October 1, 1962-May 22, 1992. 

In 1968, America was embroiled in protests over civil rights and the Vietnam War. In that tumultuous time, “The Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson turned over hosting duties for an entire week to actor and activist Harry Belafonte. His cast of guests included Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, just months before they were assassinated, during a week that’s been mostly lost in American history. 

NOTE: Only 51 total minutes related to all five 90 minute broadcasts survive as video (Dr. Martin Luther King, appearing on the fourth night, Singer, Leon Bibb singing "Suzanne," and Senator Robert F. Kennedy appearing on the first night...). All other programming was erased by NBC shortly after the airing of these five programs on color 2" Quad Video Tape. Archival Television Audio, Inc. has archived audio recordings, taped off the air during the first two broadcasts (Feb. 5, and Feb. 6, 1968) totaling 80 minutes, 59 minutes of which are unique...erased by NBC. 

This first show of five consecutive broadcast nights. Joined in progress. Final few minutes are heard of Bill Cosby' "Noah" comedy routine. Bill joins Harry at the desk. Cosby talks about his upcoming TV Special. Belafone recounts story of Bill Cosby's early school days where he was labeled a "clown." His report card indicated that he would not amount to anything. 

Senator Robert F. Kennedy is introduced. Harry Belafonte discusses many topics with the Senator, including Negro issues...poverty, current legislation, other. Kennedy states that there will be 70,000 fewer jobs this Summer, his meeting with Black Nationalists and their discontent with current governmental politics. There is a huge gap between the poor and the affluent in the USA. Also discussed is the war in Viet Nam. No hate for President Lyndon Johnson and optimism that America will be successful with its commitment in the Viet Nam conflict. Belafonte relates his introduction in 1961 on a visit to the White House of his admiration of The Peace Core and current disillusionment by today's applicants. Bill Cosby adds his own comedic philosophy during this 21 minute segment. 

Senator Kennedy discussed the 1968 race for the Presidency not confirming he is a candidate. 

Lena Horne is introduced. She sings "I Concentrate on You." Lena and Harry talk about the same Manhattan building they both live in, he on 5th floor and she on the 13th floor. Both Harry and Bill state their admiration of Lena Horne's beauty as a grandmother, Cosby flirting with her and then apologizing comedically  to his wife Camille who may be watching the show. Lena Horne states her commitment to her marriage and love of her grandchildren. Harry remembers incident meeting Lena and she befriending him in 1949 when he just got out of the Navy. 

Introduction of the Smothers' Brothers. They sing "The Same As My Old Man'" and do their usual comedic stand up routine around this song. Tom mentions he is 31 years old, Dick, 29 years old and Bill Cosby states he is 30 years old. Harry Belafonte and the Smothers' Brothers discuss their CBS TV Show and controversy surrounding the series. Tom mentions that they only usually do five minutes of observational political humor during an hour variety format, and what makes their show stand out is the fact that no other variety shows on television elect to cross this road.  Belafonte asks what jokes CBS does not permit the Smothers' Brothers to perform on their show. Bill Cosby chimes in with his point of view.  Both Tom and Dick state, in comedic fashion,  that they are appreciative of CBS for allowing them to be on The Tonight Show with Harry to do "distasteful" material that they could not do on their own show. 

Harry Belafonte reads list of entertainers who will appear on tomorrow nights show. He thanks his guests for appearing and signs off. Ed McMahon mentions that this program has been pre-recorded. 


At the time, Carson’s pioneering late night variety show had become one of the country’s most influential platforms. So the move to have Belafonte take this mainstream institution and transform it into a multicultural and political experience, introducing white America to his world of art and activism, was unprecedented.

Johnny Carson, host of NBC's network late-night "Tonight Show" reigned for 30 unprecedented years...five times the combined tenure of Steve Allen, and Jack Paar. Carson was impervious to competition, including efforts to dethrone him by Les Crane, Joey Bishop, Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Jack Paar, Pat Sajak, Joan Rivers, and Arsenio Hall. Sadly, very few complete "Tonight Show" broadcasts survive during Johnny Carson's first ten years of broadcasting. Around 1965, through the early 1970's, oldest tapes were first erased systematically by orders from myopic NBC executives, to be recycled for purposes of saving money. Ironically, in many cases, these older master tapes were too brittle, and portended probable drop-outs for re-use after being erased. Subsequently blank after being erased, these older questionable master 2" Quad tapes were either sparingly used or never used again for recording new programming and eventually were discarded. Saving thousands of dollars at the time (wiping master tapes for potential re-use) resulted in losing millions of dollars by NBC in today's marketplace, and more importantly wiping thousands of historic TONIGHT SHOW broadcasts, which contain precious personal anecdotes from political, show business, and sports icons of the past.