“SOMEONE IN A TREE”- My view of Johnny Carson’s last night — Page 2

A friend sent me this link in an email...and I'm so glad I didn't miss it.

I remember that night well, and I thought of you, Marc, when I learned the sad news yesterday. Thank you for taking the time to share your story.

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I'm sorry you couldn't take it in the spirit in which it was shared, Riff.

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dear "Riff"

You are right. I knew that was exactly how it might come across, which is why I used the term self-serving twice. But it is MY perspective, it was MY reality.

Which is also why I referred to SOMEONE IN A TREE...maybe you don't know the fascinating point of view of that song...if you don't, check it out

peace,
Marc

Updated On: 1/24/05 at 12:54 PM

It's rare to be touched by a post on broadwayworld. Saying "Thank you" to you Marc, is certainly not enough. Memories like that will last a lifetime - it's something you will never let leave your mind. I am touched.

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Marc, I did not find it at all self-serving. Much will be made in the next several days about one of the most extraordinary moments in television history. For those of us who were watching, we will never forget it. Thank you for allowing us a fresh perspective on that evening's events. It took me inside and made me see it in a way that simply seeing the clip played again could not.

Thank you.

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my bad. i feel shame.

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Thanks for the memories . . .

Like millions of others, I felt a familial kind of loss with Mr. Carson's passing. Growing up he was there night after night, putting me to bed with a laugh and an occasional tear.

Your post is so appreciated - there will be many a memorial following, but your thoughts touched me, made me laugh and made me cry just like the man himself.

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Marc, you will be pleased to be reminded that Bette received a richly deserved Emmy award for that mesmerizing appearance on the next to last Tonight show.
Thanks for pointing out that it was the last "regular" Tonight show....Robin Williams was on prior to Bette--Johnny later referred to them as the Ozzie and Harriet of the Twilight Zone.

It was bothering me that so much media reported the brilliant Bette performance as being on the last Johnny Carson show, when, as you pointed out, it was in fact the "next to last" show.

That is likely why millions of fools like me did not tape that Thursday night with Robin Williams and Bette, but I did tape the following night. Wish I had known better of course.

Thank you Marc Shaiman with helping to provide me with one of the most glorious television viewing experiences of my life. Bette Midler's performance, bidding farewell to Johnny Carson, is one of the all time great moments of television. Thank you for persisting with "one for the road," which Bette closed her concert with when I last saw her.

Your contributions to Bette's appearance has given us one of those very special magical life moments. Thank you.

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Updated On: 1/24/05 at 02:52 PM

I am honored that you took the time to respond to my post, Marc.

In addition to your many other awards, you certainly deserve a piece of this(cut from emmys.org and pasted below):

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE IN A VARIETY or music program - 1992

THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON - NBC - BETTE MIDLER, Performer

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Thanks for writing your memory of that night Mr. Shaiman. It's fun to read about what was going on backstage that memorable night.

You'll be pleased to know that the Chicago Tribune printed the revised lyrics of the serenade on the front page of the Tempo section today giving you and Bette credit for "additional lyrics".

true...

and I suppose, somewhere there is a bathroom attendant with his OWN story to tell of the last of Johnny!

(had to break up the lovefest!)

marc

Marc, that one probably went something like this:

"I heard the toilet flush. Then, he came out of the stall, and stood in front of the mirror. Just like every other day. But, then he stopped, and just stared at his reflection. His eyes became really sad for a moment, just the briefest of seconds. And, then...just as suddenly, there was that familiar twinkle again. He smiled warmly, shook my hand, thanked me for my years of service and then walked out of the door and onto the stage. And, as I sat there, thinking about that moment, I realized...he hadn't washed his hands."

I AM a showy litle snit!

well, mostly just showy and little (in height, mind you). I only get snitty when provoked DEEPLY, and who doesn't, I ask?