John O'Banion on Tonight Show

John sang "Melancholy Baby" to the Tonight Show audience, and received a standing ovation for the performance. This was one of five appearances John made in 1974 on the show.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• O'Banion
• singer
• Tonight
• Show
• Carson
• Melancholy
• Baby

[terrinida44]

I had the fortune of being engaged to John O'Banion in the late 70's. Met him as a young model in Seattle at a show, went to New York a few months later to marry him...but changed my mind because I didn't want to live in NY (young & foolish) For some reason, after all these years, I wondered how he was and found this site. He was a great talent, person and performer. This is a sad day. He will be missed.

[presmark2]

Had to be the late '60's, because John was already married to Sunni Welles when we met in 1974. They were living in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley then.

[marcusdarnley]

Wow. Can't believe I was unaware of this guy, and can't believe he didn't have the huge career he so obvioulsy deserved... in Vegas if not worldwide... not just a terrific instrument, but impeccable musicianship, taste and soul... what a loss he's not with us anymore. Thanks for posting.

[presmark2]

Keep watching. I'll be posting more soon.

[salgal512]

Wow! What a pure and beautiful voice! Right on the notes...! Such a handsome man...!

[presmark2]

I measured John's range once. He could clearly hit with full vibrato and without falsetto over three octaves. I'll be posting his impressions of everyone I have on tape (which is far from all he could do) from Robert Goulet to Johnny Mathis to Bobby Vinton. John could do literally a dead-on impression of virtually anyone he heard, not only the style of speach, but tone and inflection.

[SunniWelles]

I saw John on JC for the first time! The most gorgeous & talented man man I've ever seen (or known)! I said to myself, "I'm going to marry that man!", & a few short years later I did.

Together we were blessed to have the most wonderful & BEST son ever! I love you Shaun!

There was no "one" singer/ entertainer EVER, with more talent than your Dad, Sweetheart!

My thoughts & prayers will forever be with him! All who knew John miss him. I know I do! I miss all the good memories we shared!

[OBANION79]

My father was married twice. Both marriages were VERY brief. One marriage was to a woman named Stephanie (his high school sweetheart) in the late 60s, and the other was to a woman named Sunni, in the mid 70s. Both marriages only lasted about a year. In about 1977, my father met my mother, Lynne. They never married, but remained together and madly in love until his last breath. I think my father would want that on the record.

[OBANION79]

Had to be the late sixties... Although my father was married briefly during that time, as well. Was this a very brief engagement?

[doglover123456ism]

Im his relative i is sad :(

[donnamariealba]

I just heard about him from a friend, Evan Sneider. I found this on youtube and all I can say is WOW. I could listen to John O'Banion all day long. His voice is a work of art. Beautiful. Rest in Peace.

[alvastarr1]

Doesn't anyone have Love You Like I Never Loved Before?

[SunniWelles]

"When" were you engaged to John?

John became Doc's "Featured" singer in 1965. John signed a seven year contract w/ Doc's Manager then too. John married his 1st wife just before he signed the contracts. John 1st wife asked John for a divorce less than three and a half years later at the beginning of 1969. It was in process when we met that year.

Do you know John's "middle" name? If "engaged", you should know. John's sister's name? His folk's names? His first wife's name? How about his BF?

[mrfunnyman99]

Great....Just Great.That's all I need to say.

[podlaski]

I recall that in the late sixties, I saw Johnny o banion on the carson show and I immediately thought " That is the most georgeous face I've ever seen." I believe the carson show was still in NY because I tried to see if I could locate Johnny O Banion in NY. I had never done anything like that before. I am now 61 and still remember his name after all these years. I am so sad to hear he died. He was so georgeous and talented.

[clmh5260]

hello, it's been awhile and i'm sorry to hear of john death. I always love his song "I don't want to lose your love" it brings back old memories with my long lost friends

[terrinida44]

You're right, guess I have to admit my age and admit I had forgotten the exact year (it's been awhile). I'm sorry for Sunni's loss and hope their son has just as much talent.