David Letterman's Tribute to Johnny Carson 3

[kamberlin22]

It's strange how I'm laughing at jokes that are older then me. Johnny had the magic.

[BMassey1987]

Leno will never get this kind of respect ever.

[lukasnummer1]

Dave is the Johnny for this generation. After he retired, he will also be remembered like his idol.

[ChudFapper]

@lukasnummer1

Nothing against Dave, but he's nothing like Carson and will never attain the same status. What does he have... 2 million viewers on average? Johnny had between 12 and 15 million, and that was during a period of time when the US had a considerably smaller population.

[lukasnummer1]

@ChudFapper Okay, but Johnny didn´t have the competition! He was ALONE in the late night business for most of the time, Letterman´s got Conan, Leno, the Jimmy´s, Craig, George Lopez, Carson Daly (^^), Stephen, Jon and so on....

[borntoworship2006]

I love this clip! Letterman had a genuine friendship with Carson that Johnny supported and seemed to love! Johnny, you ARE dearly missed, to quote sevadaj...rest in peace dear friend!!

[obiwanobiwan13]

Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, and Doc's Band.

David Letterman, Paul Schaffer, and the CBS Orchestra are The Next Generation.

The Late Show is the REAL successor to Johnny's Tonight Show, Johnny and Dave were close, and that class and humanity rubbed off on Dave, making an already great guy even better and making HIS show the one people talk about in the morning.

Johnny+Dave, Ed+Paul, Doc+The Horn Section...

It's just great--RIP Johnny and Ed, wherever you are I KNOW it must be a riot!

[mpbliesener]

I'll give ya that one David. It was indeed Johnny and then everybody else. It still is today. And no, there will never again be anybody that good. Not because there can't be, but because society has changed too much to allow such talent to develop and then shine.

[daisypeachy]

Dave is the only late night i watch.

[PlacentaPudding]

2:24 to 2:37

HAHAHA!

[TatevossianA]

Typically, Letterman would NEVER allow himself to be seen seated in the guest chair. It is far too humble a gesture. He would only do that for Johnny.

[elcondepatula]

"the mudslides are putting out the fires"

xD

that joke is always relevant, like the legendary johnny carson!

[inkey2]

late night TV absolutely blows since the Carson Show Ended

[megamanj2004X]

Ever since Johnny Carson retired in 1992, The Tonight Show has been poorly mishandled since. Letterman has and always had FAR more clout w/ Carson than Leno ever did. In fact Carson himself wanted Letterman, NOT LENO to succeed him when he retired. And b/c of NBC's piss-poor handling of passing the torch, Carson refused to ever appear on Leno's show. I wished Carson would've came on Jay Leno's show and tell him "take a hike, Leno!"

[flenif2247]

Johnny was the definitive night time host. Some people's skills just are the pinnacle of their place in the entertainment world. David is right that no one is that good now. I doubt they ever will be. It is the same for Marilyn Monroe and Lucille Ball. Just completley irreplaceable; only substitutable with cheap knock offs at best.

[Riddler95]

Carson is the King of Comedy.

[duckoes]

man Johnny was great.

but for me my gen X gen here in Australia - Dave is my gen's Carson.

Weldone Dave , keeping the traditional home fires burning

[ernestorivera78]

I seriously bursted out laughing when Dave was changing his tire and Johnny just kept driving . . . that is great comedy.

[zwink9]

"David, I'm going to fax you this joke and no matter what happens back there, it left here funny"

I screamed out a giggle on that one

[Phantombatman]

Today YouTube is the Platform to be known worldwide.

[JohnSmithAprilMay]

*for about 7 days.

[jghor23]

I was talking to my father about the Tonight Show with Carson. Im 29 so i grew up partially with him on TV. I can honestly say when someone was on the Tonight Show back then. The next day, they were a star. Everyone knew who they were. Today thats impossible.

[zackman86]

I can only think of one thing about the whole situation with Jay and Conan at NBC...what would johnny think? If you listen carefully you can hear johnny and steve alan rolling in their graves

[proken58]

Leno did his tribute show to Johnny the day after Carson died (Letterman was on vacation that week, so his was delayed). Leno had Ed McMahon, Don RIckles, Bob Newhart and Drew Carey.

[klangfarben]

These past few weeks there has been so much talk about the Late night shows. Much has been made of the fact that Jay was number one for many years. Do yourself a favor watch all of this tribute to Johnny- Latterman at his best. Jay in all his years NEVER did a show as good as this one...or as good as Lettermans hour with Waren Zevon or his return after 9/11 or talking about his son or talking to joaquin phoenix. Jay is funny- conan is funny- Dave is the heir to Johnnys throne. Johnny knew it.

[stephenmyers99]

Johnny will be looking down from heaven and laughing his ass off at how ridiculous this whole 'episode' has become.

[DrDroXX]

Letting Johnny sit behind his desk, is the ultimate class and respect from both of them. They don't make men like this anymore.

