Smothers Brothers on Letterman, August 28, 1992

Tom and Dick perform, then chat with Dave.

[@briannickerson6858]

Also in 1992, I was board president of a historic music hall in New England. As a fundraiser, the Smothers Brothers performed. After the performance, major donors were invited to a cocktail party with the brothers. It was going great when one of the brothers came over to me and said they would be happy to do some more on stage. Very generous since their only commitment was to meet and greet. They did another half hour of different material. Then, they continued to mingle. After happily moving around the room and chatting, they hung out at the bar and just enjoyed the experience. They were the last to leave. So generous, funny and down to earth.

[@triciac1019]

Boy I so remember the Smothers Brothers. Their voices, music and comedy are just so amazing. Such fun songs also. No one compares.

[@robind8149]

They were so freaking funny, we tended to forget what terrific singers they were!!!

[@rhiannonrede]

I had forgotten that ,too. I was 11 & dad was in Nam. What a hell of year.

[@onmoopombipyea]

Still are

[@robind8149]

@@onmoopombipyea - I was specifically referring to the time when their show was on, and merely pointed out that people watching their show often focused on their comedy and not their wonderful harmonies… but considering the fact that they no longer sing during their performances, and the vast majority of people in their 80’s don’t sing as well as they used to, I kind of doubt that!😉

[@jimsouthern1398]

Back in 1966, the Brothers flew into Salt Lake City for a concert. Being a local DJ, the publicity guy for the concert hall asked me and a few other local radio folks to meet and greet them when they arrived at the airport. After the handshakes and all, the publicity guy asked me if I could give them a ride into the city to their hotel. So there they were in the back seat of my 1963 Pontiac as we drove into town. They were friendly and were swapping stories while I concentrated on my driving. That evening's concert was a lot of fun, and that day remains as a very favorite memory!!

[@pireland12]

X No Iftdt.

[@paulplack490]

I got to introduce these guys on stage at Lake Lanier Islands in Georgia in about 1985. Spending time backstage before the show, I was struck by how different Tommy is from his stage persona. He uses his halting speech as a comedic device and plays "the dumb one," but he's a really smart guy. Loved spending time with them both.

[@steveperry1344]

they were very solid with song and comedy, we always enjoyed their act and we had one of their albums that my mom bought back when.

[@triciac1019]

Oh gosh, what a wonderful memory and treat for you!

[@triciac1019]

@@paulplack490 how fun that must have been and being there to hear and see them live.

[@keithgrillo8096]

RIP Tommy, you were a legend. You and your brother graced our televisions with many of the great rockers of that era.

[@KnockOffBeingFat]

Tommy and Dick made a lot of people laugh hard during time when it was much needed. Thank you Brothers.

[@cherylcampbell9369]

I forgot how beautiful their harmony can be. That, combined with their dissonant relationship, is brilliant.

[@superorangeish]

When , as kids and as a family,we were really sad when their show got cancelled.We loved it.

[@voiceguy3635]

They sound as good as Simon and Garfunkle--but funnier.

[@ittibittinurse]

Loved them. They are a part of my childhood.

[@kimclemons6080]

Mine, too

[@coastallp74]

Pat Paulson for president. I still can't get over how many votes he received.

[@triciac1019]

Oh I forgot about that. He was actually on the ballot.

[@pillettadoinswartsh4974]

These two had a variety show back int he 60's that was so hip, it got cancelled. The squares in the office couldn't handle the heat. Seriously. They were hitting Nixon, Vietnam, and everything else. Very topical. So topical that they pissed off the wrong people and got canned. The network gave them a chance to tone it down, but they stuck to their guns. Real comedy mavericks. WAY ahead of their time. They wouldn't kneel down to censorship. Comedians now owe as much to them as they do to Lenny Bruce.

[@MrEsMysteriesMagicks]

This is the joke that got their show kicked off the air. Their show aired Sunday nights at ten. One Sunday, they had this to say: Dick: Today is Easter, Tommy. Do you what that is? Tommy: Yes, I do. Dick: What is it? Tommy: It's the day Jesus rose from the tomb. Dick: That's right. Tommy: And if he sees his shadow, he goes back in again for six weeks. After that, CBS was done fighting with them and just fired them outright. They had a long history of pissing off the network censors.

