Doc Severinsen | The Complete Pioneers of Television Interview

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Doc Severinsen sits down in this never-before-seen interview to talk about working with Johnny Carson.
Director: Steven J Boettcher
► About Pioneers of Television
Television’s beloved stars bring their stories to life, offering insider tales and surprising revelations you won’t hear anywhere else. The Emmy-nominated producers of Pioneers of Television open the vault to give you exclusive access.
#PioneersofTelevision #DocSeverinsen #FunnyInterviews

[@over50andfantabulous59]

96 years young. Bless you sir.

[@thommysides4616]

This interview must be at least 10 or more years old, because Doc turned 97 this year! I'm glad he's still with us. God bless him!

[@jojojo6147]

It was from 1979

[@steved3399]

No way.,he didn t retire until 1992​@jojojo6147

[@vancap9725]

I never knew how incrediblly articulate and humble Doc is. He is a wonderful story teller with poise, compassion and humility.

[@joegustin7158]

Thank You Doc For All The Kind Words For Johnny He Was The Greatest

[@Ron-d2s]

If you average out intensity and duration of laugh VS. number of words spoken Tommy Newsom is the funniest marble statue to ever exist.

[@jamesdrynan]

The Thanksgiving improv between Doc and Johnny is still hilarious. Also Tommy's line, " I GO to clinics. " Great musicians.

[@jojojo6147]

If no one has seen the Thanksgiving episode between Doc and Johnny it is a must see.

[@jeffking887]

That’s become a yearly tradition for me. The ending was perfect: Johnny: “ Can you give me some of whatever you’re taking?” Doc: “I can’t GIVE any. But I’ll SELL you some!”

[@jamesdrynan]

@@jojojo6147 For sure! Johnny: "Well, can you come? " Doc: " No. " The timing of that is comic gold!

[@jojojo6147]

@@jamesdrynan I think Doc had just been divorced from his ex so that added to it.

[@dogbarbill]

Here ya go!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWa4d4mcfr1kg8k

[@rafaelmadrigal9038]

I have to applaud Doc Severinsen for his interview. Wow, his words really did show who Johnny Carson was behind the stage by those close to him.

[@tanagranack327]

About ten years ago I had the chance to listen to a 4 hour closed rehearsal of Doc and his orchestra while touring through Bellingham Washington. They were performing that night and rehearsed all afternoon. I sat on the floor, well out of sight, and listened to one of the greatest stage band leaders ever to pickup a baton. Heard a lot of great musical performances, but that rehearsal will always remain a favorite. Thanks, fellas and thanks, Doc. You are loved.

[@brucecaldwell6701]

I saw him & his band with my parents in Houston over a decade ago, but I don't remember exactly when. But I do remember his drummer, Jimmy Branly, was excellent & Doc could still swing too.

[@aaronsmith5433]

I always enjoyed rehearsals, so precious. Chico Marx had a comedy routine where Groucho was negotiating to hire the band( trying to save money) he asked, "How much for rehearsal?" "Oh, you couldn't afford that!"

[@dogbarbill]

Yeah, rehearsals and sound checks are special. I was fortunate enough to sit in on a Pat Metheny sound check once. Never will forget it.

[@latheofheaven]

@@aaronsmith5433 Why-A-Duck...?

[@rb9628]

Only an eleven minute interview. I could listen to his stories for hours, and I'm sure he has many.

[@tomperkins5657]

EXACTLY!

[@ParkerAllen2]

This was a very modest, self-effacing interview by a great talent. One of my absolute favorite Tonight Show segments in all those years of watching the show occurred when Doc subbed for Ed just before Thanksgiving. After the monologue and before the guests came on, Johnny and Doc talked about their Thanksgiving plans and Doc was hilarious to the point where Johnny finally tossed a box of Kleenex onto his desk to wipe his eyes. I don't know if I ever saw Johnny laugh so much. I happened to be watching the first night that was broadcast (I've since seen it on one of those "Best of Carson" shows), and I couldn't believe how long they carried that very funny conversation. A good memory.

[@boblinden4488]

I’ve watched that Thanksgiving banter so many times.

[@jeffking887]

“I can’t give you any, but I’ll SELL you some!”

