Steve Allen pays tribute to music song writer & composer Burton Lane. Regulars on the show sing many of his songs. Burton relates to Steve's various interesting facts about his life including how he came to become a composer.          

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

Steve Allen pays tribute to composer, Burton Lane, who discusses with Steve his early life and career. Lane sings a melody of his most famous songs. 

Other highlights:

Steve sings "It Means The Lady's In Love With You."
Eydie Gorme sings "There's A Great Day Coming, Manaia."
Eydie and Andy Williams sing "How About You."
Andy sings "You're Breaking My Heart."
 
The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                                           

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

Steve Allen pays tribute to composer, Burton Lane, who discusses with Steve his early life and career. Lane sings a melody of his most famous songs. 

Other highlights:

Steve sings "It Means The Lady's In Love With You."
Eydie Gorme sings "There's A Great Day Coming, Manaia."
Eydie and Andy Williams sing "How About You."
Andy sings "You're Breaking My Heart."
 
The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.          

Duplicate of 6967C.                                                                                              

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

This broadcasts is joined in progress at 12:30am April 7, 1956.
Highlights:

Andy Williams and Pat Kirby sing "There Will Never Be Another You, " and "I Thought About You."

Steve plays piano.

Eydie Gorme sings, "And The Angels Sing."

Steve Allen introduces Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar and Ray Brown on Bass. Two numbers by the Oscar Peterson Trio are performed, "Will You Still Be Mine?" and "How About You."

Steve mentions new album by the trio, and that after winding up their act currently at Basin Street, they will be in Philadelphia performing at The Blue Note. 

Steve, who praises Oscar, briefly chats with him about current and future  engagements by the Oscar Peterson Trio (9 minute segment). 
Gene Rayburn signs off with a station break.  

NOTE: One of the very first television appearances by Oscar Peterson, 30 years old at the time, and  of the Oscar Peterson Trio performing together on network TV. 

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen, began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                                                                                               

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

This broadcasts is joined in progress at 12:30am April 7, 1956.
Highlights:

Andy Williams and Pat Kirby sing "There Will Never Be Another You, " and "I Thought About You."

Steve plays piano.

Eydie Gorme sings, "And The Angels Sing."

Steve Allen introduces Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar and Ray Brown on Bass. Two numbers by the Oscar Peterson Trio are performed, "Will You Still Be Mine?" and "How About You."

Steve mentions new album by the trio, and that after winding up their act currently at Basin Street, they will be in Philadelphia performing at The Blue Note. 

Steve, who praises Oscar, briefly chats with him about current and future  engagements by the Oscar Peterson Trio (9 minute segment). 
Gene Rayburn signs off with a station break.  

NOTE: One of the very first television appearances by Oscar Peterson, 30 years old at the time, and  of the Oscar Peterson Trio performing together on network TV. 

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen, began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.    

Duplicate of 6967E.                                                                                                                                                         

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                                                        

Opening. Billy Gilbert and Dagmar are introduced. Gene Rayburn is the announcer 

 September 27,1954-January 25,1957 

The basic format of The Tonight Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests) were all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs were devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was a more musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra

  Opening of the program is heard by announcer Gene Rayburn. Steve Allen comments on the Hungarian / Soviet war. There is a commercial Life Magazine endorsement. Billy Gilbert and Dagmar are introduced. Gene Rayburn is the announcer.                                              

      Late night Steve Allen TONITE! Show with guests Erin O'Brien, Alfred Drake. Les Brown and the orchestra.        

September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957. 

This broadcast was the last from Hollywood which was the home of Tonight! Starring Steve Allen from June 27 to August 26, 1955. It was also the last time Hy Averback appeared as announcer.

The basic format of The Tonight Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests) were all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs were devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was a more musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.   

Five minute excerpt. Announcer is Gene Rayburn.                                                                                                                   

September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957. This broadcast was the last from Hollywood which was the home of Tonight! Starring Steve Allen from June 27 to August 26, 1955. It was also the last time Hy Averback appeared as announcer.

The basic format of The Tonight Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests) were all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs were devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was a more musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.     

Steve's guest is Bob Hope.                                                                                     

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                              

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.      

Guest: Poet Randall Jarrell. This is the first of last three Tonight Shows hosted by Steve Allen.                                                                                      

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

This next to last TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN was devoted to the culture of Cuba. Many Cuban personalities perform on the show. 

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                 

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

This next to last TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN was devoted to the culture of Cuba. Many Cuban personalities perform on the show. 

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.      

Duplicate of # 6967A.       

Next to last Tonight Show hosted by Steve Allen.                                                                  

September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957. This evenings telecast is the final TONIGHT! show starring Steve Allen. A farewell party is staged. All the regular singers are featured in musical numbers and Steve uses some of the 'gimmicks which found great popularity on show during the 2 1/2 years on air, including the big salami, and goo goo dolls. Steve speaks briefly to some of the men on the new "Tonight" show which starts next week. They include Jack Lescoulie, Earl Wilson, Hy Gardner, & Bob Considine. 

