Almost exactly 28 years ago and I still choke up when I watch this. I watch the reruns on Antenna etc and still get that warm I'm at home feeling. I guess we were lucky to have gotten to live through a one of a kind TV personality. I doubt there will be another one like him.
Tears literally streaming down my face as I listened to Bette’s closing song to him-just as they fell when I watched the original broadcast so many years ago. He meant so much to so many, and it was hard to let him go. A master no one has come close to equaling, either before or after.
Remember Carson’s last show. Knew it was coming for a while. Dreaded it. Kinda felt like you were seeing your most favorite person off for good, and knew you weren’t going to be able to see them again. He was a comedic institution. GOAT. We’ll never see anyone like him again…ever.
I'm a long haired METAL GUY.....and I'm in fucking tears over here!!! I'm 48 and I grew UP on The Tonight Show...… How can I put this to people slightly younger than me.... The End of The Tonight Show is/was synonymous to Y2K.....The End of The World.... I don't think anyone realized the magnitude of the show, nor realized it was actually ending until it was done... I mean....intellectually, we knew Johnny was done....but we couldn't picture it.... Man, my words still far very short... The end of The Tonight Show..(or the idea of it) was synonymous with the End of The World... This show had THAT MUCH impact.....
I'm NOT a long haired metal guy.... but I HEAR you. I was going to ask, "Do anyone else cry over this?" Glad to see I wasn't alone. In the midst of a changing world, he was a constant (and oddly comforting) presence of laughter and entertainment.
Johnny and The Tonight Show was a constant my whole life up until he left when I was 22. It was a devastating feeling. And, no you don't have to be a long-haired metal guy to know the feeling......LoL :P
I remember this as it happened. We watched Johnny my whole life. I was a kid in the 80's, and my grandpa taped all the anniversary episodes. Johnny was a one of a kind. There is no class left on TV. It was a different world. I cried then and I just cried now watching it again. I'll never forget Drew Barrymore as a kid on plugging ET. Johnny was incredible. The end of an era for sure. I don't even know how it would work today.
Bette Midler's rendition of "One For My Baby (and One More For The Road)" is the best I've ever heard. I cry every time I hear her sing this song. And, I will never forget the look on Johnny Carson's face as she sang it to him.
The energy from the audience feels palpable. There were no more "Best of Carson" reruns, but this definitely would have made the list. I remember watching this when it originally aired. Thanks for sharing.
RIP Johnny. Never will be another one like him❤️that music takes me back to my teens when my mom would come into the room and tell me it was past my bed time. Then I would say just let me watch for a few minutes and before I knew it the show was over and it would be my mom who was fast asleep 😂❤️those were the good days. If I only knew then😎
I think Bob Hope said it best after his close friend being Crosby passed away that he thought it was great that we live in the era of technology when we can relive the memories on screen and see them come to life and that’s what TH-cam provides
Carson is a legend. The Ed Ames video says so much. Carson pulled Ames back right after he threw the tomahawk at the wood...savor the moment here....So missed today as is Robin Williams. Such laughter gone now. Thanks to TH-cam we can still have them.
A subtle thing happens that I find funny. Ames' natural inclination is to go grab the ax and pull it out. Johnny was quick and savvy enough to know EXACTLY how that would look, so he stops Ed. Haha
I remember watching this one live in ‘92 and just being blown away by the crowd’s reaction. Johnny was visibly uncomfortable trying to get the crowd to sit down and at the same time very humbled by it. Johnny was a legend, the King of Late night and THIS is the best episode of the “Tonight Show” I’ve ever seen.
I agree. This is just perfect. RIP Robin, Ed and Johnny. We lived the in the greatest time of humans and entertainment. Even Docs band is just on fire.
Thank you so much Mr. Carson for the first-class entertainment that you treated us to for all those years. So glad that we’re able to enjoy these Tonight Show episodes again. God rest your soul.
You think Fallon will get the same applause as Johnny?? Hell no!! Words can't express how much millions miss this extraordinary comedian! The king of monologue, the GOAT of the Tonight Show!!
