Ep 6 - The Midnight Special | March 9, 1973

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

This Friday, June 9th, we will be releasing Episode 7 hosted by Paul Anka as a Live Premiere at 8pm EST 5pm PST. We look forward to meeting everyone in the live chat and enjoying the episode together. Hope you can make it!

[@theloyalorderofclassictv5435]

How in the world are you guys "clearing" all these episodes complete and uncut! It's got to be one heck of a job to clear every single song on every episode! Kudos for that! PLEASE no edited episodes! :) But at one hour, five minutes on average without commercials, I'm amazed at the commercial load the show had for that era - 25 minutes for a 90 minute slot. But then uncut Tonight Shows and SNL episodes from the era run about that.

[@MisterBeauJanGels]

​@theloyalorderofclassictv5435 On SNL, the commercial breaks were more frequent the longer the program dragged on. My memory of this program isn't as sharp, but I assume this was also the case here.

[@jefferyvnelson7144]

That's my birthday! Thank you for these! I was nine when this aired and my parents would let me stay up and watch!.

[@willrohan7256]

"Put Your Head On My Shoulder!"

[@paulvon2378]

far out

[@bobthortwack7960]

I loved seeing Paul Williams on TV as a kid in the 70s. For some reason my young eyes always went to him, he always looked like he was right where he was supposed to be. What a fantastic 70s icon.

[@jlambe19]

I have no idea he was even remotely a popular singer...he is horrid at it. Great songwriter, but horrible singer.

[@BarbaraAllen-he2pb]

This is a really special episode. It captures 1973 totally!

[@judetalbot795]

I came for the Edward Bear singing Last Song. Loved it growing up. It sounds so melancholy and it is sung perfectly.

[@rogerpr364]

He Lipsinc But, I too like this song, I've won amateur show singing it and I sing it playing drums,, yup, cool song Happy New Year Cheer's

[@JanBee1122]

@@rogerpr364 No lipsinc in this performance. He was just so good, it sounds like it. But I know the song well enough to hear the subtle differences between this performance and the recording. Add to this, the Midnight Special didn't like to let their performers lip sync and it happened rarely.

[@bbushor1965]

This song reminds me going to school with my Mom and listening to CKLW in Detroit❤

[@Emerald2393]

I loved Edward Bear, this was a hit when I was in grade 11.

[@luvbasses5487]

Williams is one the best songwriters of our lifetime. He penned Evergreen, sung by Babs! Just incredible. He was funny in Smoky and the Bandit too.

[@horaceball5418]

He did not seem to enjoy hosting this show, does you agrees/

[@mrennick]

Also wrote Rainbow Connection. Talk about iconic songs.

[@badplay156]

I was fortunate enough to see him live. Admittedly he wasn't the best singer in the world but the show was excellent. He wrote the theme sing for the TV show Love Boat. At that point it was in syndication and reruns. He referred to it as "horizontal profits". He would lie in his hotel room, turn on the TV and Love Boat would come on. Every time the theme song played he was paid a small amount of money.

[@badplay156]

Don't forget The Phantom of Paradise

[@pooddescrewch8718]

Yes , he is an infinitely talented lyricist . We haven’t seen anyone near as successful since his peak

[@robertstephens156]

I saw Sha Na Na in June, 1977 at Anaheim Stadium. They opened up the show that included, in order, Nazareth, The Tubes, The Kinks, and headliner Alice Cooper. What a day that was. Oh, to be seventeen again.

[@horaceball5418]

I was born in 1960 t00

[@horaceball5418]

Paul Williams is still alive, 83 years young and working out everyday!

[@Yankeededandy62]

What a find: Edward Bear, not only with Last Song, but also with my favorite song "Close Your Eyes". Fantastic.

[@mariaescano7922]

sounded almost like David Cassidy

[@lilpoohbear653]

Edward Bear...always loved this song...he is a cutie too ;)

[@Barry101er]

Always good to see Paul!

[@sydneycarton9973]

Loretta Lynn performing Coal Miner's Daughter live on the Midnight Special. Wow.

[@RobertConway-l6s]

Close your eyes Im right beside you - classic gold music. Edward Bear forever!!

[@ernestcruz6316]

Later in 1973 Sha Na Na released their album The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll, which was heavily promoted on late night TV commercials. Fun fact: In 1965, Paul Williams was one of the many young men who auditioned to be in the cast of The Monkees.