[@philmanson2991]

I grew up listening to their albums, and watching their summer replacement show on CBS. Comic geniuses with rapier-quick timing, plus great musical chops. Oh, and they were great patriots who fought to end the war in Vietnam, and fought CBS to allow Pete Seeger to sing the anti-war song "The Willing Conscript" on their show.

[@whatsup7253]

Great patriots yes not like Hanoi Jane aka the great trader

[@movinngroovin2104]

Dick missed his cue to the "election year" joke. He was supposed to dispute Tommy's claim of having a 14,000 acre vineyard. Then Tommy would say, "say anything you want. It's an election year". But Tommy pulled it off on his own, asking, why are you agreeing with me? We only have 30 acres. But say anything you want. It's an election year."

[@jeffmayo2439]

Ive Met Tommy..He is the salt of the earth kinda guy.Always nice , polite and un-assuming.I only hope that he survived the Nor Cal Fires.

[@lilithrogers5204]

Oh, So fun tolaugh with these great guys again........Sorry we lost you last week Tommy Dear but your humor will live on....and your wine.....here in Sonoma County Ca where you lived for so long with us.....🤩

[@tangobango9653]

Not many people realize that the Smothers Brothers can really SING! 🥴 Luv their good clean humor too.

[@johngalt8279]

Their humor was clean...and political. Hence, their firing from their show.

[@cherylcampbell9369]

They are great musicians.

[@tangobango9653]

Cheryl Campbell 👌🏻

[@stevengriffin5349]

Yeah - saw Tommy at Pebble Beach ( Poppy Hills Golf Course) He is a San Jose State College alum . Just holding court , yackin up with crowd

[@sshelget]

I love their singing. I love their humor, but a lot of times I wish they’d sing through all of their songs and not stop and banter. :)

[@lorrainedrake9499]

They'll never be an act like them again-truly one of a kind!!

[@Willllburrrr]

Just another reminder of things I miss...they were great..

[@superorangeish]

Me and my family were so sad when their show was taken off the air....years ago

[@zapple1003]

They sound so good together. There's something about brothers when the sing together. They sound the same, but just a little different.

[@psefti]

That is so true, Barry Gibb described why that is and used the Mills and Everley brothers as examples because of genetic similarities their harmony is unique.

[@darlameeks]

RIP Tommy Smothers...so glad we have you on video, but we miss you, anyway.

[@michaelmitchell5380]

These guys where genius! They also had the GUTS to stand up for what they believed in, whatever the cost. They are my heroes!!

[@jerrykofford2675]

Nn

[@bravemise]

Were*

[@commonsense3187]

Great fun

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

In my book, Tommy Smothers is among the greatest comedians of all time.

[@waynej2608]

Mine too.

[@nancykraus5127]

Bless you, Dave, for giving us another look at these wonderful men.

[@michaellefort6128]

I was twelve in the sixties and we watched these guys every week. They introduced everyone to Mason Williams who wrote and performed Classical Gas. My Dad was a Korean War Vet and enjoyed their pokes at the Govt.

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

OMG Classical Gas!! My favorite!!

[@chriswesterfield2042]

I just found out that Mr. Smothers was a West Point graduate and WW2 hero that was a prisoner of war and died at a young age while a prisoner. These guys always kept this to themselves. What a wonderful American family.

[@janeirvine8391]

It would be hilarious if their sisters did a comedy routine about growing up with these two chuckleheads! I bet it would form a world class routine on sibling "ribaldry"!

[@dianecraig6055]

Damn...I laughed out loud at the "Soap" song... (I'm at work).

[@BrandiRudolph]

I'd love to hear their commentary on today's politics!! I loved watching them back in the day!

[@maribethchrabot1206]

Martha Luna Definitely would like to hear their opinions as well

[@photonotavailable7936]

Copy that!