[@michaelhungate7506]

I watch antenna TV and seen that one within the last few months. It's funny and I think Doc said it was spontaneous. How the conversation went just got funnier and funnier.

[@dpm-jt8rj]

One of the funniest five+ minutes ever! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmaYhGx7jtl7mNk&ab_channel=JohnnyCarson

[@Slugg-O]

Even as a kid I admired Johnny, Doc, and Ed. The chemistry among them was perfect. I remember how kind Johnny was kind to everyone, including to the nobodys, the oddballs, and weird guests like the woman who collected oddly shaped potato chips. It was a crazy thing to invite her on the show but Johnny made it work. He made it funny and entertaining without embarrassing them, unlike Letterman. There was and will only be one Johnny, and those of who grew up with Doc playing the intro night after night were very lucky to have see him.

[@demef758]

You could make the argument that Johnny's best "work" was when he interviewed "nobodies," the common man or woman like all of us here. He particularly loved the elderly people whose main accomplishment was being able to do X at age Y. He loved the innocence of little kids, which is probably why he created a trust fund to help children, endowing it with something like $150M.

[@Slugg-O]

@@demef758 You are 100% correct. Johnny was great with the common folk, especially elderly women. He had the ability to make anyone appear interesting.

[@devilsden2283]

Amazing driven musician, STILL at 95!...music truly is his mistress to a fault as can be seen in his fabulous biopic "Never Too Late"...a must see for fans....keep kickin ass Doc!....👍

[@bh5606]

Interesting that 90% of this interview is about Johnny Carson and not Doc. Doc is admirable for that.

[@tomperkins5657]

Speaking of class...

[@boblinden4488]

Miss Johnny, Ed and Doc.

[@michaelhungate7506]

Hey Doc is still alive and very well. I think he's 95? now. He still does concerts and plays excellently.

[@Ron-d2s]

@@michaelhungate7506 96

[@Ron-d2s]

@@michaelhungate7506 96, so I hear.

[@gloriacalderon5103]

97 in 2024

[@wythetrumpet6419]

Those were the days when late night TV was fun to watch! I certainly miss Johnny, Ed, Doc and Tommy; they were indeed a class act!

[@roywells5790]

Grew up watching him. Nobody has class like that man or that era. Sad day we live in

[@ronhaworth5471]

What an eloquent tribute to , HERE'S JOHNNY!!

[@55Reever]

"Made something out of that show that someone ever did or ever will". No truer statement.

[@chrisarseneault5617]

Doc is a superstar himself.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

"Always gave, the best he had to give" -Johnny Carson ...well said Doc

[@maddogmcrae]

And the current Tonight Show host don't even try to half-ass it. It just simply unwatchable. No one will ever even come anywhere close to Johnny Carson.

[@ganderson158]

Doc you are a class act too! Johnny was the greatest and miss him & Ed.

[@jeffking887]

Doc is a treasure. The Tonight Show was maybe the last “must see” TV I remember. Someone has all ready brought up the Thanksgiving banter between Johnny and Doc but it bears repeating. That was GOLD. I watch that every year in Thanksgiving. The other thing to remember is that the Tonight Show Band was Stellar. Drummer Ed Shaunessy would go toe to toe with Buddy Rich. And the horns backing up The Allman Brothers is another show I’ll rewatch repeatedly.

[@dogbarbill]

Ed and Buddy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4K7lZxoaplpb7c

[@dogbarbill]

Thanksgiving discussion November 21, 1979. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWa4d4mcfr1kg8k

[@lnl3237]

So much affection and respect for Johnny expressed here. Every Thanksgiving I watch their infamous exchange about the holiday.

[@johnz4412]

One of the most skilled trumpet players in American music!

[@NickC1966]

He conducted the Buffalo Pops several years ago. He was great. And a very fine gentleman. Loved it when he was on the podium.

[@alberthartl8885]

Johnny was not the best husband or father, but, he was the absolute best host of a late night talk show. I grew up in the midwest so the Tonight Show aired an hour earlier. As an adolescent, I was allowed to stay up, watch at least the first 30 minutes, and still get a decent nights sleep. Watched Johnny almost every night for 30 years.

[@bluenetmarketing]

Doc was just as great as Johnny was.

