Bill Harbach, the original producer of The Tonight Show with Steve Allen, is interviewed by TV Time Machine radio host Jim Benson about the legendary talk show and his remarkable career.
Today on the TV Time Machine, we explore the history of Tonight. In this edition of our program, we are honored to welcome Bill Harbach, the original producer of The Tonight Show. From 1954-1957, Tonight Starring Steve Allen revolutionized late-night television, beginning the most successful franchise in the history of the medium. Together with host Steve Allen, our guest helped build the elements and foundation, for this legendary television talk show.
Over these audio segments, Bill Harbach helps us explore virtually every aspect of this extraordinary program, as well as his remarkable life and career. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to stay up late, feel free to say hi-ho Steverino, as we mono log out of the present, only to talk all night, in the past!
Listen to the Interview Below
The Tonight Show Bill Harbach audio interview
In this audio segment, host Jim Benson and the original Tonight Show producer Bill Harbach, talk about how The Tonight Show concept as created by NBC president Pat Weaver in 1954, why Steve Allen was the perfect first host of The Tonight Show, and what elements of the talk show that Steve Allen and Bill Harbach created, that still exist on the air after 60 years.
Producer Bill Harbach and host Steve Allen of the first Tonight Show in 1954
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The Tonight Show Bill Harbach audio interview
In this second audio segment, the original Tonight Show producer Bill Harbach talks about why The Tonight Show has lasted for 60 years, his experience producing the classic ABC TV variety series The Hollywood Palace, and why Mr. Harbach and Dean Martin thought The Rolling Stones were one of the worst acts ever to perform on television, when they appeared on The Hollywood Palace in 1964.
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