The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                    

September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957. This evenings telecast is the final TONIGHT! show starring Steve Allen. A farewell party is staged. All the regular singers are featured in musical numbers and Steve uses some of the 'gimmicks which found great popularity on show during the 2 1/2 years on air, including the big salami, and goo goo dolls. Steve speaks briefly to some of the men on the new "Tonight" show which starts next week. They include Jack Lescoulie, Earl Wilson, Hy Gardner, & Bob Considine. 

The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.      

Duplicate of #6967. Farewell Party. After two and one half years, Steve Allen hosts his final Tonight Show. 

Andy Williams sings a new song, "Butterfly." Tonight Show stage hands behind the scenes bid farewell to Steve.                                                                 

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music.                 

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music. 

This was a live show from Detroit, Michigan.                              

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music. 

This was a live show from Detroit, Michigan.                                           

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music. 

                                                        

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music. 

                                                                                  

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music. 

                                                                                  

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music. 

                                                                                               

Stars from the world of show business pay tribute to the late Emanuel Sacks. Their tribute takes the form of 90 minutes of entertainment by Sid Caesar, Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Eddie Fisher, Betty Grable, Bob Hope, Harry James, Tony Martin, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Kay Starr, Danny Thomas, Jack Webb and Jane Wyman.
Some of these entertainers were discovered by Manie Sacks, all of them were helped by him during his years as a record-industry and television executive and all were his friends.                     

Variety- NBC - 30 minutes, October 4th, 1956-June 29th, 1961.

Tennessee Ernie Ford was host, singer and comedian of this variety show. The musical portion of the program consisted mostly of Country and Western and Gospel music. 

A special presentation of the opera "Carmen." 

                                                                                                            

April 2nd, 1962-September 28th, 1962

When Jack Paar left the Tonight Show on March 29th, 1962, it created a six-month "window" of guest hosts until October 1st, 1962 when Johnny Carson took over the reins in what would be a 30-year run of hosting until May 22nd, 1992, From April 2nd, 1962-September 28th, 1962, there were a variety of 18 different celebrity guest hosts. Art Linkletter was the first guest host during this six-month "window" period and Donald O'Connor the last on September 28th, 1962. 

INTERIM HOSTS ON THE TONIGHT SHOW
(APRIL 2, 1962 - SEPTEMBER 29, 1962)
* Six or more days hosting during this interregnum period. 

April 2-6                Art Linkletter   April 9-13  Art Linkletter

April 16-20           Joey Bishop
April 23-27           Robert Cummings

April 30-May 4     Merv Griffin   May 7-11  Merv Griffin

May 14-18          Jack Carter
May 21-25          Jan Murray
May 28-June 1   Peter Lind Hayes & Mary Healy
June 4-8             Soupy Sales
June 11-15         Mort Sahl
June 18- 22       Steve Lawrence

June 25-29        Jerry Lewis   July 2-6  Jerry Lewis

July 9-13           Jimmy Dean
July 16-17         Arlene Francis
July 18              Hugh Downs
July 19-20         Arlene Francis
July 23-27         Jack E. Leonard

July 30- August 3  * Merv Griffin   August 6-19  Merv Griffin

August 13-17    * Hugh Downs
August 20-24     Groucho Marx
August 27-31     Hal March
September 3-7 * Joey Bishop

September 10-14 * Art Linkletter    September 17-21  Art Linkletter

September 24-28  Donald O'Connor

October 1, 1962 Johnny Carson becomes permanent Host       
                            of the TONIGHT SHOW

Guest Host: Art Linkletter. Tonight's guest is William Bendix. Linkletter's opening monologue is heard. We hear the opening with announcer Hugh Downs introducing who will be on the show tonight.  Art Linkletter gives tribute and anecdotes about Jack Paar, including mentioning his "water closet" controversial joke and other Tonight Show moments. Linkletter discusses the upcoming guest hosts who will fill in until Johnny Carson becomes the permanent host of the Tonight Show.  One scheduled host, Spike Jones, is asked to stand in the audience (Jones never did host the Tonight Show). Hugh Downs discusses ad-libs  related to Elizabeth Taylor.   Woody Herman who leads the band this week is introduced. In the three minute abbreviated interview William Bendix tells Linkletter that he first came to Hollywood in 1940. The interview abruptly ends after Art Linkletter praises the movie that Bendix starred in, "Lifeboat."                                                                                                                            

April 2nd, 1962-September 28th, 1962

When Jack Paar left the Tonight Show on March 29th, 1962, it created a six-month "window" of guest hosts until October 1st, 1962 when Johnny Carson took over the reins in what would be a 30-year run of hosting until May 22nd, 1992, when he hosted for the last time. From April 2nd, 1962-September 28th, 1962, there were a variety of celebrity guest hosts. Art Linkletter was the first guest host during this six-month "window" period and Donald O'Connor the last on September 28th, 1962. 

