A Favor For Frank
In 1981, Frank Sinatra produced President Reagan’s Inaugural Gala and wanted Carson to host it. Johnny had no choice but to say yes since Sinatra referred to this as a “personal favor”, and it would be insulting for Carson to say no. It wasn’t until Carson was at the Gala itself that he discovered that it was actually President Reagan who requested he be there, not Sinatra. This upset him. He said, “Ronnie does know that I answered my country’s call once already, doesn’t he?” He went on to negatively comment on Sinatra all evening, but the best part of the night was when Dean Martin showed up and Carson refused to introduce him during the Gala.
A Favor For Frank
No Hope For The Future
When Carson passed away in 2005, there were plenty of upset and saddened fans. His legacy and nickname being the “King Of Late Night Television” will remain, but he didn’t have such high hopes for what was coming in the future of late-night TV. He mentioned to Peter Jones how he was disappointed in the direction TV was headed in, with the rise of tabloids and reality TV. “He had said he was sickened by what was going on and was glad he got out when he did,” Jones mentioned.
No Hope For The Future