Bill Cosby, Tito Puente, Luke Perry on Late Show, March 7, 1995 (full, stereo)

By request. I hesitated putting this up because of the Cosby taint, and I understand those who would be repulsed by his presence here. But I decided to go ahead, because this was one of my favorite Late Shows, long before Cosby's ugliness came to light. This was a show that went off the rails early on, with Dave letting it ride, any pretense to a planned schedule abandoned, that I felt it worth the share, if only to hear the audience chant "Tito! Tito!"
In addition to Bill Cosby, the show included taxi drivers Charlie Bates and Buke Kadikiran; Luke Perry demonstrating a science experiment meant for bumped guest Lee Marek; and sitting in with the CBS Orchestra were the greats Tito Puente on percussion, Hilton Ruiz on piano, and Arturo Sandoval on trumpet.
And, of course, a ladder.
Segments of this show have been uploaded previously by others, but here it is complete in superior video quality and glorious stereo.
Despite Cosby's sordid history, this was one of the great Late Shows.

[@624radicalham]

Dave recently said that what he misses the most is the live music. NEVER before have I ever experienced a Letterman show in full stereo. With headphones on, I was IN the studio. I can't even describe how it felt. You could hear Dave tap his pencil on the desk and when he would clap his hands it felt like if he was standing in front of you. And the MUSIC, my God. How did I miss out on this in the past 30 years. Thank you Don

[@TypicalGirls]

Wow! That was more than amazing! It reminds me of the old show. Just plain craziness. Also want to tell you how much I appreciate what you are doing with regards to these videos. Much praise.

[@Flyingdingii]

This show went from 0-150, and never slowed down. That's freaking impressive.

[@rma6070]

I was always a fan of Letterman, all the way from his original morning show! This episode was one of his best! It was just sheer random madness! From making random cab drivers national stars in seconds to Bill Cosby Tito Puente, Luke Perry and Letterman all climbing up to the balcony on a ladder, to Luke Perry roasting pickles! I mean who does this stuff? Only Dave and his class of characters were able to do it! Dave is the late night king, period! No one ever has, or ever will top him! Thank you Dave for making everyone's days, even their worst ones, end with , at least, a smile!👏👏👏👏🤣😊😁😆

[@hiphopperman963]

Truly a classic episode of Dave when things would just get weird and then build on the weirdness.

[@tontoepstein6860]

An interesting choice of words, Don. "the Cosby taint"

[@siemenstraffic]

This is how I remember the Late Show whit David Letterman. Paul had hair and David was really funny.

[@DJCryptoStix]

I was 5 but I feel like i still watched it

[@ToiletScribble]

Such a classic example of why this show was amazing and just plain different.

[@kevinnelson66]

Rest in peace, Luke Perry(1966-2019).

[@rociocanelacastillo]

Oh no please please keep this one up, if only for Tito and Dave & the nostalgia. I know about Bill and yes, it's heartbreaking.

[@johnsjohnson448]

16:31

[@moaningpheromones]

Incredible show to get to see now. The ladder climb has so much. It's a good laugh, it was unrehearsed. It's a rare and cool example of the stagehands being crucial during the taping. Drumroll is for a real stunt and of course a band for the celebratory fanfare.

[@masessum1]

Some of Dave's best, imo...when he improvises just about everything. Thanks!

[@jimbenitez]

This was great, Don !! Thanks a lot for setting this show up ... It was great in everything despite the Cosby problem... Such great memories of my home city and its' craziness as it's displayed on this particular Late Night Dave's Show... Thanks again buddy !!!

[@jnadle1]

Commercial Bumpers:

[@myfencingcenter6265]

Thank u for sharing

[@moose_runs]

Amazing, I've been trying to find this clip for awhile. You will see me at the top of the ladder pulling Cosby (and Tito, and Dave, and Luke) off to safety blue shirt WITH HAIR!!! Funny and interesting part of this story... you can see for just a second where Cosby misjudges the step off the ladder and was very close to disaster. There was actually about 4 ft from the boom to the ladder. I caught him and he was like "Holy Crap!. I almost died". I was totally tongue tied, only thing I could think to say was "You smell terrific". What a rush and great experience. Thanks for posting.

[@willienobody4156]

This episode is awesome

[@winonafrog]

Here via your recc, and impressed as always. Best to Buke & the cabbies! Great era in nyc.