OMG! Thanx so much for posting this🤩 When Johnny's final season was airing, I was in living in college dorms, spending nights doing homework or partying or both, and most of us didn't have TVs in our tiny rooms, altho I caught as much as I could. But I wanted to make sure I watched Carson's last show, after 30 years, it was really an amazing achievement. I knew it would be a legendary show. I figured the last show would air on Friday, which was the actual last broadcast. Unfortunately the last broadcast was Johnny sitting on a stool on a bare stage, showing clips we've all seen a zillion times, and crying. The last performance, Johnny explained, had been the night before with Robin Williams & Bette Midler, and he went on but how special it was and I think he mentioned Bette singing him a song. Bette was just hitting superstardom, and Robin was at the height of his popularity. I've never felt such disappoint in my entire life around a TV show, more than being in Europe and missing the last episode of MASH, more than when Star Trek got cancelled, or Firefly got canceled, or Sense8 got cancelled. I've wanted, very badly, to watch this TV show for 31 years. 31 years! I thought I'd never get to see it. You know, I was surprised when I first learned that Johnny's last show had Robin and Bette. Johnny to me was part of old Hollywood, TV royalty like Sid Ceasar, Mel Brooks, Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, the last three who would regularly come on the show. He was a fill in for Joey Bishop for the Rat Pack club shows. And Johnny also had an incredible eye for talent, whenever a stand up got called to the desk, and Johnny said something like "you're gonna do well in this business," or "you've got a bright career in front of you," he was always right, he was always right I've noticed from watching reruns. He called David Letterman, Freddie Prince, Drew Carey, etc. Johnny nurtured young comedians, many he gave their first big break, George Carlin, Flip Wilson, Richard Pryor, David Letterman. So I thought his last show would have some Old Hollywood Glamor, or maybe his comedy proteges. Or Mel Brooks was on his first show, altho Mel wasn't as big in 1992, and he was hard to control I've noticed in reruns, he couldn't sit still.. Robin was a fright train but Johnny enjoyed resting for a couple segments, and Robin didn't interrupt other guest's interviews, the way Mel did. But then Johnny had Robin on a lot, and he gave Bette a big break, and all the reviews and everyone I knew who saw it all said it was amazing, and Bette's song to Johnny was hilarious--I remember thinking "oh no, there was a special song from Bette, while she sat on his desk, and I missed it"🤯 I was devastated--til now! I had to wait 31 years, but it was def worth it. From the bottom of my heart, thanx so much for posting this, you've made a 31 year TV dream come true.
Johnny Carson tonight show was one of a kind, it has the distinction of being one of the only shows as a teenager I could sit and watch with my father and we were both laughing.
Sure miss Robin Williams. He was beyond the best of all comedic entertainers. He was just fabulous, and no one like him will cross our paths again. He was the belly ache, side splitting, can’t catch your breath, tear filled eyes from laughing so hard, hysterical, king of continuous laughs. We were all so lucky to have had him with us, and to be so entertained by him. All good things, and people, come to an end. RIP Robin.
I watched this when it happened. We miss you Johnny. Grew up watching you as a kid and when I was older I had to come see the show in person even though I grew up in the Yukon. Television was better in those days.
IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE EPISODE OF THE TONIGHT SHOW, THIS IS THE ONE TO WATCH. I remember watching this live and being just blown away... the best part was how much fun Johnny had on what might have otherwise been a very difficult show for him. Loved seeing him crack up over and over again at Robin's amazing wit... but the best laugh of the night was at 17:36 when Robin just busts up at Johnny's "Jerry Brown didn't exhale" joke... and Johnny says, "You liked that?" Clearly he was thrilled to pieces that Robin Williams loved his joke... this is my favorite performance by Robin, who left us much to soon, R.I.P. And then there was Bette, truly "divine" on this night... fashion like no one else (!)... funny and with great stories... including deliciously dark humor directed at Producer de Cordova and the band (with Robin laughing hysterically in the background)... I loved that Johnny DID remember her first audition and where she was working. And her music, by turns rousing, original, funny, spontaneous (drawing Johnny into one of the sweetest duets ever), and then... sentimental in the very best way. She beautifully expressed to Johnny what he had meant to his viewers and guests. I think she made this a wonderful evening for Johnny and for that, I admire her so. Robin too, of course, but Bette was the heart of the show. She won a prime time Emmy for her performance that evening, very well deserved. I think Johnny is to date the best host ever in this format and I still miss him. R.I.P. Mr Carson and thank you so very much.
@@teedeeiss bless you what you said, May 21st, 1992, Johnny really needed that, they both made him laugh, then the tears came watching Bette sing, then she was about to cry, so was I, that was hard to watch her trying to hold back tears too.
@@teedeeiss thank you so much, I try to laugh as much as possible, cause the last 20 yrs has been rough, it is hard to talk about, grandsons being abused by Narcissistic stepdad, intentionally, no remorse, empathy for the mean things he did, sorry to make you feel sad.
