September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957. This broadcast was the last from Hollywood which was the home of Tonight! Starring Steve Allen from June 27 to August 26, 1955. It was also the last time Hy Averback appeared as announcer.

The basic format of The Tonight Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests) were all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs were devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was a more musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                              

     September 27,1954-January 25,1957 
Tonight! starring Steve Allen begins airing locally at 11:15pm, for 15 minutes, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer. From 11:30 to 1:00am the broadcast aired nationally.  

A tribute to George Gershwin.  Steve Allen is joined by many admiring show business celebrities for this special broadcasts.       

   September 27,1954-January 25,1957 
Tonight! starring Steve Allen begins airing locally at 11:15pm, for 15 minutes, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer. From 11:30 to 1:00am the broadcast aired nationally. 

A segment Tribute to Hoagy Carmichael, who sings several of his songs and reminiscences with Steve Allen. Joining Steve are Pat Kirby and Andy Williams.           

   Steve Allen pays tribute to music song writer & composer Burton Lane. Regulars on the show sing many of his songs. Burton relates to Steve's various interesting facts about his life including how he came to become a composer.          

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

Steve Allen pays tribute to composer, Burton Lane, who discusses with Steve his early life and career. Lane sings a melody of his most famous songs. 

Other highlights:

Steve sings "It Means The Lady's In Love With You."
Eydie Gorme sings "There's A Great Day Coming, Manaia."
Eydie and Andy Williams sing "How About You."
Andy sings "You're Breaking My Heart."
 
The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                                           

 September 27, 1954 - January 25, 1957

This broadcasts is joined in progress at 12:30am April 7, 1956.
Highlights:

Andy Williams and Pat Kirby sing "There Will Never Be Another You, " and "I Thought About You."

Steve plays piano.

Eydie Gorme sings, "And The Angels Sing."

Steve Allen introduces Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar and Ray Brown on Bass. Two numbers by the Oscar Peterson Trio are performed, "Will You Still Be Mine?" and "How About You."

Steve mentions new album by the trio, and that after winding up their act currently at Basin Street, they will be in Philadelphia performing at The Blue Note. 

Steve, who praises Oscar, briefly chats with him about current and future  engagements by the Oscar Peterson Trio (9 minute segment). 
Gene Rayburn signs off with a station break.  

NOTE: One of the very first television appearances by Oscar Peterson, 30 years old at the time, and  of the Oscar Peterson Trio performing together on network TV. 

The first host of THE TONIGHT SHOW, which was then titled TONIGHT!, Steve Allen, began his broadcast career as a disc jockey. On July 27, 1953 Steve Allen began hosting a local show over WRCA-TV which ran from 11:20 P.M. to Midnight , Mondays through Fridays, sponsored by Knickerbocker Beer, developed by station executive Ted Cott to lure a potential sponsor, Rupert Breweries, away from a late-night show on New York's Channel 7 (TALK OF THE TOWN), hosted by Louis Nye, who would later be featured on Steve Allen's Sunday Night Variety Show.  

After a successful fourteen-month local run, THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW became a network show. Beginning September 27, 1954, the show retitled TONIGHT!, and expanded to 105 minutes from 40 minutes. 
 
NOTE: Sound of this Television Audio Air Check is PRISTINE. A rare return to an early TONIGHT! STARRING STEVE ALLEN broadcast when Late Night Television was so informal and relaxed with open ended time dedicated to a person, topic, music, or just impromptu  comedy.  
The basic format of The Tonight! Show was established during Allen's tenure: an opening monologue, a segment involving the studio audience (through interviews or games such as "Stump the Band"), and a simple set (a desk and chair for the host, a couch for the guests), all trademarks of the Allen era. Allen inaugurated the out-of-town broadcast (the first one was done from Miami), the one guest show (Carl Sandburg was the first solo guest), and the one topic show (entire programs devoted to such subjects as narcotics, civil rights, and black music). Allen also established the practice of paying his guests only "scale," the minimum fee required by union-network contract (this practice led to a highly publicized  feud between Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan and later between Jack Paar and Ed Sullivan, as Sullivan paid top dollar for his guests). Though Allen's Tonight! show closely resembled the shows of his successors, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson, it was more a musical show; Allen himself was an accomplished musician and composer (he wrote his theme, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"), and he employed a nucleus of musical regulars on his show. In addition to announcer – sidekick Gene Rayburn, the show featured singers Steve Lawrence (who was only seventeen when he began singing on Allen's local show), Eydie Gormé (who subsequently married Steve Lawrence), Andy Williams (who later hosted several series of his own), and Pat Marshall (who was succeeded by Pat Kirby).  Skitch Henderson led the Orchestra.                                                                                                                                               

Alan Freed's guests are Edith Adams, Andy Williams, and Lillian Briggs. 

This SPECIAL ABC TV broadcast is the second of his two half-hour Rock'N' Roll Reviews. Freed conducts the orchestra.

