November 5, 1956 - June 24, 1957 (15 minutes)
July 2, 1957 - December 17, 1957 (30 minutes)   

When Nat King Cole' NBC TV series began November 5, 1956 it originated from New York City while Cole was winding up his current stint at the Copacabana. After the fourth broadcast the series was broadcast from Los Angeles. where it would remain for its complete run. 

Nat King Cole became the first major black performer to headline a network variety series. His 15 minute show filled the remainder of the half hour in which NBC TV aired its nightly news program, THE HUNTLEY BRINKLY REPORT. 

On July 2, 1957 THE NAT KING COLE SHOW became a half hour program. Many stars appeared on the show for minimum fees as personal favors to him, in an effort to bolster low ratings. But the efforts were in vain, and it would be another decade before a black entertainer could begin to make a significant dent into he mass medium of television. 

Announcer: Bill Hanrahan

A feature at the end of each show, Nat King Cole's "Musical Memories."

NOTE: The broadcast of November 12, 1956  is rare and is not archived by any of the major entertainment museums in the country.                                 

November 5, 1956 - June 24, 1957 (15 minutes)
July 2, 1957 - December 17, 1957 (30 minutes)   

When Nat King Cole' NBC TV series began November 5, 1956 it originated from New York City while Cole was winding up his current stint at the Copacabana. After the fourth broadcast the series was broadcast from Los Angeles. where it would remain for its complete run. 

Nat King Cole became the first major black performer to headline a network variety series. His 15 minute show filled the remainder of the half hour in which NBC TV aired its nightly news program, THE HUNTLEY BRINKLY REPORT. 

On July 2, 1957 THE NAT KING COLE SHOW became a half hour program. Many stars appeared on the show for minimum fees as personal favors to him, in an effort to bolster low ratings. But the efforts were in vain, and it would be another decade before a black entertainer could begin to make a significant dent into he mass medium of television. 

Highlights sung by Nat King Cole:
"This Can't Be Love," "This was the End of a beautiful Friendship," "I'm on the Way to Cuba," "In the Evenings May I come to You?"
"Mona Lisa."

There is a "musical memory" spot at the end of each show. 

Announcer: Bill Hanrahan

NOTE: The broadcast of November 12, 1956  is rare and is not archived by any of the major entertainment museums in the country.                                 

November 5, 1956 - June 24, 1957 (15 minutes)
July 2, 1957 - December 17, 1957 (30 minutes)   

When Nat King Cole' NBC TV series began November 5, 1956 it originated from New York City while Cole was winding up his current stint at the Copacabana. After the fourth broadcast the series was broadcast from Los Angeles. where it would remain for its complete run. 

Nat King Cole became the first major black performer to headline a network variety series. His 15 minute show filled the remainder of the half hour in which NBC TV aired its nightly news program, THE HUNTLEY BRINKLY REPORT. 

On July 2, 1957 THE NAT KING COLE SHOW became a half hour program. Many stars appeared on the show for minimum fees as personal favors to him, in an effort to bolster low ratings. But the efforts were in vain, and it would be another decade before a black entertainer could begin to make a significant dent into he mass medium of television. 

Announcer: Bill Hanrahan

This entire show is dedicated to the music compositions of song writer extraordinaire, Harry Warren. Harry tells Nat how he wrote such classics as "September in the Rain," and "Lullabye of Broadway" which Nat King Cole sings. Harry Warren at the piano with the Randy Van Horne Singers singing "We're in the Money." Nat sings "Plenty of Mohey and You," "Lu Lu's Back in Town," and "You'll Never Know."
NOTE: Last 15 minute show.                                          

November 5, 1956 - June 24, 1957 (15 minutes)
July 2, 1957 - December 17, 1957 (30 minutes)   

When Nat King Cole' NBC TV series began November 5, 1956 it originated from New York City while Cole was winding up his current stint at the Copacabana. After the fourth broadcast the series was broadcast from Los Angeles. where it would remain for its complete run. 

Nat King Cole became the first major black performer to headline a network variety series. His 15 minute show filled the remainder of the half hour in which NBC TV aired its nightly news program, THE HUNTLEY BRINKLY REPORT. 

On July 2, 1957 THE NAT KING COLE SHOW became a half hour program. Many stars appeared on the show for minimum fees as personal favors to him, in an effort to bolster low ratings. But the efforts were in vain, and it would be another decade before a black entertainer could begin to make a significant dent into he mass medium of television. 

Nat King Cole sings, "Only a Paper Moon," "Sweet Lorraine," "With Your on my Mind," "Stompin' At The Savoy," 

Nat King Cole with Oscar Peterson Jr. "Tenderly."