[@joeg6655]

So great that his disdain for Sha Na Na and nostalgia revival made its way in to Phantom of Paradise as the Juicy Fruits.

[@ClubMayview]

No autotune... amazing. Artists today should be ashamed

[@pooddescrewch8718]

Since the 1980’s schools have been having their arts and music allotments slashed . No one is being taught musical theory anymore

[@Patriotic545]

Seals and crofts hummingbird and Summer breeze live performance made me go back in time. Those are the food and drinks old days. All good times.

[@maypenja2819]

Loretta Lynn and Ravi Shankar on the same show! I did not know who they were back then. I was an 11 year old boy who had only recently immigrated from Jamaica to Brooklyn, a year and 1/2 before. I watched this show and Don Kirschner's Rock Concert nearly every week until the late 70's.

[@fritzherrmann762]

What a wonderful look into we had diverse stars and talent

[@DaveLL500]

I'm also here for Last Song and Close Your Eyes by Edward Bear. As a 12 years old, I missed this show when it was first aired but grateful for the opportunity to watch it over 50 years later. Larry Evoy's live vocal performances bring back fond memories of hearing him on CKXL Calgary radio back then.

[@JimGeigerMusic]

Hummingbird is such a great song. People would be benefitted to learn its meaning.

[@tinocojohn1]

Sha Na Na just in time bringing back 50's music 20 years later.

[@jackiehooks8613]

I always worked second shift use to rush home to watch the Midnight Special still to this day I still love Clap For The Wolfman.

[@deanbowditch7329]

Seals and Croft are simply stunning ....... What a great sound by two fabulous musicians . The Midnight Special was a fixture in our household and I was 8 yrs old back in 73 .I had 3 older brothers who would let me stay up and watch it in our room which we all shared. Great memories !!!!

[@room34]

I wonder about the contractual details that guaranteed their bass player was *only* shown in the long shots. He was such a key part of the sound, couldn't they have given him even a couple of seconds on camera?

[@towdjumper5]

I loved watching this show and SNL when shows’ were entertainment.Thx 4 sharing.

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

Having heard "Last Song" on the radio for five decades, I had always assumed Edward Bear was a solo male artist. I had no clue that Edward Bear was the name of a group and there was no group member named Edward Bear.

[@bobbernhardt6751]

Next thing you are going to tell me is there is no Jethro in Jethro Tull lol ( I would have been looking for Edward too !!! )

[@dannieallen1379]

Paul williams is awesome performer

[@kirbygene]

You're being sarcastic, right? He wrote good pop songs, but he can't sing, has no stage presence, he isn't funny, and his little skit with Jonathan Winters was embarrassingly awkward.

[@cameronduff884]

...I feel the same way about Joanne Mitchell and Bob Dylan...

[@bryandavidlizanayallico2119]

Love it

[@khalli2112]

Well You can get no better super star than Mrs Loretta Lynn!!!

[@rogerkenworthy6380]

Thank you for posting EB.

[@Demebeso714]

Paul Williams!!!!!!

[@dennispena5496]

Seals and Crofts were a stand out in the performances. I bought both tracks on Apple music just now. I didn't know they wrote Summer Breeze.

[@kirkstmoritz5587]

Great version of I Wonder Why by Sha Na Na. Good quality video too.

[@jhlasound]

Every episode is excellent. I’m living way too much in the 70s. Looking at the state of music today, it really sucks

[@joseplaza9442]

I remember watching this when I was 11 loved it

[@太志松尾]

エドワードベア ラストソング♫ 私の青春時代１番の思い出🙆

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

I saw Sha Na Na when I was a kid, not once but twice in the Dallas area around 77 or 78. I remember being entertained, and understanding about 50s music, I would have been 8 or 9, maybe 10.

[@mikemazz3377]

Sha na na man they were freaking awesome

[@merriemisfit8406]

Their concerts were so kinetic -- you could wear yourself out just sitting there watching. And as for being a band of high achievers, besides the guys who made music their career, Sha Na Na turned out a pack of attorneys, professors, and doctors.

[@shortturbo]

Seeing Ravi Shankar again, young and full of Spirit, brings such a joy to my heart, ears, eyes and soul. I'm loving watching Midnight Special! Takes me back! Quite historical.

[@loilt5091]

Ravi & Co. are knocking it outta the park‼️

[@QueenLoretta]

What a treat to see this gem from 50 years ago. How exciting to see my favorite artist LORETTA LYNN "Queen of Country Music." THANK YOU for posting this.

