July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957...originally titled Tonight!) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. It was seen in only three states, New York, New Jersey, & Connecticut (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday only.  

 This is the oldest known broadcast record of Steve Allen's 14 month local  Pre-Tonight Show run, prior to National Tonight! broadcasts which premiered September 27, 1954.                                       

July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, only.  

This is the 27th broadcast in the series. Broadcast theme song, "Stay Just A Little While With Me," opens the show. Steve Allen, at the piano, sings "Cecilia." Jim Moran, who appears every Tuesday on the broadcast discusses with Allen "Oysters," as the Oyster season begins. Author James Michener joins in and also discusses his latest movie adaptation screenplay for the film "Return To Paradise," about to open in theaters nation wide. This was the first theatrical contribution for Michener in his literary career.  

Incredible relaxed late night television from a bygone era as Steve offers a beer to Mitchener in-between anecdotes. Steve Lawrence, who just turned 18 years of age, sings "C'est si bon."   Bobby Byrne & his orchestra plays "Lover." Sign off, as Steve reminds viewers that this new late night series is on the air every weekday night for 40 minutes, 11:20pm to Midnight. Cast sings theme song "Stay Just A Little While With Me."                                                    

July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday only.                                                    

July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.                                       

July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.   Note: SOME VARIATIONS IN SOUND QUALITY.                                       

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.                                                                             

           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. 

This rare early December 9, 1954 TV Audio Air Check recorded only nine weeks after the debut of TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN, profiles composer Johnny Mercer at his natural best. 

In this informal broadcast Steve Allen, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme give tribute to Johnny Mercer. Over 20 songs are sung written by Mercer including "Lazy Bones,"  co-written with Hoagy Carmichael, a;nd "I'm An Old Cow Hand."

Eydie Gorme sings "P.S. I Love You." Steve sings "Love is the Face in the Misty Light."

In a separate segment Steve Allen introduces. from Rockefeller Center in New York City, the melodic strains of the one hundred voice Rockefeller Center Choristers. It is the 16th year that they have sung Christmas music  beneath the Rockefeller Christmas tree which was erected today. 

Steve asks Mercer how he got started, and to state how he first met Hoagy Carmichael. 

With Skitch Henderson at the piano. Steve and Johnny sing "You Have To Accent The Positive." Steve Lawrence sings, "Angel Eyes."
Johnny Mercer sings "Watcher  Gonna Swing Tonight, " "Rain or Come Shine," "Old Black Magic," "You Must  Have Been a Beautiful Baby," and "One For My Baby." Eydie sings, "When the Angels Sing."

In a separate skit Steve Allen and Johnny Mercer play Interrogator and defendant...Mercer questioned as to what is the one necessary  integrity that a composer has to have to be a song writer...searching for imaginary lyrics reflecting LOVE through its lyrics. 

Back at the piano, Steve and Johnny sing "Too Marvelous For Words," "Pardon My Southern Accent," Skylark."  "Dream,"  "Fools Rush in," " Goody Goody," "Blues in the Night," with the NBC orchestra. 

Johnny Mercer sings himself off with lyrics thanking Steve Allen for the tribute and inviting him to be a guest on his show tonight. 

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 or topic.  
THE ONLY EXTANT BROADCAST RECORD IN THE COUNTRY.                                              

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.                                                                              

     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" 
                                                                                     

     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                                        

     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.                               

September 27th, 1954- January 25th, 1957 (NBC)

Starring Steve Allen. 

The following are excerpts from Steve Allen Tonight Shows of March 6th, 7, 8, 9, 12, 1956

Highlights: 

Orchestra plays "Mambo The Most." 

Steve Lawrence and Doc Severinsen "Young Man With a Horn" 

Eydie Gorme sings "Too Close For Comfort"

Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme sing "A Fine Romance"

Joe Bushkin plays on piano "Hallelujah" from his album "Midnight Rhapsody"

Bushkin also plays "September Song"

"The Mouth Mansfield Blues" Skitch Henderson and Orchestra 

Pat Kirby sings "Young Love"

Andy Williams sings "Caprice in May" 

Meg Miles sings "13 Men and Only One Gal in Town" and "Can't Help Loving Dat Man" on program of March 7th, 1956. 

