The Midnight Special was a weekly musical television series that aired during the 1970s and early 1980s, created and produced by Burt Sugarman and airing on NBC. It premiered as a special on August 19, 1972, then began its run as a regular series on February 2, 1973; its last episode was on May 1, 1981. blank">http://www.midnightspecial.com/ (promotional site for the DVD re-issue) The ninety-minute program followed the Friday night edition of _The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
The program featured over 1,200 performers during its run . Some notable guest stars and hosts included Peter Frampton, Aerosmith, Elton John, Ray Charles, James Brown, Rod Stewart, AC/DC, Tina Turner, Barry Manilow, Steve Martin, Marvin Gaye, Billy Joel, Rick James, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Billy Crystal, Beach Boys, Diana Ross, B.B King, Kiss, Gordon Lightfoot, Andy Kaufman, Doobie Brothers, Richard Pryor, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Wolfman Jack, Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Cars, Eddie Money, Blondie, Jim Croce, The Spinners, Dolly Parton, and Fleetwood Mac.
The show mostly featured guest hosts, except for a period from July 1975 through March 1976 when Helen Reddy was the regular host. Wolfman Jack served as the announcer.
The show was noted for featuring musical acts performing live, which was unique since most television appearances during the era showed performers lip-synching to prerecorded music. The series also occasionally aired vintage footage of older acts (such as Bill Haley & His Comets).
This was the first episode to have Al's favorite TV show 'Psycho Dad'
John Denver hosted the Pilot (Episode 1) of the show with guests including: Mama Cass, The Everly Brothers, The Isley Brothers, Harry Chapin, Linda Ronstadt and Argent. Helen Reddy was also a musical guest on the show, but did not host this first episode.
Johnny Rivers sang the theme song.