Jan Luyet, yes you are right, it was the best show ever, Bette trying her best not to cry until she got back stage, at the end of her last song, she about started to cry, she fought it, once she turned that corner she burst into tears, Johnny wanted her to come back on stage, but she was too emotional, bless her heart, when she hugged him & told him she loved him, I about started to cry, she was trying to hold it together a few more minutes, I love her for everything she does, she is a sweetheart
As a teen in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri in the mid-70's, Tonight was not only the best of all time as a show, but technically, it could be fun, too. Would watch on (then) KSD in St. Louis, then during the commercial break, would switch to Channel 6, WPSD in Paducah, KY. KSD had commercial sponsors....while WPSD did not have any commercials to cover. I would just sit and listen to that WONDERFUL band during the entire break, before returning to KSD. :)
So cool when Bette Midler went over in the tune Miss Otis Regrets to give props to the Tonight Show Band and Doc’s trumpet solo - swinging hard and Doc is blowing cool!
I was 14 years old in May of 1992, and can remember when Bette and Johnny lapsed into Here's that Rainy Day. Everything got quiet, and those in the show and the pianist (Marc Shaiman) were able to improvise and capture what was truly a spellbinding moment and a true instant classic. Even Robin, as funny as he was, knew to shut up for this moment. This was the emotional transition from Robin and Bette's mania to the emotional crux of the show, Bette's "One for my Baby." From this point to the end, Midler was absolutely phenomenal, a truly worthy final guest for Carson's last performance show.
And the fact that she was trying not to burst into tears until she turned from him after embracing him. I remember reading that backstage afterwards, she was inconsolable.
Chiz Dippler what I’m saying no one should be off limits to made fun of. Yes mock my guy as well yours. That’s a thick skin. Are you ok when your side is mocked? I’m ok with it’s only the fair way that everyone gets roasted
Carson was a realist and a promoter of new talent. He tried to debunk Uri Geller with the help of Randi. Letterman and O'Brien both took cues from him. Carson was the voice of my life from birth to 20-ish. I thought this was a great send off.
As amazing as this episode is, I think Johnny singing pushes it to all time greatest hour of television territory. John was not known for singing, or sentimentality. For him to give that up in the spirit of what his final show represented that night was special indeed.
I was traveling from Austin to Denver one time. My sister and brother in law were following me. We stopped to get gas and eat lunch so my sister decided to ride with me for a while. She got in and I had a Bette Midler cd in the player. So she said yes turn it on. She was shocked I was playing it instead of country music. Lol
If you watch to the very end, at almost the very end of the credits, you will notice/hear the roar of the audience---that is Carson, Midler & Williams coming out from backstage to give the audience a final bow, not caught on tape. Carson almost seriously wanted to make THIS show his last, but felt a duty to come back the next night for final closure. According to Bill Zehme, privately, Carson considered this show his best hour in television.
I had The Good Fortune to watch this episode May the 2nd of 2022, almost 30 years after it aired It still brings up SO many emotions; as someone who loved Johnny Carson and his style, whose life was improved by Robin Williams humor, whose joy was fueled by Bette Midler's fabulousness, and as a resident of Los Angeles who lived right in the middle of the riot zone that week I carry this episode with me when I need to laugh and smile, I've carried it with me for 30 years and I hope to carry it with me for another 30
I didn't go to bed with out seeing Johnny Carson's show. Then I would go to bed. My night was comple. His shows were great. Miss thoughs days. 6-19-2020.
...it's funny that with all the stellar success that Johnny Carson experienced during his long and enjoyable career he identified closely with a very depressing song like..."here's that rainy day" !
@@bill2953 that is politics & what she said is her opinion, and it doesn't make her a bad person, she has feelings too, just wait til things calm down, I know she apologized about all that. Don't have to hurt her feelings.
I lived in Alton, Illinois when I watched this. An almost single mom of 4. Stupid husband left us a few months later. Anyway, I was and still am a major fan of Robin and Bette. Robin Williams death was the only celebrity death I actually cried tears over. Love that man and miss him so much!
Thank you so much for posting this. I remember on Carson's final show, he mentioned the great time he had with Bette Midler and Robin Williams the previous night. I've always wondered what he was referring to, and now I know! Don't think there could've been two finer entertainers to send him off in style.
Great that you posted this--You must have recorded it in 2 hour mode originally for the quality.However,there are free editing tools for video such as Avidemux and Handbrake that can edit out the extra 15 minutes of video in your post. I used a timer on many videos back in the day and when I digitized them,I took out the excess.
The greatest of all time. There will never be another Carson. All these "Ahh umm" dummies today. Indicative of this generation today. Why can't anyone have class today??! And Bette, what a class act!!
this should have been his last show, the greatest comedian in the world and the greatest torch singer in the world. can it really be 28 years? No wonder i feel footsteps walking across my grave all the time. by, john, you were the king of television.
