I can say that there were numerous artist that I'd never have been given the chance to hear but for appearances on the Tonight Show.

Though he's been off the air for years now I just keep thinking he looks like this..


He likely always will for me anyway.

Interesting how he managed to make each year better than the one before and since his departure the idea of anyone being the king of late night talk shows has basically faded away.

Effectively and essentially the Last King.
Good night Johnny.

goodnight Johnny.

Carson always made me laugh......
I hold in my hand the last evelope...

I was 7 back in 1964 when my family first came to the U.S. My dad was the only one of us who spoke English then, and I remember he would watch the Tonight show and really have these really loud belly laughs. We would all laugh along with him without knowing what he was laughing about because his laugh was so contagious. My dad died 13 years ago, the same year Johnny Carson retired. The one thing I will always associate with Johnny Carson is the memory of my dad's laugh Thanks Johnny!

Paul

I quit watching late night tv when he retired. Good night Johnny.

The end of an era.

Johnny was definitely the King of late night tv, it hasn't been the same since he retired. Leno and Letterman are good, but, IMHO, not in the same league as Johnny. He was willing to make a fool of himself, but he always made his guests feel comfortable and at ease. When I heard that Conan was going to be given the slot when Leno retires, it about made me sick. He's not even in the same chapter as Johnny, much less on the same page. I don't know what demographics NBC is going after by naming Conan as the replacement, but they sure won't have this 54 year old watching!
Rest in Peace, Johnny.

He led a long and mostly happy life, marked by some personal tragedy, yes, but he died a happier man than most. But, he has been and will continue to be missed. Good night Johnny.

I was quite saddened to hear the news.

Johnny was the man no doubt. I stopped watching The Tonight Show after Johnny retired. He was funny as hell, but beyond that he was also very charming and one of a kind. I can't believe its been as long as it has since he retired. I am still trying to come to grips with the fact Seinfeld has been off the air for six years!! Carson was so larger than life. I like Jay Leno and Conan (Letterman is done..), but none of them hold a candle to Johnny. He is like the EVH of talkshow guys.

Johnny = king, no doubt.

"Always made his guest feel comfortable".....exactly why Leno is NOT good. He's degenerated into this jerk who who can't think of any way to relate to many of his guests other than with put downs.

Conan is so much better than that - he needs to replace Leno immediately. Conan isn't copying Johnny Carson nor should he try, he has a whole different approach. Which is what keeps things from stagnating.

Carson was a funny fellow & probably, all-in-all, a nice guy but there was a definite tinge to his musical tastes. He loved the big band cats like Buddy Rich but hated rock & roll bands.
When Lennon & McCartney got booked to announce the formation of Apple Records, Carson took a holiday & gave the host chair to Joe Garrogiola.
Jimi Hendix only appeared when the show was hosted by Flip Wilson.