Johnny Carson, who hosted The Tonight Show (see entry under 1950s—TV and Radio in volume 3) on NBC from 1962 until 1992, was the undisputed king of late-night television (see entry under 1940s—TV and Radio in volume 3) and one of the medium's most successful personalities. Carson combined Midwestern charm, a slightly naughty wit, and expert interviewing skills as he welcomed the nation's top celebrities, funniest comedians, and interesting ordinary citizens onto his program.

Each installment of The Tonight Show began with Carson's introduction by his longtime sidekick Ed McMahon (1923–): "Heeeeere's Johnny!" The show began with a comic monologue—a comic routine presented by Carson, by himself on stage—that allowed Carson to poke fun at the day's events. The monologue always ended with Carson's trademark gesture: He would pretend he was swinging a golf club. Carson then sat at his desk and performed comic bits...