WUGA-TV's Charlie McAlexander interviews music legend Doc Severensen who appeared in Athens, Georgia at the Classic Center May 12, 2011 as a part of the Center's Celebrity Series.
With Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon dead now, it would have been easy for Doc to inflate his importance on the show, but he showed grace and modesty --- and, of course, truth --- in assigning to Johnny most of the credit for the success of the Tonight Show. Clearly, the guy's a class act.
One of the funniest Tonight Show bits is when Doc and Johnny were talking about Thanksgiving and Doc hating turkey; having to pay alimony to his ex-wife and then telling Johnny he would be happy to 'sell' him some marijuana.
+Mark Giardina I bet I have watched that segment a dozen times. It was fantastic. And Johnny made Doc even funnier, which was a gift no other TV host has ever had before or since.
I just posted that on FB! That was classic 4 sure! I think it was " blow" however!! Doc' was bouncing in his chair the whole time he was talking funny shit to Carson that night good, as he was wiping his nose and laughing his ass off! Doc' was 85 here! He looks great!! Music and laughs keep you young!! God bless'....I am now 54 and this was a great era!
Seems like a really down to earth man. Untypical of the Hollywood type. My first time to hear him play was during a commercial break when I went to see the show in the early 80s. It blew me away at how awesome the whole band was. Folks at home didn't get to see his great talent like the live audience did. I'll never forget it.
I was fortunate to play the cello in the Lima Symphony Orchestra in Lima, Ohio when Doc and his ensemble joined in a convert with the Symphony. I will never forget Doc's class, transparency, professionalism and tremendous skill. Thanks for being approachable and a genuinely nice person.
he played with the Springfield Ohio symphony when i was with them, maybe 15 years ago or so, and he was kind of a jerk. he was impatient in the rehearsal, embarrassed the conductor. maybe he was just having a bad day.
@@chuckcornelius194 I hear you and your experience was yours to comment on. He will ould have to respond to wat was going on... I've got to believe he was having a bad stretch as the person I met was the personality you see in the videos. Maybe because he was with his ensemble (piano, drummer, bass & guitar player...) during our performance, it helped him keep the rust off and keep things in perspective?
I got to introduce Doc on stage at the brand new Spanos Center in Stockton when he was appearing with his jazz fusion band called Xebron. Classy guy. Just before I introduced him onstage in his dressing room he autographed an old vinyl LP he recorded in the 60's.
As a Trumpeter, I modeled myself after Doc Severensen and Herb Alpert. I had my on style for sure but these 2 inspired me to be the best I could be. I have most all their music and at 66 now, still play a bit just to keep the chops in shape. I was most humbled and honored to have played with great bands in Greenville, SC from the late 60's to the early 80's.
A man who inspired generations of young trumpet players including myself and many others.My prayers go out to him for a long healthy life and to continue inspiring others along the way . Now we all have a little hillbilly in us .Can you imagine if doc severson ever appeared on hee Haw wearing some overalls and a straw hat that would have been one incredible show to watch.
What a great entertainer. I grew up watching The Tonight Show. Was a great thing to have a show that my 10 year old self, my mother, and my grandmother could all share. Johnny would have an older star on that I'd never heard of and I'd ask "who's that" which would my mother and/or grandmother would answer with animated enthusiasm. A beautiful time to be a kid.
DOC is one "classy guy." In my mind, he is the greatest trumpet player that ever lived. He can play any music style with complete mastery - truly an amazing artist!!!!!!!!
Doc is amazing. I was lucky enough to get to work on the crew as a 19 year old and he was so nice. I was a music student. He encouraged me and gave me an autographed picture. A really good friend used to play with him professionally. We went to see him play at a jazz club and just stopped by to say hi after and he was so gracious and hung out with us. Doc is a class act, no doubt.
And at Doc's jazz festival, I witnessed him practicing in a nearby building in between guest sets. He was such a professional, he always worried about keeping his a-game on.
absolutely UNBELIEVABLE Mr.Severensen is 85 years old here in this interview. He looks seriously 30 yrs younger than his age. Even his hair is full and styled. Must have good genes, we could all be so lucky to be this sharp at that age.
I worked in social services and visited senior citizens in their homes that may be in need of help. Long story short, got a call on a 99 year old in Portland. She had pictures of Doc and Tonight Show in her living room. Found out she was his mom and he provided her with financial help and a housekeeper. The small modest home was neat as a pin.
Musicians at the level of Doc Severensen and Buddy Rich cannot be expected to tolerate those that will not, or cannot play at that level. Both men were kind and decent men that would do anything for a friend.