All Excerpts of songs performed:
-Jimmy Bowen and the Rhythum Orchids: "Be Bop I Love You, Baby."
-Lillian Briggs: "I Want You To Be My Baby."
-Edith Adams: "He Don't Want To Be Kissed."
-Charlie Gracie: "Fabulous."
-Edith Adams sings a medley of the best  of Rock 'N' Roll with the Alan Freed Orchestra, including, 
"I'm Hoping That You Come Back To Me,"
"I'm All Shook Up,"
"Party Doll."

NOTE: This television audio air check from ATA was donated to The Library of Congress, who requested having a copy, on December 29, 2009. 

Host: Alan Freed                                                                

September 12, 1955-June 12, 1963. In the fall of 1955 Perry Como returned to NBC where he hosted a weekly hour show. From 1955 to 1959 it was seen Saturday evenings and was titled "The Perry Como Show." From 1959 to 1963 it was seen Wednesday evenings and was titled "The Kraft Music Hall." Regulars included Frank Gallop and the Ray Charles Singers. After his final weekly June 12, 1963 broadcast Perry Como appeared in scores of specials, beginning October 3, 1963, airing on NBC, CBS & ABC, and concluding on December 6, 1986. 

                                                                             

The Dinah Shore Chevy Show was an American Variety Series, hosted by Dinah Shore and broadcast on NBC from
 October 5th 1956 - May 12th,1963.

20 minute excerpt. 

Joined in progress. Guests: Ella Fitzgerald, Al Hirt jazz sextet, Andy Williams. 



                                                                                                                                                                      

Music and comedy special. 

Dupe Of Number 5417.         

Charles Collingwood Interviews Andy Williams. Rebroadcast of December 15, 1960.             

Andy's guests for his first special (Williams had 19 TV specials from 1962-1987) are Dick Van Dyke, Andy Griffith and Ann-Margret. The theme is "today," as Andy and all demonstrate a little "contemporary nostalgia" via comedy sketches and song. 
  Andy Griffith delivers a speech at the UN; Dick Van Dyke and Ann-Margret examine the world of teenagers; the two Andy's get together for some bachelor philosophy. 

*This one hour Special was a Pilot for his one hour variety series which ran on NBC TV for five seasons from Sept. 2, 1962 - Sept. 3, 1967. 

NOTE:   
The Andy Williams Special (1962 TV Special)

No copy of this show is known to exist. When Andy Williams teamed up with Ann-Margret in 2004 for shows in Branson, Missouri he tried to find a copy to include clips from their 1962 appearance. NBC didn't have a copy of the color videotape nor did the shows producers or any of the TV archives.   

This peerless audio air check archived in the ATA collection was recorded direct line at the time of the original broadcast.

Audio is pristine playback of this 60 year old original broadcast.                                                        

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Series Premiere            

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

                         

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Danny Kaye makes an unscheduled appearance.He chats with Andy and plugs his upcoming NBC television special with guest star, Lucille Ball on November, 11th. Kaye praises Andy for his own Series and states that when he begins his new Series,(Sept 25th,1963}, he would like to have Andy appear as his guest. 

                                      

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

 

                                                   

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Milton Berle celebrates his 50th year in show business. 

 

                                                                

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Milton Berle celebrates his 50th year in show business. 

 

                                                                             

Celebrity guests appeal for funds to fight Muscular Dystrophy. A letter from President John F. Kennedy is read. Jerry concludes the telethon with what would be his signature song, "You'll Never Walk Alone."                                      

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Tournament Of Roses Queen Nancy Davis is a guest. 
                                                                                                                    

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.                                                                                                                                

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.                                                                                                                                              

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.    


Duplicate of #6970A                                                                                                                                                        

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Andy's guest is Andy Griffith. 

This show is a partial duplicate of # 6970 A                                                                                                                                                                       

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

A brief excerpt of this show only.                        

The 15th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are presented from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California. 

Hosts: Annette Funicello and Don Knotts.                        

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Andy's guests are Janet Leigh and Art Carney.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers.                                                                                                                                                            

The many comedic talents of Jonathan Winters

Dupe Of 612.            

Joey Bishop and E.G. Marshall host the 16th annual primetime Emmy Awards from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angelos, California.  


Hosts: Joey Bishop and E.G. Marshall.    

Duplicate of #14550                                

Joey Bishop and E.G. Marshall host the 16th annual primetime Emmy Awards from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angelos, California.  


Hosts: Joey Bishop and E.G. Marshall.                        

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers                                                                                                                                                                        

September 27, 1962-September 3, 1967 (NBC); September 20, 1969-July 17, 1971 (NBC); 1976 (Syndicated). In 1962, Williams was finally given a fall series on NBC; the hour show lasted five seasons and featured The New Christy Minstrels and the Osmond Brothers. His third NBC series, which premiered in 1969, featured comics Charlie Callas and Irwin Corey, along with Janos Prohaska; the hour show lasted another two seasons. In 1976, Williams hosted a syndicated series, entitled "Andy." The half-hour show featured puppeteer Wayland Flowers. 

Osmond Brothers sing "Ragtime Cowboy Joe."   
Phyllis Diller appears in her singing debut, performing a melody of different songs including, "You Do Something To Me."  

Phyllis shows Andy and Al how to prepare in detail her salad recipe.