As good as Letterman was nobody came close to Carson...as a Nation we sat in bed and watched. Ive heard many things about johnny over the years, good , bad and ugly. But damn he was the best at his craft and he himself is probably laughing in dismay at all the CRAP that followed. Thanks Johnny, and you too ED
So, watching this again after my comment 2 years ago. One thing I failed to mention then and I am going to mention it now b/c I see nobody in the comments has mentioned it either. So, when Bette does her last song and she finishes, notice how quickly she grabbed the lei and ran over to Johnny to put it around him.... Know why? Because she was about ready to lose it... After she turns from Johnny to go backstage, you can see her hand shoot over her face and she tries to stop herself from breaking down. If you haven't seen it.....go back and check it out.
I always wondered who that gentleman was playing the piano. He was truly sensational...especially at the end of "One More For The Road" when he did the Carson theme...
Almost exactly 28 years ago and I still choke up when I watch this. I watch the reruns on Antenna etc and still get that warm I'm at home feeling. I guess we were lucky to have gotten to live through a one of a kind TV personality. I doubt there will be another one like him.
Some of these are ones ive never seen. Because I worked early mornings back then and had to be in bed by 8 to get up at 4 am.
I agree.., so many great and funny memories
When my son was a baby I rocked him and fed him through the tonight show many times.
I feel the same way, I love Johnny Carson 😊
It's nice to reminisce of the good ol' days. Johnny Carson was the best host there ever was. Thanks to TH-cam for showing this.
Nah, Letterman is better with Conan following in close second.
Tears literally streaming down my face as I listened to Bette’s closing song to him-just as they fell when I watched the original broadcast so many years ago. He meant so much to so many, and it was hard to let him go. A master no one has come close to equaling, either before or after.
It was a damn TV show. Get over it.
@@ArmyJames the great names in old tv and movies that crossed his stage is so amazing.
love the fact that the audience won't stop applauding
like they feel responsible for saying thanks from all the folks at home too
Only Bette Midler could represent how we all felt that night. She did us all a great job!! Thank you, Bette!! 🎶🎤❤🎶
I was only 10 when johnny packed it in. He was the greatest late night host. Thanks for putting this up
I remember this show as if yesterday.My heart aches for this era of class,style,showmanship and humor.
Insert spaces after periods and commas.
OMG how we need him now...thank GOD for TH-cam 🙏
Johnny Carson - simply the best
I wish he had done Carnac just once more before he had his last guests. He did have a lot to say. He was a classic.
Remember Carson’s last show. Knew it was coming for a while. Dreaded it. Kinda felt like you were seeing your most favorite person off for good, and knew you weren’t going to be able to see them again. He was a comedic institution. GOAT. We’ll never see anyone like him again…ever.
I'm a long haired METAL GUY.....and I'm in fucking tears over here!!!
I'm 48 and I grew UP on The Tonight Show...…
How can I put this to people slightly younger than me....
The End of The Tonight Show is/was synonymous to Y2K.....The End of The World....
I don't think anyone realized the magnitude of the show, nor realized it was actually ending until it was done...
I mean....intellectually, we knew Johnny was done....but we couldn't picture it....
Man, my words still far very short...
The end of The Tonight Show..(or the idea of it) was synonymous with the End of The World...
This show had THAT MUCH impact.....
I'm NOT a long haired metal guy.... but I HEAR you. I was going to ask, "Do anyone else cry over this?" Glad to see I wasn't alone. In the midst of a changing world, he was a constant (and oddly comforting) presence of laughter and entertainment.
Johnny and The Tonight Show was a constant my whole life up until he left when I was 22. It was a devastating feeling.
And, no you don't have to be a long-haired metal guy to know the feeling......LoL :P
The amount of
The amount of emotion did everyone had on that show that night was phenomenal. What's really interesting is everyone
I remember this as it happened. We watched Johnny my whole life. I was a kid in the 80's, and my grandpa taped all the anniversary episodes. Johnny was a one of a kind. There is no class left on TV. It was a different world. I cried then and I just cried now watching it again. I'll never forget Drew Barrymore as a kid on plugging ET. Johnny was incredible. The end of an era for sure. I don't even know how it would work today.
I grew up with him. I have fond memories of staying up late to hear his monologue...
Thirty years and Bette singing to Johnny still makes me tear up.
Life is short, seems like 18 years ago
Bette Midler's rendition of "One For My Baby (and One More For The Road)" is the best I've ever heard. I cry every time I hear her sing this song. And, I will never forget the look on Johnny Carson's face as she sang it to him.
