Many nights for decades were spent parked on the couch watching The Tonight Show on
NBC.
But as Carson started taking more and more time away from the studio he had the
awkwardly named “Guest Host”.
In 1968 history was made when singer/dancer Harry Belafonte was tapped, as
he was the first Black late night TV host. While Carson emphasized the comedy, Belafonte
featured song, dance and riveting interviews, including many politicians such as RFK.
Belafonte’s good friend actor Sidney Poitier wanted to switch gigs with Harry despite both
being at the top respectively. If you’re into TV history at all this is an hour well spent.