On December 26, 1921, Steve Allen was born.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

He was so funny.

Steve Allen


Allen in 1977

Born: Stephen Valentine Patrick William Allen; December 26, 1921; New York City, U.S.
Died: October 30, 2000 (aged 78); Encino, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting place: Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills)
Alma mater: Arizona State Teachers College
Occupation: Actor, comedian, television personality, musician, writer
Years active: 1940–2000
Known for: Co-creator and first host of The Tonight Show
Home town: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party: Democratic
Spouse(s): Dorothy Goodman, (m. 1943; div. 1952); Jayne Meadows, (m. 1954)
Children: 4
Website: www.steveallen.com

Stephen Valentine Patrick William Allen (December 26, 1921 – October 30, 2000) was an American television personality, radio personality, musician, composer, actor, comedian, and writer. In 1954, he achieved national fame as the co-creator and first host of The Tonight Show, which was the first late-night television talk show.

Though he got his start in radio, Allen is best known for his extensive network television career. He gained national attention as a guest host on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. After he hosted The Tonight Show, he went on to host numerous game and variety shows, including his own The Steve Allen Show, I've Got a Secret, and The New Steve Allen Show. He was a regular panel member on CBS's What's My Line? and, from 1977 until 1981, he wrote, produced, and hosted the award-winning public broadcasting show Meeting of Minds, a series of historical dramas presented in a talk format.

Allen was a pianist and a prolific composer. By his own estimate, he wrote more than 8,500 songs, some of which were recorded by numerous leading singers. Working as a lyricist, Allen won the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Original Jazz Composition, for "Gravy Waltz," for which he wrote the lyrics. He also wrote more than 50 books, including novels, children's books, and books of opinions, including his final book, Vulgarians at the Gate: Trash TV and Raunch Radio (2001).

In 1996, Allen was presented with the Martin Gardner Lifetime Achievement Award from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSICOP). He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Hollywood theater named in his honor.

{snip}

First Tonight Show 9/27/54

Anthony DiFlorio
10.5K subscribers

167,516 views Sep 27, 2016
NBC network. First Tonight Show. Monday, September 27, 1954. 11:30 pm to midnight portion. Live from the Hudson Theater in New York.

Steve Allen live from Birdland with Count Basie (7/22/56)

Anthony DiFlorio
10.5K subscribers

10,834 views Jul 23, 2018
Steve Allen does a live remote from Birdland in New York City with Count Basie and His Orchestra on his Sunday Night television program of July 22, 1956. The Count visits Paris and then bops along with a little help from Steve.

Let me know when they put this back on TV.

This Could Be the Start of Something Big-Steve Allen, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, Ann Sothern

Drivetime with New York Vinnie
647 subscribers

361,494 views Feb 18, 2013
A great clip of one of my favorite moments from the Steve Allen Show as he is joined by Ann Sothern,Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, Dinah Shore and a special mystery guest singing Steve's theme "This Could be the Start of Something Big". Thanks to my good friend JD Smith for the clip.

There are so many covers of his best-known song that I can't post them all.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=this+could+be+the+start+of+something+big

Tue Jan 9, 2024: On December 26, 1921, Steve Allen was born.

Sat Jan 7, 2023: I missed saying something about Steve Allen's birthday, on December 26.

Tue Jan 7, 2020: I missed Steve Allen's birthday, on December 26. I'll add something later.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I took my mother to see one of his last live shows in 1999 in Nyack, NY.

He had his jazz trio and did some stand-up.

Before the show, the audience was invited to write any question she/he/they wanted to ask Steve Allen. I was delighted that he chose mine. He was delighted to respond. My question was "What is your definition of 'tact'?"

My mother was a big fan for decades and thoroughly enjoyed the show.

[NowsTheTime]

2. "Mark It & Strike It" autobiography where he asked (paraphrasing)if the universe has a limit, what's on the other side?

Made an impression on me a long time ago.