Search Results
95 records found for Gene Rayburn
1954-09-27, WRCA, 43 min.
September 27,1954-January 25,1957 Tonight! starring Steve Allen begins airing locally at 11:15pm, for 15 minutes, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer. From 11:30 to 1:00am the broadcast aired nationally. 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. Steve Allen makes his network television Tonight! Show debut. The broadcast accents comedy, song & music. News & sports are handled by Gene Rayburn.
1954-12-10, WNBC, 15 min.
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, and even more special with Carl Sandburg trading quips with Steve Allen, who states, "I hope someone is recording this show." When Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu comedy.
1955-08-26, WRCA, 87 min.
- Steve Allen
- Andy Williams
- Debbie Reynolds
- Milton Berle
- Steve Lawrence
- Skitch Henderson
- Gene Rayburn
- Erroll Garner
- Micki Marlo
- Pete Ruggilo
- Hy Averback
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.
1956-02-00, NBC, min.
- Steve Allen
- Andy Williams
- Skitch Henderson
- Gene Rayburn
- Elaine Stritch
- Pat Kirby
- Ted Lewis
- Steve Lawrence
- Eydie Gorme
- Turk Murphy
- Willie McLeish Smith
- Meg Miles
- Three Haircuts
- Roy Kral
- Jackie Cain
September 27,1954-January 25,1957 Tonight! starring Steve Allen begins airing locally at 11:15pm, for 15 minutes, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer. From 11:30 to 1:00am the broadcast aired nationally. Eight different Steve Allen Tonight Show excerpts, compilations from telecasts of February, 1956. Elaine Stritch sings "Easy Street" and one other song. Pat Kirby sings "Everytime" Andy Williams sings "Stormy Weather" Top innovator of jazz music, Willie McLeish Smith plays "Zig-Zag" Piano "Finger Busting." Turk Murphy- jazz musician struts his stuff Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme duet "I Sing Flat" Meg Miles- sings "St. Louis Blues " "Sing On Baby" and "You Shed a Tear For Me." Steve Allen sings a 1936 Benny Goodman tune: "When a Lady Meets a Gentleman Down South " Ted Lewis sings: "Be Yourself" "Still Going Strong " With original clarinet plays 1917 Beginnings "The Good Old Tiger Rag" The Three Haircuts comic routine American jazz vocal team, Jackie Cain and Roy Kral (February 20th, 1956) sing "Cheerful and Yearful" "You Smell So Good" and " Mountain Greenery"
1956-02-29, NBC, 58 min.
- Steve Allen
- Andy Williams
- Edward G. Robinson
- Steve Lawrence
- Skitch Henderson
- Irving Caesar
- Gene Rayburn
- Eydie Gorme
- George Gershwin
- Victor Moore
- Oscar Hammerstein II
- William Gaxton
September 27,1954-January 25,1957 Tonight! starring Steve Allen begins airing locally at 11:15pm, for 15 minutes, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer. From 11:30 to 1:00am the broadcast aired nationally. A tribute to George Gershwin. Steve Allen is joined by many admiring show business celebrities for this special broadcast. Duplicate of 9496
1956-02-29, NBC, 58 min.
- Steve Allen
- Andy Williams
- Edward G. Robinson
- Steve Lawrence
- Skitch Henderson
- Irving Caesar
- Gene Rayburn
- Eydie Gorme
- George Gershwin
- Victor Moore
- Oscar Hammerstein II
- William Gaxton
September 27,1954-January 25,1957 Tonight! starring Steve Allen begins airing locally at 11:15pm, for 15 minutes, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer. From 11:30 to 1:00am the broadcast aired nationally. A tribute to George Gershwin. Steve Allen is joined by many admiring show business celebrities for this special broadcast. Duplicate of 10563.
1956-03-27, WRCA, 15 min.
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.
1956-03-27, WRCA, 15 min.
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.
1956-04-06, WRCA, 25 min.
- Steve Allen
- Andy Williams
- Skitch Henderson
- Gene Rayburn
- Eydie Gorme
- Oscar Peterson
- Herb Ellis
- Pat Kirby
- Oscar Peterson Trio
- Ray Brown
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.
1956-04-06, WRCA, 25 min.
- Steve Allen
- Andy Williams
- Skitch Henderson
- Gene Rayburn
- Eydie Gorme
- Oscar Peterson
- Herb Ellis
- Pat Kirby
- Oscar Peterson Trio
- Ray Brown
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.
#6968: STEVE ALLEN SHOW, THE
Order1956-06-24, NBC, 59 min.
- Steve Allen
- Jerry Lewis
- Kim Novak
- Bob Hope
- Vincent Price
- Wally Cox
- Gene Rayburn
- Sammy Davis Jr
- Will Mastin
- Dane Clark
- Bambi Linn
- Rod Alexander
Commercials included in this TV Audio Air Check are, Jergens Woodbury beauty bar, Crosley and Bandix Home Appliances, Crosley radio and Television, and Viceroy Cigarettes.
