This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Doc Severinsen.
“Heeeeere’s Johnny!” That lead-in, followed by a big band trumpet blast, was the landmark of late night television for three decades. The ‘Johnny’ was Johnny Carson, the announcer was Ed McMahon and the bandleader was Grammy Award winning Doc Severinsen. Beginning in October 1962, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson ruled the night air for thirty years. On May 22, 1992, it came to an end…
…And the Beginning of a New Career for Doc Severinsen.
Within a week of the final telecast, Doc Severinsen and His Big Band were on the road. Doc’s group was composed of The Tonight Show’s best musicians — Ed Shaughnessy on drums, Ernie Watts on tenor sax and Snooky Young on trumpet. Their repertoire includes Ellington and Basie standards, pop, jazz, ballads, big band classics and, of course, The Tonight Show theme.
Doc is currently touring with his new group, the San Miguel 5 and will be performing at Cabaret Jazz in the Smith Center, October 12 & 13, at 7:00 & 9:30 p.m.
