In 1977 country music singer Dolly Parton was just 31 years old. In that year the legendary singer would release one of her classic #1 hits, “Here You Come Again.” That song would end up ranking #3 on the Top 100 Billboard charts, and #1 on the Country music charts.
At the time, late night television was dominated by Johnny Carson, who had turned the Tonight Show into the most-watched television program in the world. On average throughout his time at the Tonight Show, Johnny Carson had 9 million viewers. Nearly three times the average audience of any late night program today.
There’s simply no comparison to the Johnny Carson Show in today’s world, except perhaps the Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan’s podcast would probably be the closest comparison that you could make today, though his show is entirely different than Carson’s.
On February 17th, 1977 Dolly Parton appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in order to promote a tour with Mac Davis. Parton performed Light of A Clear Blue Morning, and then sat on the couch to talk with Carson. Parton is wearing a red jumpsuit-like outfit.
The conversation with Carson and Parton goes on for about 15 minutes. They talk about Parton’s upbringing and the state of her career in 1977. Ed McMahon, Carson’s sidekick, can be seen sitting to the side of Parton during this interview.
See the full Dolly Parton 1977 appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in the clip below,
Though Mr. Carson has passed on, as well as Mr. McMahon, we are delighted that Dolly Parton is still with us. It’s amazing to see how well she has aged throughout the years. Parton recently made headlines for performing at the Dallas Cowboy’s Thanksgiving Day halftime show.
The then-77 year old woman appeared in a Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders outfit. It may not be 1977 anymore, but Dolly Parton still has her style.
This interview is thoroughly enjoyable and a classic.