Premiere broadcast.
June 24, 1956-December 27, 1961. The multi-talented Steve Allen- musician, composer, singer, comedian,author- was the star of this live weekly variety series that bore a strong resemblance to his informal, late-night Tonight! Show. Although the program had elements of music and serious aspects, comedy was far and away its major component. Steve had with him one of the most versatile and talented collections of improvisational comics ever assembled. Among the features that were used at one time or another on a semi-regular basis were: "Letters to the Editor," "The Allen Report to the Nation," "Mad-Libs," "Crazy Shots," "Where Are They Now," "The Question Man," "The Allen Bureau of Standards," and "The Allen All Stars." The most frequently used feature, and by far the most memorable, was the "Man on the Street Interview." It was here that the comics on the show developed their best-remembered characters: Louis Nye as suave, smug Gordon Hathaway, Tom Poston as the man who can't remember his own name, Skitch Henderson as Sidney Ferguson, Don Knotts as the extremely nervous and fidgety Mr Morrison, Pat Harrington as Italian golf pro Guido Panzini, and Bill Dana as shy Jose Jimenez.1956-10-31, WNBC, 35 min.
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.
1956-11-04, WRCA, 5 min.
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.
1956-11-18, WRCA, 9 min.
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.
1957-01-23, WRCA, 8 min.
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.
1957-01-23, WRCA, 6 min.
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.
1962-08-05, NBC, 3 min.
NBC MONITOR NEWS ON THE HOUR. News about the death of actress Marilyn Monroe. Comments by Gene Rayburn. Daily News reports the headlines, Suicide or Not? Overdose of barbiturates stated. Monroe despondent. Host: Morgan Beatty
#742: MATCH GAME, THE
Order1965-09-10, WNBC, 18 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn. Host Gene Rayburn welcomes Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle and Joe Pepitone, who challenge Joe Garagiola, Tom Tresh and Roger Maris. NOTE: A LOST NBC SERIES. ALMOST EVERY SINGLE MASTER NBC TAPE ERASED (1962-1969).
#6144: MATCH GAME
Order1968-08-06, NBC, 27 min.
- Carol Lawrence
- Marion Lorne
- Gene Rayburn
- Johnny Olsen
- George Hamilton
- Evelyn Jackson
- Paul Doyle
- Larry Ulmer
- Anita Matthews
- Annette Eddy
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn's celebrity panelists are Carol Lawrence, and George Hamilton. Their contestant partners are Evelyn Jackson, Paul Doyle, Larry Ulmer. During the phone call match Annette Eddy of Daytona Florida tries for prize money. Johnny Olsen is the announcer. Commercials include: Crest toothpaste, Comet cleanser, Oxydol detergent with Marion Lorne, who passed away May 9th, only three months prior to this airing, Oscar Myer, Welch's jams, and Welch's "Juice of the grape."
#8634: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-04-07, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8635: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-11-06, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8636: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-01, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8637: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-03, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8638: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-09, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#6362: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-10, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.#8639: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-16, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#6363: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-22, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.#6364: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-23, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.#6365: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-24, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.#8640: MATCH GAME '75
Order1975-12-29, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8641: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-05, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8642: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-06, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8643: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-08, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8644: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-09, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8629: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-12, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8645: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-14, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8631: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-19, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8632: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-20, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn. There was a $5,000 winner on this episode.
#8646: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-21, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8647: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-22, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8648: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-23, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8649: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-26, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8633: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-01-27, CBS, 30 min.
- Gene Rayburn
- Richard Dawson
- Bonnie Franklin
- Scoey Mitchell
- Patti Deutsch
- Brett Somers
- Charles Nelson Reilly
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8650: MATCH GAME PM
Order1976-02-10, CBS, 30 min.
- Gene Rayburn
- Richard Dawson
- Bonnie Franklin
- Scoey Mitchell
- Patti Deutsch
- Brett Somers
- Charles Nelson Reilly
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn. MATCH GAME PM (September 10, 1975-1983) was a high-stakes version of the classic daytime game show, hosted by Gene Rayburn. A group of celebrities would be given a sentence with a missing word, which they would then have to fill in. The contestants would then give their own answer, and scored points according to how many celebrity gave the same answer. This evening's telecast was broadcast on WABC, 7:30 - 8:00pm.
#8651: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-02-11, CBS, 30 min.
- Gene Rayburn
- Jimmie Walker
- Gary Burghoff
- Richard Dawson
- Fannie Flagg
- Brett Somers
- Charles Nelson Reilly
- Susan Howard
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8652: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-02-12, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8653: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-02-13, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8670: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-02-16, SYN, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8654: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-02-19, CBS, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.
#8671: MATCH GAME '76
Order1976-02-20, SYN, 30 min.
December 31, 1962-September 20, 1969 (NBC); July 2, 1973-April 20, 1979 (CBS); 1975-1981 (SYNDICATED). Host: Gene Rayburn.