AmericaJR's Jason Rzucidlo sitting next to Carson's desk
AmericaJR’s Jason Rzucidlo visited the Museum of Broadcasting to check out their exhibit “Here’s Johnny: The Making of the Tonight Show, Starring Johnny Carson.” The show’s host joked that he was “In more bedrooms than any other man in America.” Now The Museum of Broadcast Communications is bringing an exhibit about the 20th Century’s most enduring show as well its iconic host, the late Johnny Carson.It features costumes, stage props, video, cue cards, and production materials to bring visitors behind the scenes into the phenomenal creative collaboration that dominated late night TV from 1962 – 1992.
Museum of Broadcasting in downtown Chicago
“Here’s Johnny” banner on window
Historical photo from Johnny Carson’s first show on Oct. 1, 1962
Johnny Carson and guest coffee mugs, 1970’s
“Carnac the Magnificent” hat worn by Carson
Carson wearing “Carnac the Magnificent” during one of his comedy skits
LIFE Magazine cover from Jan. 23, 1970
Johnny’s makeup kit, 1980s
Carson’s makeup box
Sheet music for Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show orchestra
Bandleader Doc Severnsen’s jacket
Monologue cue cards from the May 8, 1987 episode of “The Tonight Show”
More cue cards
Johnny Carson’s typewriter, 1950’s
“Tonight Show” pillow from WMAQ-TV 5 in Chicago
Ronald Reagan on “The Tonight Show”
Reagan’s Presidential Robe
Sidekicks Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen
Johnny Carson in the 1960’s
The 1970’s and 1980’s era
Johnny Carson in the 1990’s
Carson said goodbye to America on his final show, May 22, 1992
Here’s Johnny exhibit banner
U.S. Army Airborne jacket worn by Bob Hope
AmericaJR’s Jason Rzucidlo sitting next to Carson’s desk
Located at the Museum of Broadcast Communications: 360 North State Street, Chicago, IL, Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Click here for tickets and more information.