Guest Host: Joey Bishop. Guests are Sammy Davis, Jr. and Red Buttons.                                                                                          

A summer replacement series hosted by
Sam Levenson in 1960,
August 1- September 26,

Jim Backus in 1962,
February 3, - September 11,

Merv Griffin in 1963,
July 2, - September 17, 

Art Linkletter in 1965, (ONE HOUR series)
June 22, - September 7.

Art Linkletter later hosted the program as a mid-season replacement for the Steve Lawrence Show, again in a one-hour format, titled Art Linkletter's Hollywood Talent Scouts from December 20, 1965 - September 5, 1966.   

Talent Scouts today are Sally Ann Howes and E.G. Marshall, Jack Carter and Cyril Richard. 
A satire on President John F. Kennedy and family by "The Premise,"
NASA spokesman on space race, President Charles de Gaulle. 

Host: Jim Backus                                                                                                   

September 29th, 1962-December 22nd, 1963 (ABC)

Roy Rogers and his wife, Dale Evans, cohosted this Saturday night variety hour. Cliff (Charlie Weaver) Arquette and Pat Brady, who was Roy Rogers and Dale Evans sidekick on the Roy Rogers western series, were also featured on the show.             

January 18th, 1948-September 25th, 1949- Dumont Network
October 4th, 1949-September 11th, 1954-  NBC
October 30th, 1955-June 23rd, 1957- ABC
July 1st, 1957-October 4th, 1958- NBC
May 1st, 1959-October 9th, 1959- CBS
March 7th, 1960-September 26th, 1960- ABC
October 2nd, 1960-September 27th, 1970- CBS

Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour was an American television program and continuation of Major Edward Bowes Amateur Hour on radio. It was hosted by Ted Mack. Contestants would compete weekly in a talent competition in which they were judged by the viewers.  

Note: On this particular broadcast no opening or closing is recorded. Ted Mack's introduction of each of the seven of nine  acts (two dancing acts not recorded) appearing on the show are not recorded. However, the ATA archive has retained the audio air check of the acts themselves and of each entertainer's specific contribution on this December 2nd 1962 broadcast.

The acts sequentially:
- Elena Del Boccio, singer "Do I Love You?"
- Connie Conway, A one-string cigar box player performance.
- Melody-Aires, a vocal sextet "That's the Story of Love."
- Junior Jubilee, a vocal-in-instrumental octet.
- Judy Hahn, vocalist "Show Me."
- Clora Young, soprano performing.
- Inn Keepers, folk singers "They Call Me Daddy."

Lloyd Marx conducts the orchestra on this third of four shows taped in Chicago. 

                                                

November 21, 1962 - February 27 1963

Max Morath, a ragtime pianist and raconteur, hosts this half-hour series focusing on the nations manners and morals at the turn of the century, a period spanning three decades from 1890 to 1920.

The idea that the history of any era can be told in terms of its popular songs is being put to the test on this new series comprised of 15 episodes by New york's educational channel. 

Featuring Max Morath, a ragtime pianist and raconteur, this half-hour series of broadcasts takes a musical look at the turn of the century.  

Tonight's episode, Host Max Morath and Robert Benson look at the family life of America's middle class.   

This series is one of the earliest examples of programming on the newly formed New York Public Broadcast Station WNDT Ch.13, which debuted on the air September 16, 1962.                                       

January 18th, 1948-September 25th, 1949- Dumont Network
October 4th, 1949-September 11th, 1954-  NBC
October 30th, 1955-June 23rd, 1957- ABC
July 1st, 1957-October 4th, 1958- NBC
May 1st, 1959-October 9th, 1959- CBS
March 7th, 1960-September 26th, 1960- ABC
October 2nd, 1960-September 27th, 1970- CBS

Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour was an American television program and continuation of Major Edward Bowes Amateur Hour on radio. It was hosted by Ted Mack. Contestants would compete weekly in a talent competition in which they were judged by the viewers.                                       

          Jack Benny, Andy Williams, Dorothy Provine and Annette Funicello join Ernie at a backyard BBQ, devised by Mr. Benny related to income tax reasons.  

  

Johnny Carson's 6th anniversary as host of the Tonight Show.
Includes the "Cleopatra" premiere with Bert Parks.

See #15868 for details.             

September 20, 1970-December 13, 1970. Tim Conway's second 1970 show was a variety hour. List of regulars: McLean Stevenson, Sally Struthers, Art Metrano, Bonnie Boland, Belland and Somerville, the Jimmy Joyce Singers, and announcer Ernie Anderson.  

Series premiere                       

September 20, 1970-December 13, 1970. Tim Conway's second 1970 show was a variety hour. List of regulars: McLean Stevenson, Sally Struthers, Art Metrano, Bonnie Boland, Belland and Somerville, the Jimmy Joyce Singers, and announcer Ernie Anderson.    

Guest: Lana Turner.        

Performances by members of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.