Sorry Richard, but there is simply no excuse for inappropriate behavior. That is one of the things that makes some people so professional and others so not. You can't be selective on who you treat one way and who you treat another. Certainly in this business there is the need for correction, and to let people go because of it, but always in a decent human way.
@@AzlanValentine And, I feel sorry for those around you! You must treat them poorly, and be good with that. Everyone deserves a certain amount of respect. As far as musicians, I have worked with some outstanding ones, most notably Bobby Shew (a real gentleman) and Buddy Morrow (terrific trombonist and great guy), and I have never been in a situation where professionally people were disrespected. But I would not stand for it, no matter what the cause. And Rich definitely have that reputation. Doc, I heard he could get very angry. I don't know other than that.
You played with good musicians... these men are some the best band leaders ever. Big difference and if one doesn't like how their band treats them they an always leave.
Når man selv spiller trompet, er det dejligt at se en af verdens bedste trompetister så frisk, morsom og aktiv i en alder af 84 år. Husk at det er Doc's 90 års fødselsdag 7. Juli her i 2017.
I'm so surprized, what a down to earth person..... Having only seen Doc on Johnny Carson, I would have thought he would have been "above all" or too busy to do an interview like this. I have always been in awe of his musich, but now I have this tremendous respect for the man also.
My nephew was a trumpet player in a high school in Portland. There class had a special guest, the teacher just told the class someone was coming tomorrow. It turn out to be Doc. It was the high light of my nephew high school years.
Being from Oregon, I loved hearing about his experience in growing up around Salem and in the governor mansion. Very interesting life he lived in Oregon. It was fun listening to him cause I can put a place to what he was talking about. Thanks for posting this.
I've been playing in the same adult dance band in Oregon for over 20 years now. Doc hosted a jazz festival in his home town every summer. Any band that wanted to come and play was invited to do so. Lots of high school and middle school bands participated. My adult band participated one year. Doc sat in with every band he could, so all the musicians could say "I've played with Doc!". I'm proud to say I've played with him too! Yes, Doc was just a down to earth nice guy.
Watching a doc on Johnny, it struck me what a fantastic band Doc led. Excellent and what a brass section. Looking at this stuff is making me incredibly sad. You know, the passage of time. Pouf! It's over in a second.
To think some idiot posted a negative post; is inconceivable. What a man. What an inspiration, in time of need this really inspired me to LIVE! YEAH!!!
Loyal to the end, and realistic. If there is no Johnny Carson, there's no Doc Severensen, at least to this degree. He views himself as lucky. And, he was. Certainly, an amazing talent, Johnny saw that, but wouldn't have hired him if he weren't a humble guy. Same with Ed. They were there for the whole ride, and if I was, I would have done the same thing. Hang on to Johnny's wings, hold on for life. and try not to piss him off.
Doc's one of the last of the original trumpet Greats. It's a real sub that cats like: Miles, Clifford B., Diz, M.F., Bunny B., Freddie H., Woody S., the Condoli Bros,& some others (also TROMBONIST: FRANK ROSOLINO and CARL FONTANA), couldn't have been granted immortality by GOD. I know Rosolino MAY HAVE killed himself, shot himself & sons (I don't believe it), FRANK SHOULD BE in EVERY JAZZ REFERENCE.T BONES FOREVER! Hats off to the ALL BRASS JAZZ GREATS!
He said that Johnny never said anything unkind? I think Wayne Newton might beg to differ with that. I witnessed this first-hand when he took shots at Wayne Newton. I thought it was very unprofessional, very unbecoming, and most of all, unnecessary. He didn't have to resort to that kind of behavior. I lost all respect for Johnny for doing that. And here's a news flash for you--Johnny's monologues were most UN-FUNNY comedy routines that I've ever seen.
Doc is classy enough not to bite the hand that fed him for so many years, and cemented his fame in the eyes of an adoring public. If I were to offer a quibble over his comment, it would be that he came across as less than candid when he said that Johnny "never" spoke unkindly to others. He could perhaps have finessed that part a bit better.
Just curious why no mention of Tommy Newson. He was part of the team even tho he wasn't one of the main people. I'm glad he not around to see how he was shirked
![[UNCUT] ย้อนฟัง 2 บิ๊กตำรวจปะทะกัน "บิ๊กโจ๊ก VS รองแต้ม" ฟ้องเรียก 10 ล้าน!! I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vNpTtVjdcBo/mqdefault.jpg)
With Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon dead now, it would have been easy for Doc to inflate his importance on the show, but he showed grace and modesty --- and, of course, truth --- in assigning to Johnny most of the credit for the success of the Tonight Show. Clearly, the guy's a class act.