[@radford76]

I hope the creators of this KZbin Channel gets this…I just want to say Thank You for posting every episode, it is wonderful and it is so important that people never forget these artists. I think this is one of the best things to happen on KZbin! This is a great show…and wish we had something like it today, and had the talent out there now like then. I try and see any band that still tours from this era of music, they are awesome. Thanks again and please keep the episodes coming!

[@abelincoln3287]

Hey! It's cousin Oliver from The Brady Bunch, singing!

[@benrowe4909]

Yes! I see it clearly now.

[@kylabaxter]

😂😂😂 Yes!

[@amberleeson6936]

😂

[@jeffreylowe5694]

Not funny

[@junerenner3509]

Hilarious! I never noticed until now 😂

[@RalfHusch-cp5fl]

Danke!

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

Thanks Ralf! Do you have a favorite artist?

[@RalfHusch-cp5fl]

@@themidnightspecialtvshow My all-time favs are Steely Dan and Toto, but I also love Linda Ronstadt, Paul Williams and Warren Zevon, just to name a few...

[@rayrecordings]

So many kudos to Brian De Palma for having Paul Williams on Phantom Of The Paradise. It was a perfect character and he wrote great songs for it.

[@davidf3883]

Seals/Crofts knocked it out of the park with their perfect harmony.

[@Piggy-Oink-Oink]

I loved Seals and Crofts Real harmony and no tricks

[@dirtylaundry5]

Paul's comment at 18:57 suggesting this won't be Edward Bear's last hit hasn't aged well...

[@jethro1963]

As Larry Evoy he had another hit in 1977 with Here I Go Again. Two other hits for him before this appearance were You, Me And Mexico and Masquerade.

[@DuaneDorman]

In addition to the Brady Bunch, Paul Williams also made a couple of appearances on the Odd Couple.

[@jmaxxtv9912]

Watching and hearing Seals & Crofts so dialed in just puts me on another planet. Thank you so much for this. 👍👍

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

Our pleasure!

[@DuaneDorman]

In addition to Evergreen, he also wrote many songs for the Carpenters. I always liked Karen Carpenter, but now, I am more interested in them than ever. Paul Williams is/was so incredibly talented

[@terryrollins1973]

Paul Williams 💗 💗 💗 💗 💗

[@richsmith9063]

The 1970's were definitely a hell of a good decade for music. The Paul Williams performance was phenomenal.

[@michlkwitz]

These old eps of The Midnight Special are a wonderful reminder of the extreme diversity of music we were exposed to back in the 70s. In today's world, you would absolutely never see a singer-songwriter like Paul Williams, a throwback group like Sha Na Na, a country legend like Loretta Lynn, an Indian sitar master like Ravi Shankar, and a folk-rock duo like Seals & Crofts all on the same bill.

[@Sum_Yousah]

A paradox when you consider that we live in times where the term "diversity" is constantly being thrown around.

[@corporeidad]

But now you can see ALL that and more and More on KZbin, Twitch, or any other streaming or video platform. It's true that you have to do the job to keep track of some things are going on.

[@Comet-hn3gm]

True diversity ! I still like most kinds of music.

[@edgregory1]

Johnny Rivers singing "Midnight Special"

[@davidclements7696]

Who were Paul WIlliams back-up singers? They were wonderful!

[@BridsSing]

Okkkkk!❤

[@Lisarata]

Sha Na Na played at Woodstock. Like a little nod to rock history and what it had evolved into by the sixties.

[@merriemisfit8406]

And because Jimi Hendrix said so.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

Such a precious experience, all those different styles, respect, love of music. The best of America! Respect du Québec!

[@skylinerunner1695]

Ah, beautiful Quebec. I miss it still.

[@EduardoChaparro-z5t]

Seals And Crofts

[@pooddescrewch8718]

Is it just me ? Or was there’s lot more really good male singers in the seventies ? The decade seemed to be breaming with male singers of remarkable quality

[@trevorcoole4197]

SHA NA NA ,,, wow..

[@chriss2295]

The talent back then was staggering. Seals and Crofts were amazing.

[@leestamm3187]

I saw them live in Chicago in 1972. They put on a great show.

