Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson with guest Louie Bellson

[@stix9567]

My Man!!

[@roybeckerman9253]

One of the BIG 3 from that era, along with BUDDY and GENE.. Usually played much bigger kits than the other two.. “ THE GOLDEN ERA “

[@Roy-or6ev]

Just think of this oft-forgotten *fact*: Having just graduated from high school, Louie won FIRST PLACE in Gene Krupa's national drum contest. The number of competitors? 47,000 -- yes, 47,000 -- drummers! No wonder he was Buddy Rich's friend and favorite drummer 👍

[@MikeJamesMedia]

An undeniably-great drummer, and a wonderful guy. I met Louie several times as a young man, at the NAMM show in Chicago. He would stop and talk to any young drummer like me, as though we were old friends, calling you by name, and offering the kindest, most positive help, if you asked. It was humbling to be around such a benevolent guy, and I miss him.

[@spark_6710]

Mike James wow! Nice! What a great story & memory! I could tell that about him by just watching him( seemed genuinely nice!) On t.v. even! I am sad that he's gone! I used to look forward to watch him on late night talk shows ! Though I never followed , or care about drummers really ! Now I DIG drums/ drummers! Lol.

[@tempo954]

Louie, Buddy and let's not forget the great Gene Krupa all great drummers!!!

[@lindamorrison2929]

RIP-Still love to watch you play

[@rossapolis]

Bruce I hate to break it to you, but your description is wrong. This episode is from 1988. The Hot album came out in 1988. I have the November 22, 1990 show on VHS and he had 2 rack toms on his drum set. He was also promoting his album Airmail Special in that episode. His first wife Pearl Bailey had recently passed and Johnny talked about it briefly. The actual November 22, 1990 episode can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5PLqJemhpxofs0 The uploader probably didn't record the interview afterwards.

[@radiobrewster]

Right, you are. I've made the change to January 19, 1989 -- with guests Suzanne Pleshette and Baxter Black. Thanks for the info.

[@JamesTCA]

This isn't the 1990 Thanksgiving appearance.

[@dtexas2964]

When is it then?

[@JamesTCA]

No idea, but the Thanksgiving 1990 show was to promote the Airmail Special CD.

[@robertcarli1969]

@@JamesTCA the "Hot" album came out in late '87 or early '88

[@GK-rw2op]

Louie always the point at Johnny