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

I will never forget a bit they did on the 1968 election with Nixon and Humphrey and the other guy. It was just so obvious that no one in the country really wanted to vote for any of the three candidates. Unfortunately the result was a mess, but the bit was still funny. Wonder what they would have done with Watergate. 😎🎭

[@tricityladytn]

I grew up on The Smothers Brothers. My parents had a bunch of their albums and we would play them over and over again. They rarely get credit for being such good musicians, especially good at creating vocal harmonies.

[@schmedrake5429]

I can't even look at Tom without laughing all these decades later.

[@catherinerosa-baker2937]

As soon as he started walking out I had a big smirk on my face because yes just looking at Tommy makes me laugh cuz you know he's going to be doing his bits

[@1SqueakyWheel]

All he has to do is look semi blankly at the camera with his lips crooked into that goofy half smile to show he's on character.... and it's like a kidacting like they're about to tickle another kid.... you expect the tickle, and get the pre-tickle giggles.... That's what Tommy Smothers does to people when they know he's about to crack them up. Still works on me after all these years!

[@mollyg2642]

I was a very little girl when I first saw these guys.... Dick has a very good voice....and Tommy was so funny to me..they both were funny

[@terrytt5067]

I first saw these guys in the early 60s as a 7 yr old English kid who'd just moved to Minnesota from England due to family tradegy. They made me laugh even at that young age. Same era as "Casey Jones". They were unforgettable times.

[@therugburnz]

I saw them in Vegas in a two drink minimum bill with Joan Rivers(who personally insulted me) and they Killed an hour strait. The music was great to. They played some no joke folk music. The could just play and sing and I'd 've been more than happy. Buuuuuuuut They FN Killed.

[@debbiholley1121]

I saw them Oct 82-83 in Vegas with Joan Rivers. Your right, they killed it. Their show was so much fun and deliciously entertaining!! Joan was never my cup of tea.

[@plumafina]

2019: Tom is 82 and Dick is 79. Stay bless wonderful friends. We love you.

[@ProdigyGameWorks]

Blanca Maria [Müller-Lagunez] how old is Frank?

[@LisaSmith-tb8bb]

Blanca Maria [Müller-Lagunez] : they don’t look like it 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@harrypownall9102]

Lisa Smith , the comment stated ‘2019’ (now), this interview was in 1992, they were in their mid-fifties then.

[@plumafina]

@Beanie Cugat II Important is that they are alive. hugs

[@animalcorvair]

i watched them all the time great guys

[@roncandelaria3703]

...still great after all these years!!!

[@mountainmanjim]

I have to say that I forgot how important these two are in AMERICA . Heroes for sure .

[@colleenc4624]

Heroes 🤔. I don't think so. They seem like nice men but I would not call them heroes.

[@mountainmanjim]

@@colleenc4624 that your opinion . Your not a vietnam vet

[@russelldawkins9094]

I’m with Mountainman Jim.

[@colleenc4624]

@@mountainmanjim Totally understand, thank you.

[@toneman335]

These guys were very talented on so many levels.

[@dkmcleod100]

"...If you wear an outfit/You can be a cowboy, too.."

[@marshawoods4983]

True entertainment for sure always love these guys

[@RockingJamboree]

"Say anything you want, it's an Election Year!" Dang! BINGO! But...dang!

[@timsmola9945]

These guys used to Crack me up when I was a kid.

[@1blastman]

These are all redos from the mid-60's, but still very funny 30 years after.

[@formerrocker]

Always original funny stuff from these guys. Thanks for posting.

[@tomgurecki1204]

I miss those guys!

[@jenniferkleczka4062]

Mom always liked them best. LOL

[@plumafina]

Brilliant comment!

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Funny thing is...this show actually was my mother's favorite show!! 😎

[@marthawoodworth]

Kids loved them because kids love silly men. Their jokes were very childlike, brothers fooling around. If you've ever had a sibling, you can relate.

