Imagine a world without late-night television as we know it. Hard to picture, right? But before the monologues, the celebrity interviews, and the perfectly timed jokes, there was a young Johnny Carson grinding away, paying his dues, and dreaming of the big time. On what would have been his 100th birthday, we're diving deep into the Variety archives to trace the incredible journey of this broadcasting titan, revealing the stepping stones that led him to become the undisputed King of Late Night.
Variety, a leading entertainment trade publication, documented Carson's ascent from the very beginning. His name first appeared in its pages on October 20, 1952. Then, by early 1953, mentions popped up several times a month. And this is the part most people miss: by 1954, and for the next four decades, hardly a week passed without at least one mention of Carson, often many more! Why? Because the man was a workhorse! He was constantly hustling, juggling multiple projects simultaneously. He hosted "Carson's Cellar" in Los Angeles, a local show that allowed him to hone his comedic timing and on-screen presence. He even contributed his writing talents to "The Red Skelton Show," learning the craft of crafting jokes for a legendary comedian. He tirelessly performed in nightclubs, made personal appearances, and lent his talents to telethons and charity events. In essence, he was doing exactly what every other aspiring comedian of the era was doing: putting in the relentless work required for success.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that Carson's early work was simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Others would say his relentless drive and willingness to embrace any opportunity were the true keys to his success. What do you think?
Throughout the 1950s, Carson's career continued to blossom. He hosted several local and network series for CBS, including "Platter Panel," a music-themed show, and "Earn Your Vacation," a quiz show with a unique twist. In "Earn Your Vacation," contestants would share their personal reasons for wanting to visit a particular destination. Carson, with his characteristic charm, would then quiz them on trivia related to that location. Correct answers meant a dream vacation realized. This format, while seemingly simple, showcased Carson's ability to connect with ordinary people and make them feel comfortable on television. By the late '50s, he landed a steady gig hosting the ABC daytime game show "Who Do You Trust?," which featured competitions between married couples. Imagine the comedic gold he mined from those interactions! He also became a familiar face on the talk show circuit, demonstrating his quick wit and interviewing skills.
Now, let's rewind to that pivotal first mention in Variety. Carson didn't just sneak into the pages with a minor announcement; he made a splash right on page one! The item highlighted a joke from his show that took a jab at the political skirmish between presidential candidates Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. The controversy centered around income tax statement disclosures, or rather, the lack thereof, particularly concerning Eisenhower's vice-presidential running mate, Richard Nixon. It was a bold move for a relatively unknown comedian, demonstrating his willingness to engage with topical issues and inject humor into the political landscape. This early foray into political humor foreshadowed the sharp wit and insightful commentary that would become hallmarks of his "Tonight Show" reign.
So, with that historical context, the original Variety item from October 20, 1952, reveals not just a glimpse of a rising star, but also a snapshot of a nation grappling with political transparency. It's a reminder that even in the world of entertainment, the echoes of real-world events can resonate and shape the careers of those who dare to comment on them. How much do you think the political climate of the 50's influenced Carson's comedic style later in his career?
Want to delve even deeper into the archives? You can listen to Daily Variety on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Variety’s YouTube Podcast channel, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Explore the sounds of Strictly Business and discover even more about the business of entertainment. What aspects of Johnny Carson's career are you most interested in learning more about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
