i know that everybody is going to hate all over me for this, but i saw that as a "hey everybody look at me and , oh by the way, carson was there too".
Boy, boy, crazy boy,
Get cool, boy!
Got a rocket in your pocket,
Keep coolly cool, boy!
Don't get hot,
'Cause man, you got
Some high times ahead.
Take it slow and Daddy-O,
You can live it up and die in bed!
Boy, boy, crazy boy!
Stay loose, boy!
Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it.
Turn off the juice, boy!
Go man, go,
But not like a yo-yo schoolboy.
Just play it cool, boy,
Real cool!
Thanks for sharing your poignant post with us, Marc. I clearly remember Mr. Carson's final Tonight Show and even have this show on DVD. He was quite a legend.
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
Marc posted this to share with those of us who would appreciate his insight/memories.
This was a wonderful "backstage" view of what so many of us recall. I remember being so intent on seeing that program and Bette was the perfect choice for final guest. Marc you helped create a very memorable night for many, many millions of viewers.
Where are we going, and why am I in this handbasket?
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.
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.
"I am open, and I am willing,
For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
It dishonors those who go before us,
So lift me up to the light of change."
Holly Near
Boy, boy, crazy boy,
Get cool, boy!
Got a rocket in your pocket,
Keep coolly cool, boy!
Don't get hot,
'Cause man, you got
Some high times ahead.
Take it slow and Daddy-O,
You can live it up and die in bed!
Boy, boy, crazy boy!
Stay loose, boy!
Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it.
Turn off the juice, boy!
Go man, go,
But not like a yo-yo schoolboy.
Just play it cool, boy,
Real cool!
Just watched Bette's final song to Johnny at the end of the Today Show this morning. Beautiful tribute. I loved it when it was originally broadcast, and now it's so wonderfully poignant. Oh, and a quick shot of the guy playing the piano.
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.
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.
"Blow out the candles Robert and make a wish. Want something, want SOMETHING."
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".
It really is the thousands of stories like this that really tell the story. It made me wonder how many stage hands, or parking lot attendants, or commissary workers are telling their own stories today:
"I poured his final cup of coffee..."
"Just before he went on, he shook my hand, and smiled. I couldn't even speak, I just nodded as the tears ran down my face, onto my camera controls, and watched as he walked out onto the stage..."
That night is forever etched in my memory. It was just perfection! It gave Johnny Carson the send off he so deserved and it established what was already known... Bette Midler is a class act, who at one moment can have you laughing and then the next moment have you in tears. Thanks Marc for that inside look into an unforgetable night & for selecting that song. Johnny was the best!
"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."