Late Night Legacy

                                                 
           
                                          FAREWELL MR. LETTERMAN

                                
         

       Whether you like him or hate him, you have to admire a guy who has hosted a late night talk show for 22 years.  He took the late night platform and changed it completely.  He in many ways was the anti-talk show host, but it made for great entertainment and comedy.  He will be missed by many celebrities, actors, musicians and other talk show hosts, so without further delay let's look back at the late night road he paved, give it up for Dave.

        David Michael Letterman was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Letterman attended Ball State University and graduated from their radio program. He began his broadcaster career as a newscaster and announcer for the college radio station. After graduating in 1969 Letterman became a anchor and weatherman for a local television company. He also served as a radio talk show host.  Not bad for a kid fresh out of college.

       By 1975 the Sigma Chi alumni was getting bored of being serious and decided to move to L.A to pursue a career in comedy. He would perform at The Comedy Store.  Letterman had a DIFFERENT style of comedy, one that included being very sarcastic and dry.  This is what made him DIFFERENT than his friend/ soon to be rival host Jay Leno.  Where Leno's jokes were simplistic, Letterman's required thought and intelligence.

       In 1978, Letterman got his foot in the door as he became a regular on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.  This led him to having his own 90 minute morning comedy show on NBC called, The David Letterman Show.  The show began June 23, 1980 and ended in October.  The show won two Emmy Awards yet did not receive the ratings and was canceled.

       However as Letterman once told Jon Stewart, "Do not confuse cancellation with failure".


      And those words could not be truer.  Letterman would go on to host the Late Night show on NBC from 1982 until 1992.  After Carson retired from the Tonight Show, many believed it was Letterman's time,  after all he was on right after Johnny.  However NBC gave the job to Jay Leno and that was enough for Dave.

       Letterman was as they say in sports the top free agent and believe me the teamor I should say company that got him, payed the price.  Letterman signed with CBS to host the Late Show.  A show that to this day competes with the Tonight Show.

According to Wikipedia:

"For Letterman's arrival, CBS spent $8 million in renovations.^[59] In addition to that cost, CBS also signed Letterman to a lucrative three-year, $14 million/year contract,^[60] doubling his Late Night salary. The total cost for everything (renovations, negotiation right paid to NBC, signing Letterman, announcer Bill Wendell, Shaffer, the writers and the band) was over $140 million." 

     However they cashed in. I don't think I have to tell you why.  But I will.
The show was edgy, it was humorous, it did things you didn't believe could be done. Yes it's a late night show, but it's still television with an audience and he pushed the limits. And now the kid from Indianapolis is calling it a career.

      One of the most memorable bits on Letterman's show is his Top Ten, however I don't want to duplicate a top 10, so to honor the man who changed the late night landscape here are my top 5:

 TOP FIVE LETTERMAN MOMENTS:

5. David Letterman's First Late Night Show

Bill Murray was Letterman's First EVER guest

4.  Letterman's Appearances on Johnny Carson After Losing Tonight Show Gig

 Letterman (left) telling Johnny (right) how he feels about being  ousted by NBC.

3.  Letterman's Interviews with Conan O'Brien

Conan on Late Show (2012)

Conan on Late Show (1990's)

Letterman pokes fun at Conan

Letterman Surprises Conan (5:15)

Letterman Returns to Late Night Show

Conan O'Brien and David Letterman Discuss NBC, Jay Leno and Life. 

2. Letterman's Interviews with Jay Leno

Leno made 15+  Appearances on Dave's Late Night Show. 

