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January 24, 2005

Passing of an Icon

It was certainly a disappointment to learn of Johnny Carson's passing this weeked. I can easily remember the excitement I felt as a young child when I got to stay up late and hear that famous Ed MacMahon line "Heeeeerrre's Jjjohhnny!"

While most of the humor was over my head and clearly lost on a young boy, hearing the line and seeing the phantom golf club swing meant that I'd been able to grab a brief glimpse into the secret lives of adults. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the meaning and biting wit of the jokes, one liners and quips at political figures, celebrities, cultural idiots and the world in general.

I may be reaching (but not by much) when I say that Carson defined what is humor to generations of Americans. For decades, Carson was the standard by which humor was judged. If Carson thought it was funny, more than likely, so did America. No other figure, not Letterman, Leno or any other television host, was loved as much as Johnny Carson, the King of Late Night Television.

My favorite Carson one liner:

"Of Course, being the frontrunner in a Democrat Primary is like being the leader of a lemming stampede."

Rest in Peace, Mr. Carson

--Jason

Posted by JasonColeman at January 24, 2005 11:00 AM