In the late 60s, I was obsessed with Tiny Tim. His freakish appearance, bizarre falsetto and quirky mannerisms were sources of endless fascination (and sometimes fear) for me. I'd watch Tiny do his schtick on "Laugh In" or "The Tonight Show" and be mesmerized - absolutely glued to the TV set - by his extreme weirdness.
Upon his death, Johnny Carson said of Tim, "He was one of the most ingenuous persons I have ever known." I found that to be true when I got the opportunity to interview Tiny decades later when he came through town on tour. He played to a standing-room-only crowd, full of adoring (or, at least, appreciative fans) with his signature trill and ukulele strumming. After the show, I chatted with him backstage. He had the oiliest hair I'd ever seen and a bad case of receding gums, but he was gracious, kind and still very shy. Obviously, a good soul.
I got a kick out of this video montage of Tiny and his friend, Johnny Carson. It reminds me of the weird and wonderful '60s and, especially, of Johnny Carson, the undisputed king of late-night television. Enjoy.
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