Jay Leno on Late Night with David Letterman

Leno's Last Appearance on Late Night 

Leno on Late Night in 1989

David and Jay in 1983

1. Without a Doubt, Number 1 has to be his heartfelt speeches. Whether it's remembering Johnny Carson or 9/11. No one does speeches better than Dave. Don't believe me? NO OTHER talk show host went on air after 9/11, not even JAY LENO until Letterman addressed the audience first.  (Yo can watch his full tribute show to Johnny on Youtube)

                                  


David Letterman 9/11 Monologue


But hey if you still have doubts on the mans legacy, here's what other late night hosts have to say about Dave.  One host is even taking the night off, (Jimmy Kimmel, who among other hosts have idolized the man)

Conan on Letterman: 

A young Conan talks about Letterman

Conan tells Rolling Stone about Letterman's Legacy (no video)

Conan tells Charlie Rose how he plans to tribute Letterman

Fallon on Letterman: 

Fallon talks about Letterman's Legacy

Fallon does his own Top Ten for Letterman

Colbert on Letterman: 
Colberts quick little thank you


Stewart on Letterman:
Jon Stewart Bids Farewell to Dave (no video)

      These are just a few, i'm sure if you watch interviews done within the past few months on Letterman's show, they may have said more.  We could continue on and on with links to articles, videos etc but let's just finish off with saying:

Letterman WILL be missed, he IS one of the greats.  In my mind if Carsons #1, then Letterman has got to be #2.

And to finish up this blog post I wanted to add in this feature:

DID YOU KNOW? 

Six Facts you might have not have known about Dave Letterman. 

1.  Letterman was fired as a weatherman for unpredictable on air behavior

2.  Letterman appeared as a pit road reporter for ABC Sports' tape-delayed coverage of the Indianapolis 500. Letterman was initially introduced as Chris Economaki in his job as a corner reporter. Letterman interviewed Mario Andretti, who had just crashed out of the race.

3.  He hosted a 1977 pilot for a game show entitled The Riddlers

4. Letterman was a cast member on Mary Tyler Moore's variety show, Mary. Letterman made a guest appearance on Mork & Mindy (as a parody of EST leader Werner Erhard) 

5.  Dave made appearances on game shows such as The $20,000 Pyramid,  The Gong Show, Hollywood Squares, Password Plus and Liar's Club, as well as talk shows such as The Mike Douglas Show.

6.  The Truck that Dave used in 1975 to get to L.A,  he still has. 


Follow Me on Twitter:  Bryan Tobin

Whatever Happened To: Music Edition

    In this blog post, I want to focus on the career of a young acoustic singer.  You may have remembered her from the early 2000's.  This performer got her start from a phone call,from her best friend  telling her she had to meet this producer who was in town.   The artist had no way of getting there but noticed that her neighbor had left the keys in their golf kart, and just like that she was off.  Maybe it was luck or destiny?

         It was hard not to turn on the radio in the early 2000's and not hear a Michelle Branch song.  Branch had an amazing voice and her songs were perfect for any girl or guy who was romantically involved or was in love.  Not to say you couldn't enjoy her music otherwise, these were just the themes of her songs.  But really, what artists HAVEN'T  had a few love or sappy songs.

        In my opinion, Branch's biggest hit would have to be "Everywhere" and for those of you still puzzled, I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself by posting the chorus:

"Cause you're everywhere to me,
 And when I close my eyes it's you I see
 You're everything I know, That makes me believe,
 I'm not alone, I'm not alone"



Refreshed? Remembered?

     Michelle Jacquet DeSevren Branch was born in Sedona, Arizona on July 2nd, 1983.   She began singing at the age of three and by eight she was enrolled in University. No, not because she was a little genius, but because she wanted to pursue a singing career.  At Northern Arizona University, a young Branch practiced voice lessons.  Branch received her first guitar at the age of 14 and from then on out she began to sing and write her own songs.  She would do local shows/ small gigs around her hometown doing covers of Lisa Loeb, Fleetwood Mac and Sheryl Crow.


   Branch posted two of her own songs on the Rolling Stones website in December of 1999, this led to her being recognized and able to perform with the trio boy band Hanson.

   Six months later, June 2000,  the 17 year old produced her own album. The album, Broken Bracelet consisted of songs she had written when she was 14 and 15.  The title of the album came was
 inspired from a bracelet made by pop singer Jewel, given to Branch by musician Steve Poltz at a Lisa Loeb concert she attended. Poltz told Branch that "when it breaks, you'll be famous."  And boy was he right. 



     In 2001, Branch hit it big signing with Maverick Records, creating the album the Spirit Room which included the hits, Everywhere, All You Wanted and Goodbye to You. The album charted within the Top 40 of the Billboard 200. The album featured three Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, The album was certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. 