[@leilanirocks]

It’s difficult to believe that an interview with someone as talented, engaging, articulate and connected as Doc Severinsen could be considered “complete” at 11 minutes. I guess I’ll take what I can get from the maestro. 🎺

[@BernieBushell-yv4eo]

I love Doc, because he is one of the original old school music player I enjoy. To me he was the backbone of the tonight show supporting johnny and Ed. Favorite memories of Tonight show was when jimmy Stewart told us about the best parts of when he had his dog, the last time when jack Benny appeared on tonight show we could all see the love johnny and jack had for each other, 2 legends of comedy the world will never match again. And the time when Doc talked about his Thanksgiving with johnny. Thank you Doc for helping make the tonight show best comedy on tv💕

[@asteverino8569]

Doc, you did a great job.. With Johnny with the show. And that reflects on you. I appreciate you and the band contributing to the show in a big way.

[@stevejensen3471]

Was always tucked in by these guys in the 80's - Johnny, Ed, and Doc. They sent us to bed and made the world seem like it was okay! I've missed those days ever since!

[@Ds74-pmrq]

I always loved Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band, you won't find a finer group of musicians anywhere . The day of a televisions program being classy and dignified are long gone .

[@trainliker100]

I met him a few years back after he performed as "Doc Severinsen and the San Miguel Five". (Super excellent, by the way.) I told him I only came to see what sort of jacket he might be wearing. I had the impression that wasn't exactly a new joke to him. He was very gracious. And he has inspired a great many trumpet players and other musicians.

[@harrylazard805]

Talk about class, you know there were some bad, behind-the-scenes things Doc could have brought up about Johnny after so many years working with him but Severinsen only brings up the great things. How refreshing....

[@howardford6991]

I read a book many MANY years ago by Craig Tennis. The name of the book was "Johnny Tonight!" Craig Tennis was the head talent coordinator on The Tonight Show. Wonderful book! It gave a LOT of insight into the character and personality of Johnny Carson and what made him tick.

i was waling on the street in Bloomington IN and I looked over and there was Doc walking next to me going to job in the Hyper Building. I was shocked. I said, I know you. You're on the Johnny Carson show. Amazing. I didn't say more. I was just shocked. He was so nice and laughed. He was there for a concert and I didn't know it. Love the show. Loved Doc. Still do. today everything is crap.

[@jennifer86010]

I went to hear Doc Severinsen and his musical group play at Yoshi's Jazz club in Oakland, California. His band had a percussionist, bassist, guitarist, violinist, and an accordion player, plus Doc's trumpet. As soon as he came out to play, he held his horn straight out, and his shoulders rose up half a foot as he took a huge breath. The sound that came out of his horn was amazing. He had a sound that was totally commercial-studio-grade professional. Powerful, polished, elegant, and majestic.

[@HQBergeron]

Perfect description! Doc’s sound was so fat and powerful, and his first note attacks on a phrase were always perfect, never a muff. It takes tremendous concentration and practice to prepare every part of your body and mind to do that, from the large muscles in your legs, midsection, diaphragm, and arms to the small ones in your hands and embouchure. Playing trumpet is a very athletic thing, but also requires exceptional fine motor skills, great hearing and pitch recognition, plus musicianship to interpret and execute the music. Doc has it all. Amazing talent along with the dedication to practice diligently and continue learning. Such a pleasure to listen to any performer who combines all of those things. Bravo, Doc!

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Yes, Johnny was like Fred Astaire dancing. What a great metaphor.

[@jeffreynagy5395]

Thank you Doc! In my early 20s ( middle 1980s ) Johnny monologue was favorite thing to enjoy from my day. Early "Happy Birthday wishes! 🎉

[@msr1116]

Doc, Johnny, Ed and Tommy Newsom were all in sync with each other and made for that rare chemistry on TV.

