In Part One I chose; Dom DeLuise Egg Trick; Rodney Dangerfield September 2, 1974; Drew Carey debut; Tim Conway debut; the famous “Copper Clappers” bit, with Jack Webb; and the debut of ZZ Top, May 16, 1986, performing their hits, “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush”.
The January 19, 1977 debut of Dolly Parton on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson marked a pivotal moment in her transition from a major country star into a broader national personality, as she brought her distinctive blend of warmth, humor, and musical talent to Johnny Carson’s stage for the first time.
Already known for her songwriting and her work with Porter Wagoner, Parton immediately connected with Carson through quick wit and self-aware charm, often playfully addressing her public image while demonstrating sharp comedic timing that surprised audiences unfamiliar with her personality. The appearance typically included a musical performance that highlighted her expressive voice and storytelling ability,
reinforcing her credibility as an artist while simultaneously revealing her ease in a mainstream entertainment setting, and it helped establish a rapport with Carson that would lead to many return visits and contribute significantly to her growing crossover appeal in late-1970s American popular culture.
On January 22, 1975, Ann-Margret brought her signature mix of glamour, charisma, and spontaneity to Carson’s stage, reflecting her status as one of the era’s most dynamic performers.
Already well established through film, television, and Las Vegas performances, she engaged in lively conversation that showcased both her professionalism and her playful personality. She topped it all off with one of her most sexy musical performances ever!
The November 24, 1978 debut of David Letterman marked an early national introduction to a voice that would eventually redefine late-night television. At the time, Letterman was still a relatively unknown comedian, but his offbeat delivery,
ironic detachment, and unconventional timing immediately set him apart from more traditional stand-up guests. Carson, known for recognizing emerging talent, gave him a platform that proved pivotal; the appearance is often remembered as the beginning of Letterman’s ascent, eventually leading to his own groundbreaking late-night career and a long-running influence on the genre.
Paul Lynde’s sole appearance in 1976 on Carson’s show is particularly notable given Lynde’s already well-established television persona from game shows and sitcoms. Known for his biting wit and flamboyant comedic style, Lynde delivered a
performance that leaned heavily into sharp one-liners and dry sarcasm, creating a memorable contrast with Carson’s more understated humor. Though surprisingly limited to just this one appearance, Lynde’s visit captured the essence of his comedic persona and remains a curiosity for fans familiar with his broader television presence.
The October 14, 1981 debut of Robin Williams is widely regarded as one of the most electric first appearances in the show’s history. Williams’ rapid-fire improvisation, physical comedy, and seemingly boundless energy created a whirlwind of humor that even Carson—himself a master comedian—struggled to keep up with at times.
This appearance came during Williams’ rise following Mork & Mindy, and it solidified his reputation as a once-in-a-generation comedic force, demonstrating a spontaneity and inventiveness that would define his career across stand-up, television, and film.
The November 12, 1976 episode featuring Frank Sinatra gained additional notoriety when Don Rickles made an unplanned and memorable walk-on. Sinatra’s appearances on Carson were always treated as major television events, given his legendary status, and the surprise inclusion of Rickles—
one of Sinatra’s close friends and a fearless insult comic—added an unpredictable edge. The interplay between Sinatra’s cool, controlled presence and Rickles’ brash humor created a uniquely entertaining dynamic,
offering viewers a glimpse into their offstage camaraderie and adding a spontaneous energy that elevated the broadcast into one of the more talked-about moments of the era.
Further Reading
Sources
- YouTube https://www.youtube.com/
- Johnny Carson https://www.johnnycarson.com/
- Wikipedia “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tonight_Show_Starring_Johnny_Carson