[@byronp2311]

Glenn Campbell got a bit of a raw deal when he took over the Smother's Brothers time slot. We adored the Smother's Brothers and would have been pissed at anyone or anything that replaced them. Took me years to appreciate how good Campbell actually was. Trivia: Nelson Riddle did the theme. I can remember that because the name was odd. Riddle also worked a lot with Sinatra. Also, that soap, soap, soap song joke takes a few seconds (they're bar chords, get it!!!). And when you get the chance, you HAVE to see Tommy come out on the Carson show and, dear God, he IS Johnny. He even had Carson flustered with how good it was (now I can't do anything with my hands).

[@tomitstube]

1992? wow, they're both still kicking at 80 and 77. always thought tommy was the youngest but it's the other way around.

[@lheasantos7538]

way ahead of their timer brilliant

[@plamba92]

Here to say that I was just searching what happened on my birthday on 28th of August 1992

[@TheDeryckRobertsonChannel]

In 2020 still awesome!

[@ritamahoney1647]

I Love them! Watched through high school.❤

[@felixmadison5736]

Tom to Dick: "MOM ALWAYS LIKED YOU BEST!" I've loved listening to these 'brothers' since the 1960s.

[@gbereterbide6440]

I loved their show. Odd that it was canceled due to "in appropriate" content, especially when we all can watch a ton of true trash these days.

[@tangobango9653]

Gail Beterbide Yeah! ‘Inappropriate’ content like being against the ‘inappropriate’ Vietnam War! 🥴

[@dorothyfreel1276]

Just wonderful ,haven't seen them in ages ,love them.

[@paulcardsfan]

yes they wrote some political songs about the Vietnam War so big boys fired them .

[@dr.science9505]

Making fun of Nixon was against the rules.

[@lechatbotte.]

They had pissed off the execs at cbs, which is why they were cancelled. They were too good for cbs.

[@barquerojuancarlos7253]

We have 14,000 acres ... No ... It's 30 acres ... what does it matter, it's an election year ... political humor Americans should appreciate

[@peterk8909]

Wow! Tom and Dick Smothers. Always loved 'em for the way they pushed the CBS censors.

[@jaclynnl7304]

Love them. Tommy was on a talk show the other day. Their show was hilarious. Wish they would come back. They would not get cancelled today.

[@sajhill]

I thought I had heard that Tommy had, like, Dementia.

[@ruthcazaly36]

Jaclynn L plus sized models

[@GlanderBrondurg]

No, but they would be demonitized on KZbin.

[@brendalg4]

@@GlanderBrondurg why?

[@brendalg4]

@@sajhill I tried to research this and I can't find any report that says he has dementia

[@mikewilder]

Mom always loved you best.

[@MelissaThompson432]

My brother introduced me to Smothers Brothers records by the time I was 5 years old, for sure. I just now realized how many decades I've been using "not again" as a punch line.

[@islandmarsh]

I never understood how anyone can give thumbs down to these.

[@troy9er]

👍🏻 Dick & Tommy!! Remember them from many years ago. I’m now in my 60’s.

[@PlanetRockJesus]

About 30 years ago I was picking up my Italian wife, her brother and mother from the airport in Chicago, and Tommy Smothers walked off the plane first. I said, " Hi, Tommy," and shook his hand, and I had to check later if I hadn't mixed up the brothers! I hadn't! This was back before 9/11 when anyone could go to the gates.

[@fredphilcox7677]

My favorites many years ago. There comedy is still priceless.

[@fredphilcox7677]

Should be their not there. Yes , I was an English teacher. Sorry

[@PlanetRockJesus]

@@fredphilcox7677 Hi Fred. Sometimes I make that mistake, too, when I'm typing fast. It's not that I don't know better. I'm a stickler for grammar, punctuation and spelling. Strunk and White!

[@m1t2a1]

I've heard some of these bits from albums of the sixties . In the sixties. Now I feel old.

[@brendalg4]

I got them in thrift stores of the 70s. It made me happy to recognize the old bits strung together. And sad to see how the audience was too young to realize what they were seeing

[@1SqueakyWheel]

Yep. The Jimmy Cracked Corn and the Soap was straight off their old LPs from the 60s-70s. Classic stuff!