Doc is a total class act. This is the real Doc Severnsen.
One of the funniest Tonight Show bits is when Doc and Johnny were talking about Thanksgiving and Doc hating turkey; having to pay alimony to his ex-wife and then telling Johnny he would be happy to 'sell' him some marijuana.
+Mark Giardina I bet I have watched that segment a dozen times. It was fantastic. And Johnny made Doc even funnier, which was a gift no other TV host has ever had before or since.
+Mark Giardina I watch many times over...it never gets old and i STILL laugh out loud!! Cheers
I just posted that on FB! That was classic 4 sure! I think it was " blow" however!! Doc' was bouncing in his chair the whole time he was talking funny shit to Carson that night good, as he was wiping his nose and laughing his ass off! Doc' was 85 here! He looks great!! Music and laughs keep you young!! God bless'....I am now 54 and this was a great era!
Mark Giardina Fly Eagles 🦅Fly
th-cam.com/video/d55S9EYtHbw/w-d-xo.html
Seems like a really down to earth man. Untypical of the Hollywood type. My first time to hear him play was during a commercial break when I went to see the show in the early 80s. It blew me away at how awesome the whole band was. Folks at home didn't get to see his great talent like the live audience did. I'll never forget it.
Doc is National treasure
Wikipedia says he turned 93 in July this year. Hope you make it to 100 Doc.
he's still going
@@Ben_Hattie -- Cool
Doc you and your Band are some of the best musicians I’ve ever heard, period….
Real down to earth humble person. Great trumpet player and musician.
I was fortunate to play the cello in the Lima Symphony Orchestra in Lima, Ohio when Doc and his ensemble joined in a convert with the Symphony. I will never forget Doc's class, transparency, professionalism and tremendous skill. Thanks for being approachable and a genuinely nice person.
he played with the Springfield Ohio symphony when i was with them, maybe 15 years ago or so, and he was kind of a jerk. he was impatient in the rehearsal, embarrassed the conductor. maybe he was just having a bad day.
@@chuckcornelius194 I hear you and your experience was yours to comment on. He will ould have to respond to wat was going on... I've got to believe he was having a bad stretch as the person I met was the personality you see in the videos. Maybe because he was with his ensemble (piano, drummer, bass & guitar player...) during our performance, it helped him keep the rust off and keep things in perspective?
Some of the best minutes I've ever spent watching TH-cam!!
I can remember when Doc was a part of my life every night. I loved Doc then as a person and sure miss him like family now.
Thank very much
I grew up watching johnny Carson
He was family
Thanks Doc! You're a GREAT musician.
I got to introduce Doc on stage at the brand new Spanos Center in Stockton when he was appearing with his jazz fusion band called Xebron. Classy guy. Just before I introduced him onstage in his dressing room he autographed an old vinyl LP he recorded in the 60's.
As a Trumpeter, I modeled myself after Doc Severensen and Herb Alpert. I had my on style for sure but these 2 inspired me to be the best I could be. I have most all their music and at 66 now, still play a bit just to keep the chops in shape. I was most humbled and honored to have played with great bands in Greenville, SC from the late 60's to the early 80's.
I saw Doc in the late 70s. It was 47 degrees. He put antifreeze in his trumpet and play a double high c. True story.
I just always loved this man, even as a small child watching Johnny.
Doc is the best trumpet player to ever pick up a horn.
Look how great he looks! LOVE this man! Doc was 84 here, now he's 90! God bless'
A man who inspired generations of young trumpet players including myself and many others.My prayers go out to him for a long healthy life and to continue inspiring others along the way . Now we all have a little hillbilly in us .Can you imagine if doc severson ever appeared on hee Haw wearing some overalls and a straw hat that would have been one incredible show to watch.
Good man and great horn player right there.
Love you , Doc !!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️
I never knew doc was country. I love that Thanksgiving bit that he and Johnny did ,I laughed a tear.
What a great entertainer. I grew up watching The Tonight Show. Was a great thing to have a show that my 10 year old self, my mother, and my grandmother could all share. Johnny would have an older star on that I'd never heard of and I'd ask "who's that" which would my mother and/or grandmother would answer with animated enthusiasm. A beautiful time to be a kid.
Great interview. I really like Doc.
DOC is one "classy guy." In my mind, he is the greatest trumpet player that ever lived. He can play any music style with complete mastery - truly an amazing artist!!!!!!!!
Great interview guys! I'm a lifelong Doc fan (and trumpet player), great questions and respect Charlie, thanks!
