The Tonight Show

Hosts

During the later Steve Allen years, regular audience member Ms. Miller became such an integral part, she was forced to join AFTRA the television/radio performers union. Allen's original announcer was Gene Rayburn, who went on to greater fame as host of Match Game.

Related Topics:
Steve Allen - Ms. Miller - AFTRA - Gene Rayburn - Match Game

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Music is provided by The Tonight Show Band, led since 1995 by Kevin Eubanks (no relation to Bob Eubanks of The Newlywed Game fame), who replaced Leno's original musical director, Branford Marsalis. In 2004, the long-time announcer Edd Hall was replaced by John Melendez, who started out on The "Howard Stern Show".

Related Topics:
Tonight Show Band - 1995 - Kevin Eubanks - Bob Eubanks - The Newlywed Game - Branford Marsalis - Edd Hall - John Melendez - Howard Stern

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Skitch Henderson was the band leader during the Steve Allen and early Carson years, followed briefly by Milton DeLugg. Jose Melis led the band for Jack Paar.

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For most of Johnny Carson's run on the show, The Tonight Show Band was led by Doc Severinsen and the show's announcer was Ed McMahon. By the end of the Carson years, Severinsen had become the primary substitute announcer when McMahon was absent. When Severinsen was absent or filling in for McMahon, Tommy Newsom would lead the band.

Related Topics:
Doc Severinsen - Ed McMahon - Tommy Newsom

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The show's full name is currently The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. During the Carson years, it was known as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

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On September 27, 2004, the 50th anniversary of the show's premiere, NBC announced that Jay Leno will be succeeded by Conan O'Brien in 2009. Leno explained that he did not want to see a repeat of the hard feelings and controversy that occurred when he was given the show following Carson's retirement instead of David Letterman.

Related Topics:
September 27 - 2004 - Conan O'Brien - 2009 - David Letterman

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The death of Carson on January 23, 2005, made Jay Leno the last surviving host of The Tonight Show.

Related Topics:
January 23 - 2005

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