[@that70sgirl90]

These full-length episodes are just so incredible. Every weekend is like opening a time capsule and seeing so many wonderful memories from so long ago. Edward Bear reminds me of the male vesion of Karen Carpenter. Singing while sitting behind the drum kit. I had forgotten about him. Thank you for reminding me of some of these beautiful gems from so long ago. Loretta Lynne... the Pioneer that paved the way for women in the country music. May she rest in peace. 🕊 I enjoyed todays episode of The Midnight Special... thank you for sharing! Happy Saturday! 💖

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

So glad you are enjoying them … more to come.

[@that70sgirl90]

@themidnightspecialtvshow Thank you so much for releasing these on KZbin. I never, ever thought that I would see these episodes. I was so young when the show originally aired. I am so thankful that I am getting to see these as an adult. Thank you! 💖

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

@@that70sgirl90 Make sure you subscribe and keep your notifications on as there is lots more coming.

[@that70sgirl90]

@themidnightspecialtvshow I am subscribed, and my bell is on. Just keep on ringing it! 🔔 Thanks to "Mostly Brenda" on "The Ed Sullivan Channel" that's how I found out. They've been spending the Love!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MostlyBrenda]

@@that70sgirl90 You're very welcome! My memory from this eps is Sha na na. I saw them around 74-75 in Historic Valley Forge, Pa. A theatre in the round with a rotating stage. They were great. All the guys could seemingly play multiple instruments and sing too. Note: they typo-ed "She" Na Na in the description. ☹.

[@susiepittman601]

Paul Williams is so talented as a songwriter.

[@lauranathan1618]

This is the best way to take a trip back to being 7 years old and feeling what it was to discover amazing music and getting to stay up late on a Friday night with snacks and mom and dad...

[@debbiewilkins1623]

I was 9 years old at that time. I miss those days so much!

[@alandhopewell]

Somehow I missed this one.

[@joseplaza9442]

Santini rocked

[@mikemiller659]

S & C Summer Breeze was a Huge Hit for them. The sound track for So many during that period. great song & great memories

[@KannibalKrunch]

Awesome, seeing Edward Bear! Thank you! Last Song 19:02 and Close Your Eyes 52:28

[@zenmasterx]

Paul's music, including his singing, was part of the soundtrack of the 70's. I always thought he was British since his accent sounds British-no, he's American.

[@davidclements7696]

Paul could write some songs.

[@MrKramer13]

?

[@davidbrunson3219]

Does anybody know that the late Ravi Shanker is Norah Jones dad?

[@asherbearboy]

Wife told me a few years ago..

[@Herro750]

Paul Williams is brilliant. I wish there was hours and hours of his live stuff. Would never have enough. Maybe in the next world God willing.

[@anton1990]

I couldn’t agree more. I love him so much, and I have all his records. It’s such a bummer that there isn’t more of his old tv-appearances available online. Not even the Johnny Carson channel has clips, and he was a guest nearly 50 times.

[@Herro750]

@@anton1990 I like loads of different songs but there aren’t so many song writers who can really touch you to the core with a tune that moves you for a moment to another world . His songs do that.

[@anton1990]

@@Herro750 Definitely.

[@michaelbrandt5416]

@@Herro750 Agree with you, sir. And not to forget the brilliant film he did back in 1974 "Phantom of the Paradise", of which he wrote all the songs. Consider them all to be pure gold. Songwriters of his caliber is rare these days. Miss those times.

[@Herro750]

@@michaelbrandt5416 by the way I’m a madam 😉

[@pooddescrewch8718]

Paul Williams looked like a Mr Meaty character

[@acme.videos]

Thank you The Midnight Special!! Another beautiful show, keep them coming every week!! 😍🤩❤🙏

[@themidnightspecialtvshow]

Glad you are enjoying them, we are trying to release a new episode every weekend. Make sure you subscribe and have your notifications turned on.

[@tia2all501]

I remember seeing this show because I thought the guy singing Last Song was one of the best looking man IMO I had the 45 record.watching this now in 2023 I know why I’m attracted to men with similar vibes. He looks like he could be Jackson Browne’s younger brother back in the days 💖💕💞

[@jethro1963]

Larry Evoy, you might like a later hit Here I Go Again

[@michaelterry1000]

I saw Paul Williams 2 months ago (April 2023). He had someone else sing his songs for him because he said that he can't do it anymore. I would have rather he tried. I would rather listen to a few klunker notes from him than a to hear a someone who I didn't know sing his songs.