Doc is amazing. I was lucky enough to get to work on the crew as a 19 year old and he was so nice. I was a music student. He encouraged me and gave me an autographed picture. A really good friend used to play with him professionally. We went to see him play at a jazz club and just stopped by to say hi after and he was so gracious and hung out with us. Doc is a class act, no doubt.
Glad Doc is still around blowing that trumpet.
I saw Doc in concert. It was fabulous!!!
And at Doc's jazz festival, I witnessed him practicing in a nearby building in between guest sets. He was such a professional, he always worried about keeping his a-game on.
Went and saw him in Allen, Tx March, 2013 and he is still awesome in his 80s.
I enjoyed that. Doc and Al Hirt were why I began trumpet when I was a kid in the early '70's.
Playing that Paulus Double Concerto with Doc was a Top Three highlight of my life. He is a great man and friend.
absolutely UNBELIEVABLE Mr.Severensen is 85 years old here in this interview. He looks seriously 30 yrs younger than his age. Even his hair is full and styled. Must have good genes, we could all be so lucky to be this sharp at that age.
Doc is my favorite trumpet player. Not only is he the best player but I love his personality and wardrobe
What an incredible interview!! Doc, you are one class act!
Doc, you are still the greatest, It has been a long time. I have stop blowing Tenor & am living in a home in Leesburg, Fl.
Giving credit to Johnny. He knew who buttered his bread. I am quite sure he did very well on that program. Johnny was huge.
It was always a special treat whenever Johnny gave Doc and the band the spotlight to perform a number to show off their skills.
Doc was born on July 7, 1927 and is now 90 years old in 2017.
He's 90????? Wow! He is in amazing shape, I never would have guessed that age. Good goin' Doc!
Wow. 7-7-27........ my daughter is 7-7-72. Love Doc!!
@Andrew Wilson ...and it will be the BIG 80 for me.
Mandatory watching on how to be engaging and humble in an interview. Fantastic job
I just sent this interview to lifelong friend who is an "amateur" musician and fan of Doc.
Outstanding!!!
I worked in social services and visited senior citizens in their homes that may be in need of help. Long story short, got a call on a 99 year old in Portland. She had pictures of Doc and Tonight Show in her living room. Found out she was his mom and he provided her with financial help and a housekeeper. The small modest home was neat as a pin.
so glad to hear that he took care of his mom. I probably what she wanted.
Musicians at the level of Doc Severensen and Buddy Rich cannot be expected to tolerate those that will not, or cannot play at that level. Both men were kind and decent men that would do anything for a friend.
Sorry Richard, but there is simply no excuse for inappropriate behavior. That is one of the things that makes some people so professional and others so not. You can't be selective on who you treat one way and who you treat another. Certainly in this business there is the need for correction, and to let people go because of it, but always in a decent human way.
callmeBe
I don't know what you are responding to.
@@callmeBe your confused I feel sorry for your brain
@@AzlanValentine And, I feel sorry for those around you! You must treat them poorly, and be good with that. Everyone deserves a certain amount of respect. As far as musicians, I have worked with some outstanding ones, most notably Bobby Shew (a real gentleman) and Buddy Morrow (terrific trombonist and great guy), and I have never been in a situation where professionally people were disrespected. But I would not stand for it, no matter what the cause. And Rich definitely have that reputation. Doc, I heard he could get very angry. I don't know other than that.
You played with good musicians... these men are some the best band leaders ever. Big difference and if one doesn't like how their band treats them they an always leave.
Doc is so cool!
Når man selv spiller trompet, er det dejligt at se en af verdens bedste trompetister så frisk, morsom og aktiv i en alder af 84 år. Husk at det er Doc's 90 års fødselsdag 7. Juli her i 2017.
Excellent job - thanks for sharing!!
Great interview,very enjoyable!
Jeff ,Thanks for the interview with Doc Severensen.
94 years old in 2021. Amazing!
I'm so surprized, what a down to earth person..... Having only seen Doc on Johnny Carson, I would have thought he would have been "above all" or too busy to do an interview like this. I have always been in awe of his musich, but now I have this tremendous respect for the man also.
My nephew was a trumpet player in a high school in Portland. There class had a special guest, the teacher just told the class someone was coming tomorrow. It turn out to be Doc. It was the high light of my nephew high school years.
great interview!!! thanks for uploading this..... : )
My hero. And so.humble. He said Carson was a the talent. But Doc is an amazing musician. A legend though he wouldn't say it.
We love you to Doc
He had made all of Oregonian very proud. Thank you for posting this. I have always watch him on the tonight show. So glad to learn more about him.
Great man and musical talent. Best dressed and loves Family and Horses . It would be fun to know about him Tim Conway and Harvy Cormen and Horses.
