Losing Letterman

The loss of David Letterman's nightly appearance on television is devastating. He is the last of the classy, informed, intelligent late-night talk show hosts. He is witty and hysterically funny while also asking provocative thoughtful questions. He also brought a unique Daveness to television. And that will be missed. 

We love the Saturday Night Live guys. It is much like watching SNL. We are up for a good round of beer pong with Betty White. But it is not Dave. And Conan, Jimmy F., James, Seth and Jimmy K. all appeal to certain demographics and are certainly entertaining. But they are not Dave.

We will miss his self-deprecating humor. The stupid pet tricks are gone. The top ten list was a social/political commentary unlike any other. The gap-toothed Indiana native won't be there to greet insomniacs each night. 

Perhaps the sting is especially severe after Jon Stewart announced he was leaving The Daily Show. The two do share a record of asking astute questions. Their sharp ingenious interviews will be missed. When Jon's late-night show was cancelled in 1995, Dave gave him tremendous support and appeared on his final show. But Jon is Jon. And he has not left yet. Dave has closed the door at the Ed Sullivan Theatre and walked away. And we miss him already.

David Letterman appreciates fine music. He is a fan of musicians and he gave them a stage. R.E.M. had their television debut on his show. He invited Emmylou Harris, James Brown, Janelle Monae,Bob Dylan, Al Green, Bruce Springsteen, Sonny and Cher, The Foo Fighters, Darlene Love, Paul McCartney and thousands of others to perform on his show. And they returned to the Ed Sullivan Theatre to pay tribute to Dave. 

The Late Show band, (dubbed the CBS Orchestra), led by Paul Shaffer was evidence of Dave's love of music. An incredibly talented group of musicians played each night on that magical stage. Paul Shaffer on Keyboards and vocals. Felicia Collins on guitar, vocals and percussion. Will Lee on bass guitar and vocals. Anton Fig on drums and percussion. Sid McGinnis on guitar,pedal steel guitar and vocals.Tom Malone on trombone,trumpet, Saxophone, piccolo and percussion. Aaron Heick on saxophone. Frank Greene on trumpet and percussion. The Late Show With David Letterman was an important musical venue. And that will be missed.

Dave was a fan and friend of Johnny Carson. He continued that modest humble style of hosting. He was gracious to his audience in the same manner. And when the true stars lined up to pay tribute, it was eerily similar to saying goodbye to Johnny. We know when we are losing a part of ourselves. 

Dave's memorable guests included Robin Williams, Bill Murray, Julia Roberts, Johnny Carson, Sophia Loren, Sonny and Cher, Drew Barrymore, Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Warren Zevon. Madonna, Elaine Stritch , Betty White, Amy Sedaris, Walter Cronkite, Regis Philbin , Sarah Jessica Parker and so many others. And we will always remember Rupert Jee of Hello Deli, Stage Manager Biff Henderson, Announcer Alan Kalter, Stagehand Pat Farmer and Dave's beloved mother, Dorothy. Each of them played a part in the Daveness. 

In 2000 we held our collective breath when Dave had heart surgery. But in 2001 we had clear evidence that his heart was intact and as selfless and feeling as any. Dave was the first late-night host to return after September 11th. We could finally exhale. He spoke of our pain in a straightforward passionate way that expressed our nation's grief. Again he was there for us. He was honest and unfeigned. We shared his joy when his son Harry was born. He was family.

His dry sarcastic broadcasts numbered 6,028 over 33 years. Who knows how many references to Ball State University or the Indy 500 or all other things Indiana were mentioned in that reign. The former weatherman and radio talk show host has a cynical touch that has delighted us for each of those broadcasts. 

The hashtag #thanksDave has lit up twitter and all of social media to honor him. This week his IndyCar team put a caricature of his face and #thanksDave on their car for the race. Team members were adorned in t-shirts with the Top 10 reasons they love Letterman. 

Ten is not enough. Dave represents a part of us that we are losing. He set the standard for late-night talk show hosts. He is real. He is natural. He is unconventional,genuine and clever. We need the laughter. We need that music. He gives us a feeling. We need Dave. We are losing Letterman.