Everywhere - Michelle Branch
All You Wanted - Michelle Branch
Goodbye to You - Michelle Branch

In 2003 Branch received some noticeable success in the music industry as she teamed up with legend Santana to perform the song " Game of Love". It was in the same year Branch would release her second album, Hotel Paper, this would be her last album before she turned country.   Game of Love won Branch a Grammy that year for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.  She was also nominated for Best New Artist but lost to Norah Jones, damn that Norah Jones. 


Two Songs she collaborated with Santana on:
Game of Love - Santana ft. Michelle Branch 

I'm Feeling You - Santana ft. Michelle Branch

Hotel Paper created more success for Branch as the album sold well, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200. Three singles were released, with the first two charting in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.  The big hits include, Are You Happy Now? and Breathe.

Are You Happy Now - Michelle Branch
Breathe - Michelle Branch

After this album, Michelle Branch teamed up with her backup singer and best friend, Jessica Harp to form the Wreckers.  Although not widely known or maybe not known at all the band has received its due as it was nominated for a Grammy in 2007 and has won the MusicRow Award for Major Label Breakout Artist of the year and R&R Readers Poll Award for Best New Performer.

Here is a sample of their work, Leave The Pieces was the song nominated for a Grammy:

Leave the Pieces - The Wreckers

 Branch and Harp as the Wreckers

So What is Michelle Branch up to today? 

Branch separated from her husband Teddy Landau who was her former bass player.  They married in 2004.  As of 2014 she is dating  Chris Null, the bassist for Dead Sara. (edgy)  

Branch has a daughter from her marriage, named Owen.  Branch began writing songs again in 2013 and began working on an album.  

Branch performing in concert

On February 2, 2014 she confirmed on Twitter that the rest of the album will be recorded in Nashville for a pop-rock sound.  And that is where Michelle Branch is today, She is only 31 years of age and has done quite well for herself both in and out of spotlight.  Here is a link to her most recent song:
Loud Music - Michelle Branch










This is her Discography:  Not bad for a 31 year old.

Releases
↙Studio albums	3
↙EPs	2
↙Singles	11
↙Music videos	13

Branch at the Warner Music Group Grammy Party in Jan. 2014

You can follow Michelle Branch on Twitter: Michelle Branch

and while you're at it, follow me as well;
 Bryan Tobin

One Direction: This Generations Backstreet Boys?

     As my 1st blog post, I wanted to post something that's been on my mind the past few months.  The comparison of the Backstreet Boys and One Direction.  Although some may try to make comparisons to One Direction and The Beatles, I wanted to start here.  But let me just say there will be NO Other band like the BSB, this is just for fun. 

    I grew up in the 90's, I seen boy bands come and go some successful, some flops.  But none were more popular in my day then Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.  But since we are comparing One Direction to the BSB, lets focus on the BSB.

 Lets Begin:

         The BSB were formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida.  It consists of 5 members.  Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough and A.J McLean.

        They started their path to stardom in 1995 with the release of "We've Got it Goin On".   It wasn't a huge hit in North America but did receive success in other parts of the world. At this time the boys were of young age:  Nick was the youngest at 15, A.J was 17, Brian was 20. Howie was 22 and  Kevin was the oldest at 24,  which is not that old.  In 1997, the boys started to get noticed in the U.S when their second album Backstreet Boys and the song,

 "Quit Playing Games with My Heart" peaked at #2 on the Billboards Hot 100.
   Quit Playing Games with My Heart - Backstreet Boys

   
Backstreet Boys in 1995
Left to Right: Howie, A.J, Kevin, Brian and Nick. 

         BSB hit it big in 1999 with their album Millennium. It had 4 big hits including "I Want It That Way", "The One", "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" and "Larger Than Life".  The album came in number 1 on Billboards 200.   The Future was bright for the boys from the sunshine state.