Sweet interview. Doc is the man!
Being from Oregon, I loved hearing about his experience in growing up around Salem and in the governor mansion. Very interesting life he lived in Oregon. It was fun listening to him cause I can put a place to what he was talking about. Thanks for posting this.
Like many people, I've heard of Doc Severinsen, but I've never heard his voice, much less seen an interview. :)
I enjoyed that too. Doc can really tell a story. I was all in didn’t want it to end.
Thanks for the Eterna!!
I've been playing in the same adult dance band in Oregon for over 20 years now. Doc hosted a jazz festival in his home town every summer. Any band that wanted to come and play was invited to do so. Lots of high school and middle school bands participated. My adult band participated one year. Doc sat in with every band he could, so all the musicians could say "I've played with Doc!". I'm proud to say I've played with him too! Yes, Doc was just a down to earth nice guy.
I used to go to those festivals in Arlington. My grandma babysat Doc when he was a little boy in Arlington.
I remember when Charlie McAlexander did sports for WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi. That was almost 50 years ago.
Watching a doc on Johnny, it struck me what a fantastic band Doc led. Excellent and what a brass section. Looking at this stuff is making me incredibly sad. You know, the passage of time. Pouf! It's over in a second.
Doc! The Best!!
Fantastic
Bravo!!!👏🏻👏🏻
To think some idiot posted a negative post; is inconceivable.
What a man. What an inspiration, in time of need this really inspired me to LIVE!
YEAH!!!
Watch the episode when Doc and Johnny talk about Thanksgiving. Epic
Thank you for doing this interview. And yes that performance on Letterman is truly something special.
Good guy
Never knew Doc played on Bobby Darin's songs!!
Almost exactly 1 year ago, just 3 more days :O
i get it.....when you get to the edge......dont sit and talk about it....."go through!!!"
Thanks Doc....I'll remember!
Doc a great musician and a great dresser. That man had some clothes!!!
85? Amazing!
AT 95 I WOULD SAY AMAZING JOB AND WELL DONE .
Remember Doc on July 7. when he is becoming 90 !
Loyal to the end, and realistic. If there is no Johnny Carson, there's no Doc Severensen, at least to this degree. He views himself as lucky. And, he was. Certainly, an amazing talent, Johnny saw that, but wouldn't have hired him if he weren't a humble guy. Same with Ed. They were there for the whole ride, and if I was, I would have done the same thing. Hang on to Johnny's wings, hold on for life. and try not to piss him off.
Can't hit the "Like" button due to the 420. so I'll just comment to show my appreciation instead.
Doc is so much of an Champ Kent Vogel A.S.C.A.P WBD?
My mistake, the entire cast was family
My life loves continuity
Like Mr Roberts wearing his "sweater."
I'd like to know about his studies coming up. What was it like to study with Herbert L. Clarke and Louis Maggio?
Doc's one of the last of the original trumpet Greats. It's a real sub that cats like: Miles, Clifford B., Diz, M.F., Bunny B., Freddie H., Woody S., the Condoli Bros,& some others (also TROMBONIST: FRANK ROSOLINO and CARL FONTANA), couldn't have been granted immortality by GOD. I know Rosolino MAY HAVE killed himself, shot himself & sons (I don't believe it), FRANK SHOULD BE in EVERY JAZZ REFERENCE.T BONES FOREVER! Hats off to the ALL BRASS JAZZ GREATS!
Doc should have sang more he was quite good and it would have propeled his carrear.
I am much worse than Sunday Silence.Kent Vogel A.S.C.A.P WBD
Isn’t it Severinsen?
that would be Doc S e v e r i n s e n not SeverEnson
,
He said that Johnny never said anything unkind? I think Wayne Newton might beg to differ with that. I witnessed this first-hand when he took shots at Wayne Newton. I thought it was very unprofessional, very unbecoming, and most of all, unnecessary. He didn't have to resort to that kind of behavior. I lost all respect for Johnny for doing that. And here's a news flash for you--Johnny's monologues were most UN-FUNNY comedy routines that I've ever seen.
Carson was a mean drunk. Said lots of unkind things, usually to his wifes.
Doc is classy enough not to bite the hand that fed him for so many years, and cemented his fame in the eyes of an adoring public. If I were to offer a quibble over his comment, it would be that he came across as less than candid when he said that Johnny "never" spoke unkindly to others. He could perhaps have finessed that part a bit better.
Just curious why no mention of Tommy Newson. He was part of the team even tho he wasn't one of the main people. I'm glad he not around to see how he was shirked
Clean out your ears.
Tommy is mentioned at 24:10 and beyond