The Creative Genius of Don Sweeney: Musical Director of 'The Tonight Show' Starring Johnny Carson and Jay Leno
Sweeney's book, BACKSTAGE AT THE TONIGHT SHOW, published in 2006, remains a classic
I recently lunched with the amazing Don Sweeney, the musical director of The Tonight Show, when hosted by Johnny Carson and then Jay Leno.
As a former NBC Page in Burbank who worked on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, it was great to visit with Don and to hear his wonderful memories of his iconic late-night TV/musical experiences.
In the fall of 2024, Don made a special guest appearance at the NBC Page Reunion Gala that I hosted at the legendary Smoke House in Burbank.
In 2006, Don published a memoir of his remarkable life and career. Titled, Backstage at the Tonight Show: From Johnny Carson to Jay Leno, the book, which features a Foreword by Ed McMahon (Carson’s right-hand-man), is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and wherever really cool, quality books are sold.
