LATE NIGHT TALK SHOWS (AUDIO INTROS) DEC. 29, 1969

LATE NIGHT TALK SHOWS, DEC. 29, 1969
As the 1960s decade was coming to a close, the late-night talk shows ratings wars were in high gear. “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” on NBC was the reigning king in the 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. time slot, Eastern Time. CBS entered the mix in 1969 by bringing Merv Griffin to late night and on the night of Dec. 29, 1969, ABC, which had dumped Joey Bishop, was introducing Dick Cavett into that time slot. Cavett had two earlier ABC shows, a morning show that went on in 1968 and a primetime show into 1969. Both had been canceled. He was back to try again for ABC. I had my reel-to-reel recorder ready to get the introduction of his latest show and beginning of his monologue. I also sampled a bit of the Merv Griffin program and Carson on that same night, with their show intros.
Interesting guest lineup as the three went head-to-head that night.
Cavett’s first-night guests included Woody Allen, Robert Shaw and Beverly Sills.
Griffin’s guests were Charlton Heston, Phil Silvers, Elke Sommer and Richard Dawson. His announcer was Arthur Treacher.
Carson’s headline guest on this night (according to program logs) was New York City Mayor John Lindsey.

[michaelfisher]

Thank you for sharing your old recordings. I have enjoyed them so much!

[robmclean]

Untold numbers of kids (including me!) used to audio-record TV shows...and they all thought they were the only one!

[micmac]

I was literally born the Wednesday prior to these broadcasts.

[johnaspinall]

Thank you for sharing. Do you have the full audio of this Cavett episode? I’d like to hear Robert Shaw’s interview. Best wishes.