Viewer Mail Collection on Letterman, 1982: Part 2 of 2

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Late Night with David Letterman's debut on February 1, 1982, I'm launching a compilation series of all of the Viewer Mails that aired on the show.
First up is 1982, which is in two parts. The first covers the first half of the year; the second covers the second. 1983 and on will follow in due time.
This is a video companion to my new blog post that offers a brief history of Viewer Mail. It also catalogues every letter writer and location on both Dave's morning show (1980) and Late Night (1982-93). It's a definitive reference for locating the name of any writer and matching it with the specific show that that person's letter was selected for air. Also included are some trivia details scattered within the data.
The blog post can be found here: donzblog.home.blog/2022/01/12...
My now-obligatory ask: I have a Patreon account that helps me pay the bills. It'd be wonderful if anyone is so inclined to donate.
www.patreon.com/user?u=26278592

Пікірлер: 105

  • @cherylharris3928
    @cherylharris392827 күн бұрын

    I still love these shows! The humor isn’t dated because he’s mocking tv conventions and seriousness. Never gets old!

  • @tims4694
    @tims46945 ай бұрын

    The outlaw talk show. Just loved this show - the best talk show of all time (sorry Johnny Carson fans).

  • @ronniebrown2517
    @ronniebrown25173 ай бұрын

    i watched a LOT of letterman during the 80s and 90s.....the viewer mail segments always made me feel good...i did not have cable most of that time but went out of my way to watch dave and monty python....

  • @dentonfender6492
    @dentonfender64922 жыл бұрын

    Gawd I love You Tube. It is so great to me to watch David Letterman shows from the 80's, and later. In those days I worked from early mornings on for a 10 hour work day. Didn't think it prudent to stay up late to watch the Letterman show, but now I can watch, and enjoy Letterman's style of comedy. Too me he, and his show are funny as all hell especially back in the 80's, my favorite decade where freedom, and creativity were the highest ever in U.S. history in my opinion.

  • @booknoteswisdom6799
    @booknoteswisdom6799 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Don . Very soothing, the deliberate non hype from David. Stoic Humor. Lame props, pet tricks, studio audience participation, Dave changed the talk show look. Fan of Jonny Carson , and David Lettermen since 1966. When I was 7 yrs old , and I was supposed to be sleeping, I would watch in my room on a huge old black and white, with my hand on the off switch so I could turn if off real fast, then run and fly into bed, not to be caught. "Two tragedies in life, not getting what you want, and the other, getting it" Mark Twain. BNW # 7. Peace.

  • @23hitman41
    @23hitman412 жыл бұрын

    Wow, Great work there , and you left my letter for last!!! UNBELIEVABLE

  • @legaleagle1971

    @legaleagle1971

    Жыл бұрын

    Saved for last? That 's what they WANT you to think. You played right into Don's hands. He knew you'd probably write a KZread comment...

  • @BearbearbearbearbearbearRarrrr
    @BearbearbearbearbearbearRarrrr2 жыл бұрын

    This is greatness

  • @DoctorDew
    @DoctorDew2 жыл бұрын

    Thank God for Dave and Don..... and Paul and.... thanks again, Don🌵🕺🏽💚

  • @markpritzlaff7065
    @markpritzlaff70652 жыл бұрын

    Back when late night TV was an event. Such a magical time.

  • @Kev_Shmev

    @Kev_Shmev

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, the kings of late night, (Dave and Conan), are gone from the television, but not forgotten.

  • @colinwilliams553

    @colinwilliams553

    Жыл бұрын

    Amen to you guys,Late Night T.V has not been the same since Dave and Paul left.

  • @tommybell1786

    @tommybell1786

    5 ай бұрын

    TV Magic.

  • @fufufini
    @fufufini2 жыл бұрын

    My kind of comedy ... the spot on, the awkward, the clunky. Especially the bit starting around 22:26 ... alternative reality; Paul S always a hilite. thanks don

  • @lSirCumference

    @lSirCumference

    5 ай бұрын

    Getting blackmailed tends to do that to you.

  • @motorrad2
    @motorrad2 Жыл бұрын

    I was 21, a lonely college student living in a Corvallis, OR "quad", a fan of the Carson show, which is I guess now how I came across Letterman's show that late winter of '82, because I immediately became a fan but remember absolutely no one else in my circle who knew the show. Anyway, thanks for the memories, and thanks for the many opportunities while watching the video to pause and Google various tidbits along the way. Now I've taken a tour through Booneville, Mississippi, found that Steve Jordan took the place of Charlie Watts, found backdrop to "King of Ging", a multitude of minutiae, etc., etc., etc.

  • @paulferranti8536
    @paulferranti85364 ай бұрын

    The greatest service to the online community.