The energy from the audience feels palpable. There were no more "Best of Carson" reruns, but this definitely would have made the list. I remember watching this when it originally aired. Thanks for sharing.
53:43 I miss Johnny. Used to watch him with my brother.
My mom absolutely adored her. She loved the kinds of dresses she wore. Too funny.
RIP Johnny. Never will be another one like him❤️that music takes me back to my teens when my mom would come into the room and tell me it was past my bed time. Then I would say just let me watch for a few minutes and before I knew it the show was over and it would be my mom who was fast asleep 😂❤️those were the good days. If I only knew then😎
I think Bob Hope said it best after his close friend being Crosby passed away that he thought it was great that we live in the era of technology when we can relive the memories on screen and see them come to life and that’s what TH-cam provides
Rainy day. Really Really great. I miss these days so much. Thanks Johnny for being here.
Carson is a legend. The Ed Ames video says so much. Carson pulled Ames back right after he threw the tomahawk at the wood...savor the moment here....So missed today as is Robin Williams. Such laughter gone now. Thanks to TH-cam we can still have them.
A subtle thing happens that I find funny. Ames' natural inclination is to go grab the ax and pull it out. Johnny was quick and savvy enough to know EXACTLY how that would look, so he stops Ed. Haha
Class all the way there isn't a TV host that can measure up to him! Thanks for all you gave us.
I remember watching this one live in ‘92 and just being blown away by the crowd’s reaction. Johnny was visibly uncomfortable trying to get the crowd to sit down and at the same time very humbled by it. Johnny was a legend, the King of Late night and THIS is the best episode of the “Tonight Show” I’ve ever seen.
I would have loved to have been able to see him in person. ❤
Maybe the best hour of TV ever.
I agree. This is just perfect. RIP Robin, Ed and Johnny. We lived the in the greatest time of humans and entertainment. Even Docs band is just on fire.
Maybe?
@@flyjohnson711 SOME SHOWS WERE 90 MINUTES..
Thank you so much Mr. Carson for the first-class entertainment that you treated us to for all those years. So glad that we’re able to enjoy these Tonight Show episodes again. God rest your soul.
The King, lives on, in our Hearts, and Memories. R.i.p. Mr Carson.
This one is one of Carsons best. We see him in a different light, almost like an every day observer of a favorite singer and friend.
You think Fallon will get the same applause as Johnny?? Hell no!! Words can't express how much millions miss this extraordinary comedian! The king of monologue, the GOAT of the Tonight Show!!
Jimmy Fallon is not worthy of licking Johnny shoes. After Letterman retired the talk show as we knew and loved it came to an end.
@@PoppaSquat-et3qp Agree, I mean Conan was "ok" and today I can stomach Kimmel but Fallon is a clown
Actually louder as the world will be grateful not to deal with him again
OMG! Thanx so much for posting this🤩 When Johnny's final season was airing, I was in living in college dorms, spending nights doing homework or partying or both, and most of us didn't have TVs in our tiny rooms, altho I caught as much as I could. But I wanted to make sure I watched Carson's last show, after 30 years, it was really an amazing achievement. I knew it would be a legendary show. I figured the last show would air on Friday, which was the actual last broadcast. Unfortunately the last broadcast was Johnny sitting on a stool on a bare stage, showing clips we've all seen a zillion times, and crying. The last performance, Johnny explained, had been the night before with Robin Williams & Bette Midler, and he went on but how special it was and I think he mentioned Bette singing him a song. Bette was just hitting superstardom, and Robin was at the height of his popularity. I've never felt such disappoint in my entire life around a TV show, more than being in Europe and missing the last episode of MASH, more than when Star Trek got cancelled, or Firefly got canceled, or Sense8 got cancelled. I've wanted, very badly, to watch this TV show for 31 years. 31 years! I thought I'd never get to see it.
You know, I was surprised when I first learned that Johnny's last show had Robin and Bette. Johnny to me was part of old Hollywood, TV royalty like Sid Ceasar, Mel Brooks, Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Milton Berle, the last three who would regularly come on the show. He was a fill in for Joey Bishop for the Rat Pack club shows. And Johnny also had an incredible eye for talent, whenever a stand up got called to the desk, and Johnny said something like "you're gonna do well in this business," or "you've got a bright career in front of you," he was always right, he was always right I've noticed from watching reruns. He called David Letterman, Freddie Prince, Drew Carey, etc. Johnny nurtured young comedians, many he gave their first big break, George Carlin, Flip Wilson, Richard Pryor, David Letterman. So I thought his last show would have some Old Hollywood Glamor, or maybe his comedy proteges. Or Mel Brooks was on his first show, altho Mel wasn't as big in 1992, and he was hard to control I've noticed in reruns, he couldn't sit still.. Robin was a fright train but Johnny enjoyed resting for a couple segments, and Robin didn't interrupt other guest's interviews, the way Mel did. But then Johnny had Robin on a lot, and he gave Bette a big break, and all the reviews and everyone I knew who saw it all said it was amazing, and Bette's song to Johnny was hilarious--I remember thinking "oh no, there was a special song from Bette, while she sat on his desk, and I missed it"🤯 I was devastated--til now!
