The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 12 Episode 75 Joey Bishop (guest host), Roy Rogers
- February 4, 1974
Joey Bishop steps in as guest host on the 75th episode of season 12 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, with legendary Western actor Roy Rogers joining him as the evening's special guest.
The show begins with Bishop's witty monologue, where he jokes about everything from politics to Rip Torn's recent arrest. He then welcomes Rogers to the stage, where the two discuss the actor's storied career and his love of performing for live audiences. Rogers even treats viewers to a few bars of his famous song, "Happy Trails."
Throughout the episode, Bishop and Rogers are joined by a lineup of talented performers, including writer and comedian Mel Tolkin, Broadway star Carol Lawrence, and saxophonist Plas Johnson. Tolkin shares hilarious stories about his time working with Carson, while Lawrence performs a captivating rendition of "What I Did for Love" from the musical A Chorus Line.
The night's musical guest is the rock band Pablo Cruise, who perform their hit song "Love Will Find a Way." Bishop and Rogers seemed impressed by the group's electrifying performance, with Bishop even quipping, "I'm getting too old for this rock and roll stuff!"
In addition to the star-studded lineup of guests, the episode also features several comedic sketches and bits. Bishop takes on the role of a bumbling magician in one hilarious skit, while longtime Tonight Show announcer Ed McMahon dons a pair of oversized glasses in a hilarious impersonation of singer Ray Charles.
As always, the episode concludes with Bishop bidding viewers goodnight and sharing his gratitude for the opportunity to guest host the iconic late-night program. Although Carson himself is not present for this episode, Bishop proves to be a charming and entertaining host in his own right, with Rogers providing the perfect touch of Western charm and star power. Overall, the 75th episode of season 12 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a must-see for fans of classic late-night television.