Guest Hosts of The Midnight Special

The Midnight Special was an amazing showcase for musical talent from 1972-1981, really a landmark television program.  Nothing before, during or after has come close to matching its viewership, critical acclaim, or lineup of artists.

The Midnight Special aired on NBC-TV following The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and each Friday night, and fans in the millions tuned in to watch their favorite performers.  The demand was so great because there were actually performers that people wanted to see, which explains why there is no similar show today.

The famous Wolfman Jack often hosted the show, but occasionally a musician or entertainer would be called upon as a guest host.  These included the following:


Paul Anka
Joan Baez

the Bee Gees

 

 

Jack Burs & Avery Schreiber
Harry Chapin
Ray Charles
Chubby Checker
Bill Cosby
Jim Croce

Mac Davis

 

 

Dr. Hook
ELO
Jose Feliciano
Al Green
Andy Kaufman
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Jerry Lee Lewis
Loretta Lynn
Curtis Mayfield
Marilyn McCoo
Anne Murray
Johnny Nash
Roy Orbison
Pointer Sisters

Richard Pryor

 

 

 

Lou Rawls

Helen Reddy

Johnny Rivers
Marty Robbins
Smokey Robinson
Doc Severinson
the Spinners
Dionne Warwick

 

 

Paul Williams