[@sandyorgoglioso9947]

Total, insightful respect

[@steveweiss2081]

Late night talk died when Johnny Carson retired. He was the best that ever was, or ever will be. The NBC Orchestra led by Doc Severinsen was the best big band ever. I’ll always miss The Tonight Show.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

It was my Great Good Fortune to escort "out-of-towners" many times to see the Tonight Show live. My Mom also worked on some of the older live commercials. Mr. Carson came up from behind and tossled my hair, "What the hell are you doing back here with a grand smile." I was 8-9 years old and had no idea who he was... The ONE thing I recall from all those experiences is that band. Oh my Lord what a glorious noise. Even as a little boy I sat in reverence, on the floor, and just took it all in. They huge araul wallop of beautiful joy was the Greatest intoxicant I have ever known.

[@brucekuehn4031]

Bob Uecker was on with Johnny over 100 times. Bob is still doing Brewer games on the radio in his hometown of Milwaukee and is 88 yrs old. He and Doc got to be good friends and would often reconnect when Doc conducted Pops concerts in Milwaukee. In 2012, the Brewers dedicated a statue of Uecker in front of the stadium and Doc entertained at the ceremony with a 14-piece band.

[@mikestevenson576]

Amazing to think they could still theoretically reconnect in the year 2022.

[@67lionsoflisbon37]

Class just is. Doesn't need self promotion. Real Class just shines through.

[@ytugtbk]

Great interview. One of the best stories yet about how someone wound up in show biz.

[@ThomasSielaff]

While I am happy that Doc talked about Johnny, as I'm sure he thought that's what was expected of him, I wish he would have talked more about himself. Yes Doc, you are important too, and were a big part of our late night lives also.

[@anthonygeurtsen7143]

I attended the Armed Forces School of Music, in Little Creek Virginia....just as Doc did, and as a fellow trumpet player...i scored higher than him on my F2 (final performance exam). To this day, i still consider him as one of my heroes.

[@danielmalloy6093]

The show wouldn't have been the same without Doc. Not because I'm a trumpet player, but the many guest musicians that showed up. I was woken out of a sound sleep, to Clarke Terry playing the flugel horn upside down, Wow. And Doc's professionalism was top notch.

[@rayanderson7074]

Always Loved Doc…..

[@jamestcallahanphotographer]

Johnny was The Man. Hands down.

[@alphabeets]

Great guy and musician, and the best hair ever. Love you, Doc.

[@realcoach2023]

Doc aged so well. Looks great

[@chrismatecki9469]

Loved when they had to fill time and Doc and the band would come up with something to blow the roof off! He was Great! So was Tommy Newsom . They covered the Bee Gees "Lights on Broadway " one night....Awesome!

[@rickrick5041]

Perfect interview

[@christopherbarker181]

America loved these guys! And as a "wanta be" trumpet player" I love Doc! Thanks for being someone we could try to play like and Happy Birthday!

[@jameshoran8]

Doc, besides being an excellent musician, filled Ed's shoes whenever Ed was off and did it perfectly.

[@rowdyyates8626]

Pretty intuitive of Johnny Carson. And right on the mark about him.

[@allenhansford6872]

Happy birthday docs 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😢😢🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😢🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@gregoryball9504]

People may not realize that this gentleman Doc was Johnny Carson’s band leader for years.

[@clydeb7713]

This interview can't be now. Doc is 95yrs old!

[@gordonbelle1375]

I was thinking the same thing

[@devilsden2283]

Its not....but if your a fan, you "must see" his biopic " Never Too Late"....outstanding documentary and also Herb Alperts " Herb Alpert...Is"....enjoy!

[@Nicksonian]

Find the documentary about Doc that ran on PBS recently. It’s amazing. He’s amazing. There’s a lot more to Doc than just being Johnny Carson’s bandleader.

[@stevechandler8487]

Man I miss Johnny

[@JosephConstantino-y8h]

Really nice interview. Thanks Doc

[@jennifer86010]

Doc Severinsen illustrates the difference between professional athletes and professional musicians. Athletes reach their peak in their twenties. By the time they are in their late thirties, they are well over the hill and ready to retire with injuries. On the other hand, professional musicians who live into their nineties, can still play. Not as well as they played in younger years, but they can still play very well. Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubenstein, and Doc Severinsen are all examples of this.

[@johngiovine8792]

The best of the ever!

[@jessstone7486]

Doc is cool. Appreciate seeing this.