[alvinartwork]

I've only read a bit about Johnny Carson and seen maybe a few videos of him so far, and even I'm able to smile every time I watch these clips of him.

[temsi]

@alvinartwork

Do yourself a favor and dig up the old Johnny Carson Tonight Show episodes - you can find them online or order the dvds from the Johnny Carson estate.

It's absolutely worth it.

[trollheimer]

Johnny Carson is looking down from heaven at NBC in shame.

[DrDroXX]

And he's saying, 'there they go again!!'

[Staple00]

NBC fucked up when they didn't give the tonight show to Dave and now they fucked up again taking it away from Conan. Fuck you NBC!

[AutobotLover]

@Staple00

to quote Walter

NBC = Nothing But Crap

[Tekneek74]

"In 20 years, this desk will be yours..." NBC could ruin anything.

[porkisgood4u]

Look at the standing ovation for Carson when David let him have his seat

I can live 3 life times but I dont think I can get that kinda of ovation in 1 life time... u know?

[warana2]

thats why david shared the same nickname with carson "THE KING OF LATE NIGHTS"

[gino091304]

When Johnny sit's at his Desk David look's like he is looking at his Father and he is so PROUD to be his son. Great moment

[chomsky88]

What's really great about that clip of Carson making a surprise appearance is the look on Letterman's face--he couldn't be happier or prouder than when Carson sits at his desk. His admiration is real and unfeigned as is his self-deprecation.

[sevadaj]

R.I.P. Johnny, you are dearly missed!

[Jantv81]

@sevadaj the Bible tells us that we will have the same relationships in Heaven as we do here on Earth. I really would hope that Johnny is up there, and would get to meet him!! Not that you're going to remember about the jobs you've had on Earth. I loved Johnny, but Dave is funny too. Who doesn't?

[proken58]

That's the story that was put out. The truth is that Johnny was still under contract with NBC - NBC was paying him $5 million a year to NOT appear on a competing network! By walking on to Dave's set, he was technically in violation of that contract. He didn't want to compund NBC's ire, so he was hoping to get away with a quick cameo. NBC's lawyers did send Johnny a nasty letter, but that was it. Johnny still was paid by NBC until a few years before his death.

[HardRokMiner]

God i miss him.

[dougalmac54]

you got that right! just look at the response when he made what turned out to be his last appearance on TV. The audience went berserk! After nearly two years OFF the air. it's a testament to how much america loved him

[jghor23]

@dougalmac54 You can tell how much Letterman admired the man. He really does owe him everything.

[riverotter68]

Carson wanted Letterman to replace him. Notice he never did Cameos for Leno.

[ZeldaMaster408]

David Letterman and johnny Carson always had a strong relationship something that jay Leno will never have : ) !!!!!  +1

Carson will always choose Letterman over Leno for the TONIGHT SHOW +1

[CzapigaKielbasa]

@ZeldaMaster408 But as you know, Leno has the tonight show and Letterman doesn't. In fact Leno has had the tonight show twice.

[KellyGreen5555]

@ZeldaMaster408 Agreed. Carson wanted Letterman to take over the show, but the NBC suits prevented it.

I'd like to also add that Conan O'Brien had no business taking over The Tonight Show...it was a bad joke. Jeff Zucker was to blame on that stupid call.

[AnnaProphetess]

You know who just might be that good?

Craig Ferguson.

[mkp1112]

Craig does the closest things to what Johnny did. He self depricates, dresses up and does all sorts of skits and still puts his own spin on things. Oh and he is hilarious and smart. His true monologue is the best out there. I respect Dave and Conan. I absolutely love Craig but I don't think anyone can ever top Johnny. Another thing Craig and Johnny have in common - they both hate Leno!

[at1212b]

Craig is refeshingly original and can tell he's definitely gone through the hard steps therefore appreciates what he has. And when he nails a joke, it is just spot on hilarious.

And like Carson, you have Conan and Craig (esp considering Craig works for Letterman) both paying the highest of compliments and homage to Letterman as it was Letterman like Carson that encouraged and supported the new Gen the right way. As if he knew to pass it onto the proper people.

[KellyGreen5555]

@AnnaProphetess Craig is good, but Carson and Letterman are beyond great...These two men are magnificent with no modern peer.

[TheJoeCookProgram]

You know, I've probably watched that clip of Johnny making a surprise walk-on with Dave at least 100 times and I still can't help but smile every time. What I would have given to have been in that audience. They just don't make 'em like Johnny anymore.

[rugbynimbus]

It's weird. So many years later, I almost choke up to see Carson sit behind the desk one more time. Growing up, Johnny Carson was the much-needed dose of levity after the nightly news covered the usual seedy politics, scandals, and the omnipresent threat of nuclear holocaust. He's missed, because like any good entertainer he had impeccable timing, and left us wanting more. Brilliant.

