I grew up watching the Tonight Show. Always have been a Johnny Carson fan. In the mid-70's I was fortunate to see his show twice in Brubank. Both times were special. Saw Sammy Davis, Jr and a upcoming young comic, Steve Martin make his first appearance. I will never forget those shows, 30 years later I can still recall where I sat.

Good night, Johnny. Thanks for everything.

Here's to Johnny, one of the only entertainers that it is not an exagerration to call an icon. Thanks JC.

from the looks of lettermans website it looks like the show has been canceled for the week.

R.I.P Mr. Carson. What a pioneer, truly one of a kind.

RIP Johnny...your loss is immeasurable

I feel bad for the younger TFP'ers who never saw an original "Late Night with Johnny Carson Show" (and perhaps some still older ones can say the same with me and "Late Night with Jack Parr Show".)

Anyway, Johnny was a huge class act who never ever was afraid to laugh at anything...especially himself.

Rest in Peace, Johnny.

Everyone knows these things are inevitable, yet it never ceases to catch us off guard when someone like Johnny passes.

I don't know what else to say.

he was on class act of a man

can you imagine the applause when he got to the pearly gates and as he walked thru they said "Heeeeeeeere's Johnny!"

its a sad day indeed

I always remembered him the way he looked in the eighties (when I first discovered the show existed). It never occurred to me that he was 79. At least he got to do what he loved and go out on top. He lived his life the way he wanted. A final goodnight to Johnny.

I can still hear Ed McMahon saying, "LIVE from New York...The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson!"

My all-time favorite Johnny Carson moment was watching him sing "Our Love is Here to Stay" with Pearl Bailey.

RIP Johnny...... :(

What a class act he was. One of the best straight men in Hollywood!

He will be greatly missed in our house.

But never forgotten.

New York?

really? I only remember him being in Burbank...

Yeah, The Tonight Show was out of 30 Rock at first, and then it was Carson's idea to move to Burbank in the early 70's.

As always, funny is one of the best things one can be or experience. Nothing about folks who are funny should be sad - but sadly, sometimes it is.

I'm going to think about his funny bits now. Guess I'll look some up. Best way to remember a comedian, I think.

There hasn't been a greater late night show host yet, and I don't think there ever will be.

You, Sir, are absolutely correct.
So long, Johnny. You were, and always will be, the King of latenight TV.

http://debab.omaha.com/np_0/large/123jbcarson18.jpg
Johnny Carson, left, with his younger brother, Dick, and his sister, Catherine, while growing up in Norfolk, Neb.

http://debab.omaha.com/np_0/large/123jbcarson7.jpg
Johnny Carson as a University of Nebraska student.

http://debab.omaha.com/np_0/large/123jbcarson12.jpg
Carson at a WOW microphone during his radio days in Omaha during the 1950s.

http://debab.omaha.com/np_0/large/123jbcarson2.jpg
Carson in the early days of "The Tonight Show."

http://debab.omaha.com/np_0/large/123jbcarson15.jpg
Carson serves up a burger during a visit to his Omaha restaurant, Here's Johnny, in 1969.

http://debab.omaha.com/np_0/large/123jbcarson8.jpg
Carson visits with his former teacher Fay Gordon for her 100th birthday celebration in 1996.

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Carson's boyhood home in Norfolk, NE Sunday. The house is up for sale.

http://debab.omaha.com/np_0/large/123jbcarson29.jpg
The lights come come down on Carson during his final broadcast in 1992.

Growing up as a kid with him I could appreciate just how funny he was. I remember countless nights with my mom watching him and laughing...great memories with him and her :) He will be missed. Truly the best imo.

Forever Remembered and Adored.
 

Johnny Carson made me laugh a lot and I remember each time he did. I used to watch him before he retired from the Tonight Show. Did you know that on one of his shows he had Tiny Tim's wedding and there were 45 Million viewers tuned in that night? That would be like 120 Million today.

He will be sorely missed. He was unique and will remain so, forever.