Before it was Johnny Carson's theme: Toot Sweet (It's Really Love) - Tutti Camarata (1960)

[n2motocross]

WOW! Never knew it until now. Thanks for the upload. And the 45 rpm record is the perfect touch. Or it may be a 78 rpm?

[chrissyswedding]

I remember seeing Paul Anka as a guest on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show many years ago and he mentioned that he was the writer of that theme song. I don't remember them saying that Annette Funicello or anyone else had recorded it earlier though they might've talked about it. Many people don't know that Anka also penned "My Way" by Frank Sinatra.

[pastakota]

Grew up in Verona, New Jersey and was great friends with Carlton Camarata, Salvadore's brother. They were known as a fine family in and around Essex County, NJ. It is amazing to find out the origin of the Tonight Show theme song. Great to hear this.

[steveg268]

Thanks for posting this. I had heard the Annette version but the instrumental is dead-on The Tonight Show theme we know. It's still a fascinating story after all these years.