[somewhatlongdong]

what you have said could not be more accurate. thanks for putting your thoughts into words.

[pcb2054]

he had larengitis thats why he didn't do it

[CamiloSanchez1979]

It's unbelievable how we all surrender to the might of time.

[ionuorah]

The crowd went crazy when he sat on the chair

[engnr1]

It's also a tribute to Dave that Johnny, who for years could have gone on Leno's show, made his one post-Tonight show appearance on late night TV the week Letterman showed up in LA. By saying nothing, he told everything.

[brewer921]

He made a few appearances on Dave's CBS show.

[urabusxrw04]

I'm really surprised NBC actually let them use some of these clips.

[WhiteBoy41]

Dave showed Great Class doing this show !!

Carson is The KING !!

[wolfmanrick]

johnny is still the best hard to top him .very funny

[UklaTheMokk]

And no matter what happens out there, it left here funny.

LOL.

Johnny was/is the best. No comparison...and there never will be.

[luvlac64]

Do you see how Johnny rubs and pats the desj as if he's trying to recapture the moment even for a second? Very touching.

[56961475]

johnny was the greatest and david knows it

[spacegeek]

2:25 what song is that? thanks!! : )

and thanks for the upload!!

[brucearmstrong1]

"California Sun" by the Rivieras

[Lambtonboy]

It's understandable why the audience was clapping so long but it's too bad they couldn't have stopped so Johnny could have spoken. The crowd lost their chance on this one.

[leandar]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that Johnny was actually going to read the "Top Ten" list and the audience reaction was so strong, it embarrassed him and Johnny was actually afraid he'd end up upstaging Letterman and that's why he just left the stage without doing anything.

[mka800]

Letterman, who shows little respect for anybody, obviously respects the undisputed KING of late night TV. This is pretty touching.

[eaglesfan102005]

"In the case of Johhny's show people actually watched it. In the case of our show people are just putting up with it."

[MildApplause]

Dave gave Johnny his seat.

And then Dave sat in the guest chair.

Wow.

[Sirwastealot]

What an ovation!

[mikescully]

What did the Doc is here bit mean?

[colster4life]

I try not to have many regrets in life, but I really would have loved to be at CBS studios when Johnny appeared with Dave.

[DrSamuels305]

"No matter what happens there, it left here funny."

LMAO! I miss you Johnny.

[newman20072008]

a LEGEND

[Mois52]

"The mudslides are putting out the fire."

Hysterical

[bus11]

Who else but Johnny can make an early 90s Pontiac Sunbird look badass. The man was just dripping in class.

[batrama310]

wow, what an ovation. I never knew johnny went on letterman, its so weird to see him like that on the show, almost like letterman is giving carson the torch back for a while.

[pooface5]

Why didn't Carson do the top 10 list?

[batrama310]

he had laryngitis...sadly.

[newman20072008]

NO one will EVER top JOHNNY

[rootykazooty]

DT-Those clips are Manna from Heaven ~ Truely. I, also missed this show. I feel like I came to better-know an old friend. Thanks is *not* enough for the reminder of JC's brilliance. RED

[smokes2468]

I think David Letterman does a good job at what he does every night. Nobody will measure with Johnny Carson but Letterman comes as close as it gets. Him and Johnny were partners back in the 80's and early 90's they were close.

[comiconline]

Johnny Carson definitely did not despise Leno. It's amusing how people take ideas to the extreme when it comes to celebrities. Carson was an intensely private man. With the exception of Letterman, he NEVER made public appearances after his retirement. The only reason he visited Letterman's show was as a favor to Dave. They were very good friends, and Carson was a bit of a mentor to Dave.

[bodenga]

when jay leno got the tonight show he was panned heavily for not thanking carson let alone not even mention the man's name on his first show. what a white wash memory you have

[UFOSPACE1999]

Johnny never appeared on the Tonite Show with Jay Leno, NEVER. What more can one say.

[rcanton]

Thanks for posting these.

[foxx1525]

This is real class. CBS honoring Johnny Carson. Leno on NBC said a short statement. PBS recently had its Pioneers of Television series, and the one on Late Night had half of it on Carson. He was pure entertainment.

[leandar]

That's not true. Leno had a full show dedicated to Johnny and he had Ed McMahon on as a guest for that show and I believe Don Rickles as well as Rickles and Johnny were close friends and Don had been on many times with him.

[arvinwynn]

this is the only thing David Letterman ever told the truth about ...Johnny is the best.

I do not watch David or Leno...can't stand them...we just as he said put up with it.

[evancortez2]

Johnny never appeared on Leno's Tonight show after he retired. I think he despised Leno. but Johnny was just too classy to ever let that out in public.

[jaymcb]

While I love Dave my first love is Johnny.

hunyghan must be to young to appreciate a true classic.

[floydian18]

ahhah classic, Carson was a legend in every sense of the word!

[hunyghan]

I watched this for Dave.