I had to wait 31 years, but it was def worth it. From the bottom of my heart, thanx so much for posting this, you've made a 31 year TV dream come true.
Johnny Carson tonight show was one of a kind, it has the distinction of being one of the only shows as a teenager I could sit and watch with my father and we were both laughing.
This entranced me when it was on, I never forgot the majesty of it, now I see it, and I get shivers up and down my spine. What magic.
Sure miss Robin Williams. He was beyond the best of all comedic entertainers. He was just fabulous, and no one like him will cross our paths again. He was the belly ache, side splitting, can’t catch your breath, tear filled eyes from laughing so hard, hysterical, king of continuous laughs. We were all so lucky to have had him with us, and to be so entertained by him. All good things, and people, come to an end. RIP Robin.
Seeing Bette and Johnny sing Rainy Day was just delightful and brought a tear. She was the PERFECT final guest.
The best by far, no one else even close!
I miss Johnny and the class act he brought us all for years.....
We will never see the likes of him again.
I watched this when it happened. We miss you Johnny. Grew up watching you as a kid and when I was older I had to come see the show in person even though I grew up in the Yukon. Television was better in those days.
IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE EPISODE OF THE TONIGHT SHOW, THIS IS THE ONE TO WATCH.
I remember watching this live and being just blown away... the best part was how much fun Johnny had on what might have otherwise been a very difficult show for him. Loved seeing him crack up over and over again at Robin's amazing wit... but the best laugh of the night was at 17:36 when Robin just busts up at Johnny's "Jerry Brown didn't exhale" joke... and Johnny says, "You liked that?" Clearly he was thrilled to pieces that Robin Williams loved his joke... this is my favorite performance by Robin, who left us much to soon, R.I.P.
And then there was Bette, truly "divine" on this night... fashion like no one else (!)... funny and with great stories... including deliciously dark humor directed at Producer de Cordova and the band (with Robin laughing hysterically in the background)... I loved that Johnny DID remember her first audition and where she was working. And her music, by turns rousing, original, funny, spontaneous (drawing Johnny into one of the sweetest duets ever), and then... sentimental in the very best way. She beautifully expressed to Johnny what he had meant to his viewers and guests. I think she made this a wonderful evening for Johnny and for that, I admire her so. Robin too, of course, but Bette was the heart of the show. She won a prime time Emmy for her performance that evening, very well deserved.
I think Johnny is to date the best host ever in this format and I still miss him. R.I.P. Mr Carson and thank you so very much.
@Jan Luyet - Amen to everything you said. 1:06 pm 11/8/19
@@teedeeiss bless you what you said, May 21st, 1992, Johnny really needed that, they both made him laugh, then the tears came watching Bette sing, then she was about to cry, so was I, that was hard to watch her trying to hold back tears too.
@@alicehenderson7983 - And likewise, may you always be blessed w/ health & laughter. 11:05 pm 7-20-21
@@teedeeiss thank you so much, I try to laugh as much as possible, cause the last 20 yrs has been rough, it is hard to talk about, grandsons being abused by Narcissistic stepdad, intentionally, no remorse, empathy for the mean things he did, sorry to make you feel sad.
Jan Luyet, yes you are right, it was the best show ever, Bette trying her best not to cry until she got back stage, at the end of her last song, she about started to cry, she fought it, once she turned that corner she burst into tears, Johnny wanted her to come back on stage, but she was too emotional, bless her heart, when she hugged him & told him she loved him, I about started to cry, she was trying to hold it together a few more minutes, I love her for everything she does, she is a sweetheart
As a teen in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri in the mid-70's, Tonight was not only the best of all time as a show, but technically, it could be fun, too. Would watch on (then) KSD in St. Louis, then during the commercial break, would switch to Channel 6, WPSD in Paducah, KY. KSD had commercial sponsors....while WPSD did not have any commercials to cover. I would just sit and listen to that WONDERFUL band during the entire break, before returning to KSD. :)
You lucky dog ! I would have killed to be able to listen to that band that much !
I'm a television historian and I never heard anyone talk about that! Thank you for sharing that story.