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

It's interesting to think that Steve Martin wrote a lot of their comedy. He started there and the rest is history. Actually no he started at Disneyland like some kind of carnival barker and now the rest is history, he's never had a vacation since that day in 1960. That can't be true. He is one wild and crazy guy! The Smothers Brothers are the best musical comedy group ever. Without Steve though, they are just two guys on a stage lol.😆

[@cade83642]

And Super Dave Osborne was there writing too!

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

@@cade83642 You mean Bob Einstein? I had no idea. I know his brother Albert is a great comedy writer from the hilarious movies he's made: Modern Romance, Lost in America and Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World!

[@cade83642]

He played officer Judy on the show a couple of times! Yes Bob Einstein

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

@@cade83642 I knew he played officer Judy, I didn't know he was transitioning....into being a comedy writer. That was funny stuff way ahead of his time on Curb. RIP SUPER DAVE. His genius brother was on Curb too.

[@sullivan2339]

Dick's vocals terrific ! Tom- hangman- HA !

[@strtforward1]

They would have been great for the Sonic commercials!

[@TooLooze]

Not many people are willing to give up millions for their beliefs. The Smothers Brothers and Muhammed Ali.

[@stuartperry8141]

What did Muhammad Ali give up for his beliefs?

[@PhilipKaskela]

A better comparison: the Smothers Brothers & Dave Chappelle

[@afringedweller]

@@PhilipKaskela I'm not impressed with Chapelle at all. I heard him call Candace Owens a "c_nt" - that's not any kind of meaningful statement of belief.

[@afringedweller]

@@stuartperry8141 His career, for a few years, if I remember correctly.

[@cameroncooper4175]

@@stuartperry8141 He got his license to fight revoked because he refused to go to Vietnam as a conscientious objector. A famous quote there was "No Vietcong ever called me n****r" George Carlin said, "He was okay with beating people up, but not killing them. So they told him 'if you don't kill them, we're not going to let you beat them up.'" They also took away his passport so he couldn't fight abroad. And stripped him of his world heavyweight title - stupid as that sounds.

[@jsamc]

hip and square at the same time i'm crackin up.

[@rb032682]

They are great entertainers.

[@roeltovar8601]

Before Flight of the Conchords

[@lindacrouch1353]

The funniest duo ever.

[@rayjaq]

Linda Crouch p

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Linda Crouch Still doing the same routine and just as funny as 40 years ago! How many performers can lay claim to that fact?

[@tomitstube]

legends, you'd think tommy was younger but he's almost 3 years older than dickie.

[@wangson]

Whoa!! Really, eh?

[@jimnew5813]

He was kinda the leader of their business and the brains behind it although he does not seem to be in their act...great actor.

[@shelleyannette]

I really wish they would sing more as they are so very good.

[@catherinerosa-baker2937]

I love them Their show was great and yo yo man was talented

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Cathy Baker I saw them on stage in Ft. Lauderdale years after their tv show and they did routines just like they did on tv. They were still bashing the govt and politics but you know, other than being radicals their shows were a bit naughty but clean. It really stuck out in a time when any performer at a nightclub was absolutely filthy.

[@eugenedegeorge5084]

I learned how to play guitar by watching and imitating Tom Smothers I still play the way he plays.

[@suelutz5364]

What sets him apart to you as a guitar player?

[@eugenedegeorge5084]

@@suelutz5364 he just had a very rhythmic strum which was very basic in the early days of folk music what we would call a boom/ chuck or bass strum stroke. Simple but very effective the kind of thing you tap your feet to.

[@suelutz5364]

@@eugenedegeorge5084 thanks for the explanation! I know pretty much nothing about guitar playing, but I enjoy listening and watching people perform.

[@lexnuss791]

I always loved these guys!

[@Frankincensedjb123]

I loved these guys. And when they got pissed at each other was hilarious.

[@almilani4300]

Nothing like em. Masters of timing

[@debbiholley1121]

@@almilani4300 They were in a league of their own in timing!!!

[@dakotahstr]

Dick most always let's Tommy sit closest to the desk!❤❤ miss Tommy. Loved him dearly as a little girl watching them both in the 60s.