I Want It That Way - BSB
The One - BSB
Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely - BSB
Larger Than Life - BSB

Let's Cross Over For the sake of Comparison:

      While The Backstreet Boys were starting their peak to success in 1999, One Direction members were only either starting kindergarten or in elementary school.  Harry would have only been 5, while the oldest Louis would be 8.  However 11 years later in 2010, what we now know as  One Direction  would begin to form.  Thanks to a T.V show called the X-Factor which one shows of their talent by singing, dancing or doing something to gain attention, the world was introduced to the boys, not as a group but as solo acts.  Each boy auditioned before being put together as a boy band.  The idea was a success.  Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik would become One Direction.

Each Members Audition and Group Performance

SIMILARITY: This is similar to when the Backstreet Boys first started out in the sense they auditioned for their manger Lou Pearlman in his house with hundreds of other singers trying to also get their foot in the door.  Much like the TV Show.  And just like BSB,  One Direction is also a 5 person boy band.

One Direction released their 1st record in 2011, Up All Night and their song, "What Makes You Beautiful" was a success at home, (UK) but never got it's fame in the States until 2012.

What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction

 Granted it was only a few months compared to the BSB's 2 years,  It still took the band time to get noticed world wide.  At the time of the album Niall was 18 or 19 (album was released in September, same month as his birthday) , Liam, Harry and Zayn were 18 and Louis was 20.

    One Direction formed on X-Factor (2010)
    Left to Right:
    Louis, Zayn, Liam, Niall, Harry
   







SIMILARITY:

Although you can argue they started younger,if you divide the two boy bands ages. BSB averaged 19.6 as a mean age while One Direction had an average of 18.6 . Therefore the two are not far off, especially when you consider both Brian and Louis joined their respective bands at the age of 20.

Both bands have matured with age and have gone through the stages of different images, including loosing the baby image: Whether that/s tattoos, facial hair, changing hairstyle, it's all evolving. Even the bands songs have evolved as they got older.  The bands got into more serious issues than just being peppy and pop music.

Backstreet Boys- Shape Of My Heart and The Call come to mind, while One Direction have, Story of My Life, and Little Things.


  









 The bands share similar song titles as well:

While there are many other comparisons to these two bands. You could break it down for days.  I think the amount of success the bands have had, the age in which they started, their peppy like songs and fan base are reasons why they are similar. Not to mention, you could compare Harry to Nick or Zayn to Kevin, WHY LEAVE THE BANDS GUYS?

I think in my opinion ONE DIRECTION are the closest this generation will get to experience what my generation got to experience with BSB.

No one could touch BSB and it doesn't look like anyones gonna touch 1D.

Although One Direction still has a ways to go to compare with Backstreet Boys on hits, singles, cd's etc, they are on the right track (pun intended)


Backstreet Boys Music Facts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backstreet_Boys_discography

Studio albums	9
↙Live albums	1
↙Compilation albums	3
↙Singles	26
↙Music videos	25

"The Backstreet Boys have received a total of eight Grammy nominations, including five nominations in 2000. According to the RIAA, they are the forty-first best selling artist in the US with shipments of over 37 million albums.They are also ranked as the seventh best-selling group of the SoundScan era in the United States (nineteenth best-selling artist overall), with sales of 30,900,000 albums,^[20] and as the third best-selling artist of the SoundScan era in Canada, with sales of 4,128,000 albums. As of 2010, the Backstreet Boys have sold over 130 million records worldwide"

One Direction Music Facts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Direction_discography

Studio albums	4
↙EPs	2
↙Singles	15
↙Video albums	1
↙Music videos	14
↙Other charted songs	29

" With their fourth album, Four, they extended the record to four consecutive number-one albums. To date, the band has sold 6.49 million albums and 23.7 million singles in the United States. World wide, they have sold more than 50 million records." 

We Could keep going on comparing the two bands and breaking it down to exhaustion but let's just leave it at that.


And Here's something for you to enjoy:

One Direction Covers Backstreet Boys: I Want It That Way

Backstreet Boys talk about One Direction (skip to 4:55)
Backstreet Boys Advice to One Direction (1:20 - 1:58)


And to close it off, let's match photos.


 

 



Follow Me on Twitter: Bryan Tobin