Andy Williams sings "I'll Never Smile Again" 

Blues and jazz saxophonist Sam "The Man" Taylor plays "Harlem Nocturne" and "Cloud Burst"

March 6th, 1956- Woody Herman and his Orchestra play "The Square Circle "

Steve Allen and Woody Herman talk about drummer Will Bradley Jr.
and Bill Harris, Jr.

Victor Feldman playing vibes

Woody Herman sings "Stars Fell On Alabama" 




                                                                                      

June 24, 1956-June December 27, 1961 (NBC, ABC).

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.    

Steve Lawrence sings "Makin Whoopee"                                                                                                              

 

PERSON TO PERSON hosted by Edward R. Murrow - Oct. 2, 1953, through June 29, 1959. Charles Collingwood hosted from Oct. 16, 1959, through Sept. 15, 1961. 

When Collingwood took over as host about half of the series' programs originated from foreign locations and were pre-recorded on videotape. While many of the Murrow segments exist on kinescope and can be accessed, most of the Collingwood segments are not available. 

Edward R. Murrow interviews the husband and wife singing team of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme in New York City.
Also, advice columnist Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby) is interviewed in Burlingame, California. (5 minutes).                           

September 30th, 1958-June 16th, 1964

The Garry Moore variety series made a star out of Carol Burnett,brought back Allen Funt's Candid Camera and showcased many fine musical and comedic talents from 1958-1964.The highlight of most shows was "That Wonderful Year," consisting of film clips, comedy sketches and production numbers based on the events and styles of a given year.

Regulars: Garry Moore, Carol Burnett (1959-1962), Dorothy Loudon (1962-1964),Allen Funt (1959-1960, Durward Kirby (1958-1964)and Marion Lorne (1958-1962).                                                   

From Carnegie Hall, a salute to Richard Rodgers. Diahann Carroll performs numbers from Richard Rodgers Broadway musical drama, "No Strings."

Dupe of 303.                      

     September 21, 1962 - September 10, 1965

Jack Paar elected to pursue a three year NBC series in prime time soon after stepping down as host of THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JACK PAAR (1957-1962). These broadcasts took on the form of a variety / talk show format. Each telecast opened with a Paar monologue. Also shown from time to time were personal home movies shot by Jack on various trips by the Paar family to Africa, Russia, and Europe.Jack's daughter, Randy Paar would often assist her dad narrating these films.  

Appearing with Jack were many of his old regulars from the TONIGHT SHOW including Alexander King, Oscar Levant and Jonathan Winters. This 10pm Friday prime time slot attracted many notable guests, including Richard Nixon, Barry Goldwater and Ted Kennedy. Also, given exposure were many young and veteran entertainers, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, Peggy Lee, and stand-up comedians, among them, Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, Godfrey Cambridge, Jackie Vernon, Mike Nichols & Elaine May, Burns & Schreiber, and Dick Gregory. 

Impact appearances occurred introducing footage of The Beatles, prior to the group appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, and a young Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), singing and spewing poetry with Jack and Liberace. 

After three years (one and a half years less than his tenure on THE TONIGHT SHOW), Jack Paar called it quits and would prematurely retire from the business with the exception of  producing and starring in a handful of Specials for NBC and accepting one brief return to regular television, for nine months, hosting an ABC late night talk show, JACK PAAR TONITE in 1973).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 September 21, 1962 - September 10, 1965

Jack Paar elected to pursue a three year NBC series in prime time soon after stepping down as host of THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JACK PAAR (1957-1962). These broadcasts took on the form of a variety/talk show format. Each telecast opened with a Paar monologue. Also shown from time to time were personal home movies shot by Jack on various trips by the Paar family to Africa, Russia, and Europe. Jack's daughter, Randy Paar would often assist her dad narrating these films.  

Appearing with Jack were many of his old regulars from the TONIGHT SHOW including Alexander King, Oscar Levant, and Jonathan Winters. This 10 pm Friday prime time slot attracted many notable guests, including Richard Nixon, Barry Goldwater, and Ted Kennedy. Also, given exposure were many young and veteran entertainers, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, Peggy Lee, and stand-up comedians, among them, Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, Godfrey Cambridge, Jackie Vernon, Mike Nichols & Elaine May, Burns & Schreiber, and Dick Gregory. 

Impact appearances occurred introducing footage of The Beatles, prior to the group appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, and a young Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), singing and spewing poetry with Jack and Liberace. 