[@EdwardKrzynowek-fx5to]

Wow. I didn't see this one coming. "If you come out with sabers a-blazing...". Right away, I heard it as, "Discretion is the better part of valor". In other words, back off, wait a minute, reconsider before you jump in. That one realization might have saved a situation from an injury of huge proportions. It sounds like a good way to make and keep friends. Thank you for that.

[@edwardjnarrojr3135]

Loved Doc

[@jamescpotter]

The Tonight Show was watching extended family over that 30 year stretch. Johnny, Ed, Doc and all the familiar musicians were consistently serving the audience and TV viewers with an A+ effort even when some nights (not many) were a struggle. There was The Tonight Show and everything else running a distant second. When Johnny went off the air, a huge hole was left with nothing to fill it.

[@AztecHusBone]

Love!

[@bme7491]

My first 33RPM record album was "Persuasive Percussion" featuring Doc Severinsen.

[@jennifer86010]

It was little known that Johnny Carson was also a very versatile performer. He actually sang, danced, played drums, and guitar very well, in addition to his amazing speaking skills. When he did the fast-talking Art Fern character, he spoke beyond the speed of sound, and clearly, continuously. An American original.

[@Mike1614YT]

Doc is a good guy

[@ddduva4440]

When are the dates these are recorded?

[@reyesplace1096]

I got his album Brass Roots for christmas one year. Killer album. Johnny carson wrote extrememely flattering liner notes

[@reyesplace1096]

I remember in the liner notes johnny said that doc severinsen never ceased to amaze him.

[@98Dougmorris]

lovely interview!

[@jamescherney5874]

If it weren't for Johnny Doc would have been just another studio musician. He owes a lot to Johnny.

[@kenhurley4441]

However they made a great team.

[@mackmaloney3776]

One of the best big bands ever...just happened to be on TV

[@jamestobler8473]

Major talent !supremacy sacrifice !amazing song and album

[@bobx1034]

so true!

[@rickwilliamson9248]

There are more times than not when I'd rather watch a "Best of Carson" infomercial than anything that's on TV at the time.

[@ruthecker399]

loved him

[@lyledelp5175]

Dan is absolutely correct!!

[@michaelhungate7506]

This interview was a while ago. Docs still playing and I think he's 94 or 95.

[@sawegrzyn]

Doc is retired.

[@michaelhungate7506]

@@sawegrzyn He played his last concert at age 95.

[@petercoughlan1030]

Doc Severinsen might have a small band but it was a really good small band.

[@alphabeets]

The graphic says “unedited”, but this is very edited. Can you post the full interviews?

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Best regular as in frequently and most years band on T.V.and versatile with Class of the day . Tommy too. He didn't speak much but spoke very well with music.

[@ddduva4440]

This channel used to never have ads. Bummer, apparently now it does.

[@kevinvanmeter2264]

Happy retirement, Doc.

[@richardsisk1770]

Doc is a class guy himself. I grew up watching him, Johnny, Ed and the band. They were my family after I ran away from an abusive alcoholic stepfather. Thanks Doc! 😊

[@wurly164]

Johnny knew when to shut up and let the guest shine. So many other hosts will keep talking and stepping on the guests lines.

[@kenton6098]

Doc mentions Ed. Ed McMahon was a carrier-qualified fighter pilot and a combat forward air controller in Korea whose job was to fly around in a small plane and get the enemy to shoot at him so that the fighters could attack the gun emplacement.

[@christophermorgan3261]

The point about profanity well taken So many use that as the act itself now, sad really.

[@roachman1412]

Doc said it right in one word about today's night host no Class

[@dougms9790]

I feel really sorry for the generations that will never spend their evening listing to Johnnie Carson.

[@christopherallen9580]

And he's still alive

[@llongdong]

Ole Doc used ta chew tabacker. I worked in maintenance at NBC in Burbank from 19 and 88 up through 19 and 97. Doc would come out back fer a chew 3/4 times a week. Me bein' a chewer, I'd strike up some talk wit him from time to time. Jest the absolute best down ta earth feller ye could hope ta meet. Ole Ed, on the other hand........

[@nickcupkovic5721]

Unbelievable musician

[@jameshoran8]

Ed McMahon said the same thing. Johnny tried to create a family like Jack Benny on the show.

[@sclogse1]

I would have liked to hear about the tea time movies skits.