[@randypressley4145]

Hey Tony! Great show as always! I agree wholeheartedly with the D-18 in the top 5 at number 4! I received my new one last month! The tone is amazing, and it sustains for days! I was a little surprised to hear no mention of the D-41, D-42, or the Martin flagship D-45. Considering the tone woods and construction, wouldn't these three models be as desirable as the HD-28 or the HD-35 other than being a little more expensive? I mean, the D-45? Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Neil Young. Just a thought. You inspire this old guy every day. Keep up the good work!

[@dongiller]

Who is Tony?

[@randypressley4145]

@@dongiller I accidentally placed this comment on the wrong site. Sorry.

[@jillspady6450]

Bring back their show!

[@johnmoore3930]

OMG I was singing along from the first line.... as an only child I was raised by these guys on tv

[@brendalg4]

I recognized the stuff from their records except the last bit probably wasn't on a record. It was sad to see how the audience was too young to know who they were.

[@scottblasius203]

Tommy smithers is a comic genius. I privilege of seeing them live in Lost vegad alomg with marylnn marcko You know " one less bell to answer. One less egg to fry." 1990. Oh well no the speller!

[@steve8056]

When people had to put effort into comedy

[@tenpiloto]

Absolute comedic geniuses who also happened to be exceptional musicians. Anyone else realize that Tommy's "14,000 acres" was just part of his act? Thinking that way too many folks have no clue or interest in that type of knowledge.

[@RonDylewski]

Amazing talents.

[@Gary-sx5ox]

Great memories

[@zaiyongyao8247]

Looks so much like Jonny Carson, one of them.

[@rogerkassebaum4549]

Saw them in St. Louis at the Crystal Palace 1959.

[@mjproebstle]

national treasures

[@jimnew5813]

Loved their show in the sixties, didn't know then why they cancelled it, but have read a lot about it since, they were way ahead of their time. It was tame compared to what is allowed now.

[@nealsausen4651]

Tommy and Dick were the precursors of what was to come! shows of What was to follow; Saturday night live, Fridays, more Saturday night live, Rowan and Martin Laugh in, well actually Rowan and Martin were contemporaries of the Smothers Brothers Although Rowan and Martin were more “slapstick”/“vaudeville” in approach while the Smothers Brothers we’re more “cerebral”/“political” in their style of comedy! they both had their shows on around the same time but different styles of comedy they really were the template for shows like SNL! Tommy and Dick did the pioneering For What was to follow they really did lay the groundwork I wonder if the Smothers Brothers ever appeared on SNL either as guest hosts or musical guests or at least walk on cameos they would’ve been perfect for Saturday night live!....PERFECT!!!! It would’ve Have been to SNL’s credit if they had the brothers on there at least once although I never heard of them being on SNL in any capacity! I think once during one of SNL’s anniversary specials there was a quick shot of Tom and Dick sitting in the audience that’s the only time I ever saw them on SNL in anyway, shape, or form.... does anybody have any information on this?

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Steve Martin was a writer for the Smothers Brothers, so it would make sense to see them do a guest appearance on SNL would make sense.

[@fredherfst8148]

Saw them in Vegas...fabulous an hilarious and filthy good.

[@gregoryeatroff8608]

Love these guys so much. "Chocolate" is still my favorite bit, though we didn't get it in this routine.

[@christelheadington1136]

Oh, I fell into a vat of chocolate......(if you're on lock down today, you'll first think,"What a reply from a year ago ?")

[@jacquesmerde3282]

🔥 (who gets it?)

[@d.b.9645]

Always loved them!

[@watchgoose]

"Not again" what a riot!

[@tede.kulhawik7614]

I liked Tommy best lol, they were extremely talented and hilarious.

[@d.e.p.-j.7106]

Good Carson impression.

[@00bikeboy]

Now that's entertainment!

[@LisaSmith-tb8bb]

OMG still great l have 4 or 5 of there albums

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Lisa Smith wow. On vinyl? Will they still play?

[@LisaSmith-tb8bb]

GC Durnin: they do