On this episode of Our American Stories, from 1962 to 1992, Johnny Carson defined late-night television as the longtime host of The Tonight Show. Over three decades, hundreds of guests passed through the chair across from him, but only a few appearances became truly legendary.

Two of the most unforgettable belonged to Don Rickles and Ed Ames, whose moments on Carson’s stage are still talked about today. Mark Malkoff, author of Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend, shares the stories behind these iconic late-night television moments and why they endure in comedy history.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, from 1962 to 1992, Johnny Carson defined late-night television as the longtime host of The Tonight Show. Over three decades, hundreds of guests passed through the chair across from him, but only a few appearances became truly legendary.
Two of the most unforgettable belonged to Don Rickles and Ed Ames, whose moments on Carson&rsquo;s stage are still talked about today. Mark Malkoff, author of&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLove-Johnny-Carson-Obsessive-Journey%2Fdp%2F0593472551&amp;data=05%7C02%7CUraelBlackshear%40iheartmedia.com%7Ce860a669b7264b80894408de4fc573fa%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C639035906649561894%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=wAk1Swco1%2FaQmvugH3xj5TNpOxm4CpaU3%2FQhAT%2FBQ6c%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan&rsquo;s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend</a>, shares the stories behind these iconic late-night television moments and why they endure in comedy history.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Johnny Carson’s Most Memorable Guests: Don Rickles and Ed Ames

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f6a659a0-3776-4984-b5e6-b3d0017524b2/transcript