After three years (one and a half years less than his tenure on THE TONIGHT SHOW), Jack Paar called it quits and would prematurely retire from the business with the exception of producing and starring in a handful of Specials for NBC and accepting one brief return to regular television, for nine months, hosting an ABC late-night talk show, JACK PAAR TONITE in 1973).

Jack's guests are Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, and Bill Cosby. 

                                                   

The second in a series of programs presented by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union on behalf of Democrats.

Comments by Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Henry Fonda, Janet Leigh, and former President Harry S. Truman.                        

Program #3 of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union campaign for the Democratic party. A commercial on behalf of President Johnson, Senator Hubert Humphrey, and US Senate candidate, Robert Kennedy. Also speakers Dinah Shore and Steve Lawrence.                          

Winners of the 1964 Grammy Awards give performances. Les Brown conducts the orchestra. 

Dean Martin is the host.                                    

Dean Martin hosts this musical hour featuring many winners of the recording industry's 1964 Grammy Awards. 

Special guest Sammy Davis Jr. offers a musical tribute to the late Nat King Cole; Frank Sinatra receives the Grammy Golden Achievement Award; and, in a segment taped in London, Peter Sellers interviews the Beatles.  

Introducing the Grammy-winning performers are Woody Allen, Eddy Arnold, Tony Bennett, Godfrey Cambridge, Carol Channing, Arthur Fiedler, Jack Jones and Steve Lawrence. 
Les Brown conducts.      

HIGHLIGHTS:

"Hello Dolly!"................................................Louis Armstrong
"Downtown".................................................Petula Clark
"King of the Road," "Dang Me"....................Roger Miller   
"Pink Panther Theme".................................Henry Mancini
Comedy Monologue--------------------------------------------Bill Cosby
"Girl from Ipanema".............................Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz
"A Hard Day's Night"...................................Beatles
"We'll Sing in the Sunshine".......................Gale Garnett
"Badinerie" (from Bach's Suite in B minor..........Swingle Singers               

Dean Martin hosts this musical hour featuring many winners of the recording industry's 1964 Grammy Awards.    

Duplicate of 5055.         

September  13th, 1965-December 13th, 1965-(CBS)      

Short-lived Monday night variety hour starring Steve Lawrence. Regulars included Charles Nelson Reilly, Betty Walker, The Pussycst Dancers, The Dick Williams Singers, and The Joe Guercio Orchestra. It was taped primarily in New York. 

Guest: Lucille Ball. Also appearing, Betty Walker, Charles Nelson Reilly, The Ernie Flatt Dancers, and Judith Lowry.  

Series Premiere. 

Announcer: Johnny Olson.                       

September 13, 1965-December 13, 1965. Steve Lawrence's Monday-night variety hour lasted only thirteen weeks. Regulars included comics Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty Walker.    

Singer Diahann Carroll, actress-dancer Joey Heatherton, and Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones join Steve for this show video taped at Sybil and Christopher's place to be, ARTHURS, a discotheque in New York City on 54th Street. Owned by Sybil and 70 other celebrities.  The club got its name after Beatle George Harrison was asked "what do you call your hair style?" HIs answer: "Arthur."

Steve and Sybil discuss the evolution of dance and the rise of discotheques. In a studio segment, Steve and Diahann sing "Love is a Simple Thing" and "Love."

The Wild Ones provide rock 'n' roll accompaniment at Arthur.  

HIGHLIGHTS

"Any Place I Hang My Hat," "Blues in the Night"..........Dianhann

"Love is Here to Stay," "King of the Road, "I'm in the Mood for Love"...........Steve

"Your Father's Feathers"................Joey

"A Pretty Girl is like a Melody"..................All  


                   

January 4, 1964-February 7, 1970. This hour-long variety series was a midseason replacement for "The Jerry Lewis Show."   

Host: Steve Lawrence

                                                                       

   Ninth annual Grammy Awards Telecast.
Produced by George Schlatter.
Telecast on Video Tape from Hollywood, London and New York.

Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Eydie Gorme, Louis Armstrong and others perform.  

Producer George Schlatter logged 15,000 miles to tape this year's Grammy Award winners. Performances by some of the winners of this year's Grammy Awards, made by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), annually, this year announced March 2nd and presented at various dinners around the country on that date. The re-created performances will also be introduced on the program by other top show business stars.