 Norman Granz introduces some of the musicians from his, "Jazz At The Philharmonic" series. Ganz has just completed his 18th annual tour. Nat King Cole tells his audience that this is the  first television appearance of, "Jazz At The Philharmonic." 

Opening is not archived. Otherwise complete. 

                                          

Stars congratulate Bob Hope on his 60th birthday salute. Testimonials from Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
Included are excerpts from old broadcasts 7/43, 8/43, 8/44.
Bob also marks his 25th year with NBC. 

Host: Hugh Downs.                                       

1967-1969 (Syndicated)

This syndicated talk show was the last program of the talk show genre for Steve Allen. Debut.

Steve reflects on how he got started in show business.

Guest: George Burns, With commercials. 

Commercial for Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood"                         

New Year's Eve celebration ushering in 1970.         

Singer Nancy Wilson's first television special. She welcomes guests Sammy Davis Jr, Henry Mancini, Mike Douglas, and The Staple Singers.            

September 11, 1972-May 7, 1973. Hour-long variety show hosted by comedian Bill Cosby and featuring Lola Falana, Foster Brooks, Oscar deGruy, and Susan Tolsky.                          

Sammy Davis Jr. and splashy production numbers are the main attractions in this pilot for a projected series. Featuring Andy Griffith, Mickey Rooney, Connie Stevens, John Davidson, and ice skaters Nick Powers and Kathy Zem.   

Highlights: " A Shine On My Shoes," " For Once in My Life," Sammy
"Rose Garden," "Joy To The World," John Davidson
"52 Years on 52nd Street," Connie Stevens 
"I Believe in Music," Andy Griffith
"If," "Winter Wonderland," John, Connie
"It's Follies Time," All


Duplicate of 6184.                       

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973.
 
A variety show video taped in Burbank, modeled on the old vaudeville shows. A mixture of comedic skits and musical performances with no regular host, but reoccurring appearances by Sammy Davis Jr. and Mickey Rooney. It's opening theme was " It's Follies Time" by Harper McKay.

Announcer for the series is Johnny Olsen. 

This was the first broadcast of the series. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. and Mickey Rooney.            

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. This was the first broadcast of the series. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. Mickey Rooney was featured in most of the shows.   

Duplicate of number #4092.           

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. Mickey Rooney was featured in most of the shows. 
                                  

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. Mickey Rooney was featured in most of the shows.

Host: Sammy Davis, Jr.

                                                                 

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. 

A variety show video taped in Burbank, modeled on the old vaudeville shows. A mixture of comedic skits and musical performances with no regular host, but reoccurring appearances by Sammy Davis Jr. and Mickey Rooney. It's opening theme was " It's Follies Time" by Harper McKay.

Announcer for the series is Johnny Olsen. 
   
This episode features Jack Cassidy, Lola Falana, Robert Goulet and Arte Johnson. Davis begins with "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You," and then he and Johnson perform a comedy sketch playing a pair of elderly women on a park bench. Cassidy and Goulet perform a medley featuring "I Believe in You," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "I Love You," and "The Way You Look Tonight," followed by Falana with "Don't Touch My Tomatoes." 

Sammy Davis Jr. outstandingly performs a selection of songs from "Fiddler on the Roof," including "Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "To Life."

Davis and Lola Falana perform in a "jive"-themed sketch featuring the song "How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Loved You." 

Afterwards, there is a creative funny sketch based on the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Mickey Rooney is Mr. Horn because he plays the horn. 

Concluding, a performance of several money-themed songs, including the chorus with "We're In the Money," Goulet with "Penny Serenade," Falana with "With Plenty of Money and You," and finally Cassidy, Goulet, and Falana with "Pennies from Heaven." The episode closes with everyone singing "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening."                      

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. Mickey Rooney was featured in most of the shows.             

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. Mickey Rooney was featured in most of the shows.

Host: Sammy Davis, Jr.

                                                                                                        

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. Mickey Rooney was featured in most of the shows.  

A Marx Brothers sketch highlights the comedy with Sammy Davis Jr. as Groucho, Mickey Rooney as Harpo, Ernest Borgnine as Chico and diva Mary Costa as a put -upon socialite. Also, an "Indian Love Call"  skit with Ernie Borgnine as Jeannette MacDonald and Mickey Rooney as Nelson Eddy.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Mary Costa sings "Entrance of the Countess Maritza" (sung in German).
Sammy Davis sings "After Today."
Mary and Sammy sing a Blues Medley.
Jonelle Allen sings "Sweet Georgia Brown."

In a grand finale the entire cast sing a medley from Broadway musicals.

           

September 13, 1973-December 27, 1973. This was the final broadcast of the series. Thursday-night variety hour, hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. Mickey Rooney was featured in most of the shows.