In 2001 on this site — and rerun just a week or so ago here — I told you about something I had witnessed on TV in January of 1970 and remembered ever after. It was the night David Steinberg was guest-hosting Johnny Carson's Tonight Show and a few comedy legends (including Johnny!) suddenly walked out to the surprise and delight of the audience and Mr. Steinberg.
So I reran that story here and it was read by my buddy Paul Harris, who is heard across this land on many stations but mainly on KTRS in St. Louis. Yesterday, David Steinberg was on with Paul to promote Steinberg's program, Inside Comedy, which starts its new season this week, and Paul asked him about the incident. You can hear that entire interview here and the first question is about that 1970 Tonight Show incident. Given how long ago it was, I was afraid either Steinberg's or my memory might be faulty but…well, give a listen.
Steinberg also talks about his friendship with Groucho Marx and his days at Second City, as well as about his guests on Tuesday's episode of Inside Comedy, who are Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. The man has known a few funny people in his lifetime and is one himself.