The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 15 Episode 211 Pete Fountain, Liberace
- August 2, 1977
In season 15 episode 211 of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, two musical legends take the stage: Pete Fountain and Liberace. The episode kicks off with Carson's famous monologue, where he delivers jokes about current events and pop culture. Just as the audience settles in, Fountain comes out with his clarinet and plays a Dixieland jazz tune that has the crowd clapping along. Fountain, who was nicknamed "Mr. New Orleans," was known for his skillful playing and energetic performances. He talks to Carson about his love for jazz and how he first got into playing the clarinet.
Next up is Liberace, the flamboyant pianist and showman. He makes a grand entrance, walking down the stairs in a sparkling outfit and greeting Carson with a hug. Liberace was a regular guest on The Tonight Show, and his performances were always a hit with audiences. He sits down at the piano and plays a few of his signature pieces, including "Chopsticks" and "Boogie Woogie." Carson asks him about his extravagant costumes and the inspiration behind his music.
Throughout the episode, Carson also interviews comedian Marty Feldman and author Studs Terkel. Feldman, who is known for his unique look and quirky humor, talks about his experiences working on the movies Young Frankenstein and The Last Remake of Beau Geste. Terkel, an award-winning author and oral historian, discusses his latest book, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.
The episode closes out with a performance from Fountain and Liberace, who team up for a medley of jazz and classical pieces. Carson thanks the guests and wishes the audience goodnight. The episode is a classic example of the kind of entertaining, diverse programming that made The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson such a beloved institution.