[@JaneMurray-di3gq]

He never could sing imo

[@joker747A]

I love watching these midnight special video(s) of the music I grew up on. Thank you for making it so 🫡

[@cindypruitt9534]

My God where an you see Sha Na Na and Loretta Lynn together in one show. RIP Loretta, you were an angel.

[@Kranekick1985]

Born a few years after.😎😁

[@lawrence7511]

Love this!!! Been waiting to see Loretta's performance. Man she was beautiful!!! What a talent!!!!

[@CowGirlKat8691]

It's like my HS years after coming home from a date, sitting in the dark & watching MS & rocking along with the crowd! Thank you so much for bringing this great cultural program back!! BTW: Paul's brother Mentor wrote "Drift Away"!

[@ElricX]

Paul Williams was/ is such a huge talent!

[@michellekozlov9390]

Last Song by Edward Bear...one of my favorite songs! Love his voice!!

[@anton1990]

There’s so much raw emotion in his voice. Just magical.

[@TheGravygun]

I love Paul Williams in The Hobbit

[@gottabighit1]

Paul Williams’s heart … and it’s still ticking. Just amazing.

[@ABdancers]

Drummer Larry Evoy had a great voice. Thank you for posting this fantastic episode with these two excellent Edward Bear songs from 1973. Fun to watch.

[@goaheadmakemydrink]

I've been saying Larry Eboy since 73

[@garydavis9361]

I knew the songs, but not the band. I didn't know who was singing at first and was surprised to see it was the drummer.

[@jethro1963]

My favourite was You, Me and Mexico. Larry Evoy later had a nice song called Here I Go Again

[@sandyhanson6082]

Daw Edward Bear at Disneyland!

[@daschamp]

Paul is such a sweet man. His voice is gorgeous, his songs hit the heart, and his genius is amazing. Even with Phantom of the Paradise! :)

[@EdKazO-Vision]

Loretta Lynn is a goddess.

[@jenbloom6848]

They always had the most unlikely group of guests! Love it.

[@davidcoley8500]

Who else remembers Paul Williams on Dexter's Lab?

[@chesslerbooks]

The internet says Paul Williams is worth only 9 million dollars. With his song royalties he should be half as rich as Paul McCartney. Whar happened? 3 marriages, drugs, ok. But c'mon, where di it go?

[@Swalker20659]

You'd have to blame his agents and managers for not making better deals.

[@janicetrimmell6897]

Thanks so much for posting these full episodes. There is just so much variety, and wow, I loved seeing Edward Bear.

[@alanarakelian5021]

God, these shows are five decades old yet so well-preserved.

[@bolivianbillionaire1349]

'phantom of the paradise' was a great movie

[@chuckhohenstein2137]

Sha-na-na played Woodstock which still blows me away

[@Thethecat01]

Sha-Na-Na played Woodstock at the request of Jimi Hendrix. They opened for him.

[@rdvbailey5990]

What's my grandma doing hosting this show

[@tabbycat55]

Paul Williams is such a sweet soul. So brilliant and talented, yet trapped in a body that most people discount. He tried so hard to be funny, but it seems few got his jokes…or didn’t understand the self-deprecation that he clearly didn’t deserve. My heart goes out to him. ❤

[@shyman99]

The young Midnight Special audience of that time was not very receptive to humor as they were there strictly for the music. I think Paul got as much out of the audience as anyone could. So no need to feel sorry for him. He was amazing.

[@DamGreek]

@@shyman99 Yes, truly amazing. He is still around acting in different things. Truly an amazing talent, and of course, a great, great songwriter!

[@eugenelopez8482]

Paul was awesome in the movie "Phantom of the Paradise." Great soundtrack ...Old Souls and The Hell with It to name a couple of songs...

[@Imapeach1]

FYI.,...PAUL WILLIAMS BROTHER,MENTOR,WROTE THE SONG DRIFT AWAY. LOVE THAT HE SANG IT HERE..

[@loboblue5441]

I just love Paul Williams. So many years, he's intrigued me

[@katherinenoggle6407]

So, damn near fifty years goes by and I haven't thought of this show even once. Clicking on a random KZbin suggestion, I'm instantly singing along with the title song like it was just yesterday. Thank y'all.

[@floydthebarber9956]

These shows are magic. Everything that was great about the 1970s.

[@larrybethune3909]

Oh my. Just had a "Fantom of the Paradise" flashback. I didn't know Paul's brother wrote "Drift Away". Thanks for another great episode.