Two-minute standing ovation.... amazing..
So cool when Bette Midler went over in the tune Miss Otis Regrets to give props to the Tonight Show Band and Doc’s trumpet solo - swinging hard and Doc is blowing cool!
It still seems Sad,I remember this excact night,I don't think anyone really wanted it to end. .....RIP JOHNNY AND WHAT REAL LATE NIGHT USE TO BE,,,
Iconic show and the poem by Bette encapsulated 30 years… simply iconic. No TV show has been this level of class since. None
I was 14 years old in May of 1992, and can remember when Bette and Johnny lapsed into Here's that Rainy Day. Everything got quiet, and those in the show and the pianist (Marc Shaiman) were able to improvise and capture what was truly a spellbinding moment and a true instant classic. Even Robin, as funny as he was, knew to shut up for this moment. This was the emotional transition from Robin and Bette's mania to the emotional crux of the show, Bette's "One for my Baby." From this point to the end, Midler was absolutely phenomenal, a truly worthy final guest for Carson's last performance show.
That standing ovation Johnny got off the top of this edition of TTSSJC lasted for 2 minutes and 11 seconds. That's called love. =)
And the fact that she was trying not to burst into tears until she turned from him after embracing him. I remember reading that backstage afterwards, she was inconsolable.
This is one of my favorite Johnny Carsons shows- outside of when Micheal Landon made his last appearance before he passed away.
Love the facts that Robin Williams and Carson roast politics of all strip. Never took a side. Today’s late night take a note
In other words, you don't like when your "team" gets made fun of. Grow some thicker skin.
Chiz Dippler what I’m saying no one should be off limits to made fun of. Yes mock my guy as well yours. That’s a thick skin. Are you ok when your side is mocked? I’m ok with it’s only the fair way that everyone gets roasted
Carson was a realist and a promoter of new talent. He tried to debunk Uri Geller with the help of Randi. Letterman and O'Brien both took cues from him. Carson was the voice of my life from birth to 20-ish. I thought this was a great send off.
@@AngiePerson Conan's comedy is too immature tbh. Jerry lewis type. Ill put letterman and johnny on the top
Robin was clearly liberal later
Still brings tears to my eyes 💕
As amazing as this episode is, I think Johnny singing pushes it to all time greatest hour of television territory. John was not known for singing, or sentimentality. For him to give that up in the spirit of what his final show represented that night was special indeed.
I watched his show for 30 years. I like some of the new guys, but as Carly Simon sings: "Nobody does it better!"
Leno was ok, Fallon is as funny as a train wreck
When you have Robin around all you have to do is say hi and let him start talking and he runs.
I was traveling from Austin to Denver one time. My sister and brother in law were following me. We stopped to get gas and eat lunch so my sister decided to ride with me for a while. She got in and I had a Bette Midler cd in the player. So she said yes turn it on. She was shocked I was playing it instead of country music. Lol
If you watch to the very end, at almost the very end of the credits, you will notice/hear the roar of the audience---that is Carson, Midler & Williams coming out from backstage to give the audience a final bow, not caught on tape. Carson almost seriously wanted to make THIS show his last, but felt a duty to come back the next night for final closure. According to Bill Zehme, privately, Carson considered this show his best hour in television.
Yup. The Tonight Show absolutely had its best episode 30 years into its run. There will never ever be anything else like it.
I miss sitting around with grandpa and grandma watching these hugely.
I had The Good Fortune to watch this episode May the 2nd of 2022, almost 30 years after it aired
It still brings up SO many emotions; as someone who loved Johnny Carson and his style, whose life was improved by Robin Williams humor, whose joy was fueled by Bette Midler's fabulousness, and as a resident of Los Angeles who lived right in the middle of the riot zone that week
I carry this episode with me when I need to laugh and smile, I've carried it with me for 30 years and I hope to carry it with me for another 30
This is my all time favorite last guest stars for Johnny Carson. Beside for Michael Landon's last appearance before he passed away. ♥️🙂
Thanks for this!
I didn't go to bed with out seeing Johnny Carson's show. Then I would go to bed. My night was comple. His shows were great. Miss thoughs days. 6-19-2020.
...it's funny that with all the stellar success that Johnny Carson experienced during his long and enjoyable career he identified closely with a very depressing song like..."here's that rainy day" !
Great memories watching with my parents, Aunt and Uncle...
Bette is the first performer that Robin Willians ever took a second seat.
I miss him.
Bette was a great talent no question and likeable until she came down with TDS. Wow what a foul mouth that yenta has on her.
