[JennysCool]

My humble take on the Master. RIP, Johnny.

[JennysCool]

Carson appreciation ping to youse guys.

[Eagle9]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories. Well done.

Rest in peace, Johnny. A true American Icon.

[beaversmom]

Very nice writing--made me feel like I was there. I think my brother got to attend a Johnny Carson show in the 80's. Unfortunately, there was a guest host.

[borisbob69]

Great post! I remember staying up until 11:30pm to watch Johnny when I was a teenager. Throughout his 30 year run I watched the Tonight Show as often as possible regardless of where I lived. One of the best Vegas shows my wife and I attended was Johnny Carson at the Sahara(?) in the early 70's. A bit risque compared to his nightly TV show, but well worth the price of admission.

My reaction to the news of his death surprised me since I rarely have any feelings about the famous people who exit stage left. Johnny was an exception because he was there throughout a good portion of my life. I somehow had the perceived notion that I knew him. So long Johnny.

[Eagle9]

BTTT!

[tje]

Thanks.. Nicely written...

[hole_n_one]

I never had the fortune of seeing Johnny Carson in person, but, thanks to your colorful, insightful and well crafted words, you gave me a real sense of what it was like to see The King of Late Night doing what he did better than anybody ever had before or will again.

Thanks, Lin!

[exit82]

Well done, Lin. It was like being there for someone who never had the privilege.

Thanks.

[xp38]

Thanks Jenny....I only visited the Tonight show with Johnny Carson live once a couple of years after your experience in November 1987. Arrived around 4 in the standby line but got in with the nosebleed seats. All the gang was there and Jimmy Stewart was the guest. Your experience pretty much matches mine in many ways. It was indeed a great memory.

[Boiling point]

Great story. I watched Carson nearly every night from the early seventies on. Many of us probably spent more time with him than with many of our close friends or relatives. Which explains the sense of loss I felt at his passing. A large chunk of my youthful memories has gone.

[Boiling point]

Johnny was in my top ten list of people I most wanted to meet in my life. I am not a star struck type person and most celebrities I wouldn't cross the street to meet so thats saying something. Oh yea, Ann Coulter is high on that list as well.

[philetus]

When I was 12, I spent the summer on my uncles farm in Idaho.

Every night, after uncle Jack went to bed, I sat in the dark, trying to gauge if the June bugs we're on a collision course with my head, and watched The Tonight Show.

Johnny would come on, young, slim ,and with a head of black hair.
Most nights, the show was pretty good.

Then it happened.Johnny came out and started his monologue, told a joke and SILENCE, nobody laughed,nobody booed, just SILENCE.
Johnny seemed shocked. He looked over at Ed, turned around, and went back through the curtain.
Ed sat there for at least 30 seconds, I think waiting for Johnny to come back in, but he didn't and Ed jumped up and said "Johnny's not feeling well tonight" and took over for the rest of the show.
I don't remember what Johnny said the next night.
If anyone remembers, I'd like to know.