@shannon dove Read her tweets sometime the woman is vile
@@bill2953 that is politics & what she said is her opinion, and it doesn't make her a bad person, she has feelings too, just wait til things calm down, I know she apologized about all that. Don't have to hurt her feelings.
Genius all round. Carson the common denominator.
This is Johnnys second to last show before he was done hosting the tonight show. RIP Johnny :(
Thank you so much for the upload.
I have to do it! Have to make it happen😂 miss him! Rip.
I dated a guy who had to be home by 11 to watch Johnny, which was my introduction to the Tonight Show. And then he broke my heart.
Johnny or the guy?
I will hand to Johnny he does keep up with the greats of the comedians.
I lived in Alton, Illinois when I watched this. An almost single mom of 4. Stupid husband left us a few months later. Anyway, I was and still am a major fan of Robin and Bette. Robin Williams death was the only celebrity death I actually cried tears over. Love that man and miss him so much!
No props, no gimmicks. Just talent.
My mom & I watched this together the night this aired. We laughed so hard. 😂
Thank you so much for posting this. I remember on Carson's final show, he mentioned the great time he had with Bette Midler and Robin Williams the previous night. I've always wondered what he was referring to, and now I know! Don't think there could've been two finer entertainers to send him off in style.
Loved watching Mr Johnny Carson ! Such a grand entertainer !❤️👌
AGAIN!! RIP!! JOHNNY CARSON ED MCMAHON AND ROBIN WILLIAMS!!
Class personified. Thank God we have the footage for posterity.
OMG what a talent Bette is, ❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️
Great that you posted this--You must have recorded it in 2 hour mode originally for the quality.However,there are free editing tools for video such as Avidemux and Handbrake that can edit out the extra 15 minutes of video in your post. I used a timer on many videos back in the day and when I digitized them,I took out the excess.
What was neat was the camera angle at 41:50 as that was never shown before.
Agreed, made it even more special
This is my all time favorite. 😂
very nice show for the evening 😋🌜🌛 and with cell phone anytime .
Johnny Carson
Often imitated
Never duplicated
The GOAT
Bette Midler was fabulous!!
The greatest of all time. There will never be another Carson. All these "Ahh umm" dummies today. Indicative of this generation today. Why can't anyone have class today??! And Bette, what a class act!!
this should have been his last show, the greatest comedian in the world and the greatest torch singer in the world. can it really be 28 years? No wonder i feel footsteps walking across my grave all the time. by, john, you were the king of television.
His last show with a public audience. How lucky they were.
Do you have the finale episode right after this one?
Doc's solo in Miss Otis is COOKIN!
A whole minute of applause during the intro.
MSK1984 2 minutes
@@MrDuds1984 ...and ten seconds.
I had turned 30 five days before. I remember watching it. I'm 60 now.
Love the Ames clip. Johnny knew how to be patient
now its so many years ago, at @42:43 any one else cry'n? I hope so!
I saw this one. can't forget bette's dress. she was a good choice
Johnny Carson was the best Late night host ever
Great !!!!!!!!!!
I can think of no one to compare with Bette and Johnnie ...
What type of condenser mic is Doc using right in the bottom left corner at 26:48?
As good as Letterman was nobody came close to Carson...as a Nation we sat in bed and watched. Ive heard many things about johnny over the years, good , bad and ugly. But damn he was the best at his craft and he himself is probably laughing in dismay at all the CRAP that followed. Thanks Johnny, and you too ED
gold and diamonds are here. enjoy.
Isn’t it crazy that the last comedians Letterman and Carson wanted on their last shows left us too soon? RIP Robin and Norm
So, watching this again after my comment 2 years ago. One thing I failed to mention then and I am going to mention it now b/c I see nobody in the comments has mentioned it either.
So, when Bette does her last song and she finishes, notice how quickly she grabbed the lei and ran over to Johnny to put it around him....
Know why?
Because she was about ready to lose it...
After she turns from Johnny to go backstage, you can see her hand shoot over her face and she tries to stop herself from breaking down.
If you haven't seen it.....go back and check it out.
NBC plugging letterman at the time, I’m sure they were laughing about that . It’s almost like Sinatra was smokin ‘One more for the road’
Have to say the tomahawk scent proved his quick wit.
bette's singing is incredible
I spotted Jenifer Lewis singing with Bette Midler. who is the other lady?
Jenifer Lewis, yes!!!
Charlo Crossley, one of Bette Midler's early, early Harlettes. She sang with Bette from 1972-1978. Jenifer Lewis came along 1983-1984.
I always wondered who that gentleman was playing the piano. He was truly sensational...especially at the end of "One More For The Road" when he did the Carson theme...
Marc Shaiman
Played it in the intro too