  • @GeoffNelson
    @GeoffNelson2 жыл бұрын

    Just crazy to think he was younger here than I am now.

  • @randyj420
    @randyj4202 жыл бұрын

    We were so lucky to have Dave during these years. And now we're lucky to revisit and or see many segments for the 1st time. Another huge thanks for another great collection.

  • @NP-ip3nj
    @NP-ip3nj2 жыл бұрын

    This is amazing work. Thank you for doing this.

  • @jacksonjack7838

    @jacksonjack7838

    2 жыл бұрын

    I know this is amazing work. I only wish it was just full episode by full episode. Tho I appreciate the clip work. I also wish that either he did this for , or someone like Don existed for Conan. Letterman and Conan are the best Late Nite/Night Talk show Hosts of all time! Tonight Show must of had a sign that said ‘Best Need Not Apply.’ In my opinion.

  • @johntaylor9832

    @johntaylor9832

    2 жыл бұрын

    Comprehensive History. Thank you indeed

  • @MichelleUS66
    @MichelleUS662 жыл бұрын

    Don, the viewer mail series is going to be one of your best compilations. (I promised myself to just watch one segment, but like eating potato chips, it’s impossible to stop. What a treat!)

  • @RideAcrossTheRiver

    @RideAcrossTheRiver

    2 жыл бұрын

    That 1982 fat guy is NO 2022 fat guy!

  • @jodymayeux12

    @jodymayeux12

    Жыл бұрын

    Q we

  • @hobbygamer6220
    @hobbygamer62202 жыл бұрын

    OH WOW ! 😳 These are gonna be fun

  • @hobbygamer6220

    @hobbygamer6220

    2 жыл бұрын

    NOW I know what the LADDERS are there for 👍🤨

  • @hobbygamer6220

    @hobbygamer6220

    2 жыл бұрын

    thats them WITHOUT their makeup

  • @OlChunkOfCoal
    @OlChunkOfCoal2 ай бұрын

    56:38 that little Ray Charles impression got me good! That skit wouldn't fly today ‐ but the band could pull anything off!

  • @chrisrobinson679
    @chrisrobinson679 Жыл бұрын

    LOL back in the days when Dave couldnt go from the stage to the desk without screwing up the blocking

  • @YourTVFriend
    @YourTVFriend2 жыл бұрын

    Letters I found amusing or interesting: 00:50 Dim lighting 17:50 Segment of phony letters from LN writers 29:55 Dave should stop reading Viewer Mail 31:45 Larry Bud Melman spin-off show 37:50 Paul as R&B star. Next letter: where do guests go after interview 54:58 Dave’s daytime show 1:00:58 Viewer invited Dave to birthday party 1:07:20 How has knowing Latin helped Dave in his life? 1:34:18 Steve Jordan 1:52:50 Paul gave out a phony phone number on the air. 1:57:04 What’s the deal on Hiram Bullock’s guitar. Continued in 1:58:40 2:07:30 Dave’s knowledge of Mexico City. 2:16:18 Viewer thinks Late Night is taped at 5:40.

  • @jacksonjack7838
    @jacksonjack78382 жыл бұрын

    24:30 I have to time stamp this because I have a thing for scenes in movies and shows where people Turn in for the Night and just seeing a super simple way of living…. And on the Late Nite with David Letterman of all places lol. Goes right next to the introduction of Rey in the Force Awakens when she makes they grey muffin out of water. Thanks!

  • @leslieivarson
    @leslieivarson2 жыл бұрын

    I look forward to all of these. Thank you 😊

  • @meurglys_iii
    @meurglys_iii2 жыл бұрын

    These VM collections are fantastic. Please continue Don!

  • @mrgabgutierrez
    @mrgabgutierrez2 жыл бұрын

    youve done the lords work here my friend

  • @punkbastid973
    @punkbastid9732 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this treasure. Really.

  • @sub5ound1
    @sub5ound1 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Don.

  • @JackSilbert
    @JackSilbert2 жыл бұрын

    A stellar batch showing the further evolution, and I love when they break from the format (staff written; just the responses). Interesting that Dave used to do that "since the late 50s bit" every week. And, minor gripe, but I wish KZread would allow you to place the ads in sensible spots, the robot has no sense of comic timing!

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    The ads are horribly obnoxious. And thanks!

  • @dhpbear2
    @dhpbear22 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Don for this great look back at vintage Letterman! I'd completely forgotten that whole "King of Ging" meme! :)

  • @martinimpossible
    @martinimpossible2 жыл бұрын

    thx for the upload

  • @PluribusProject
    @PluribusProject2 жыл бұрын

    I asked how many men it takes to change a lightbulb. A whole group came and I asked why. One man spoke English and told me many hands make light work.

  • @hinthegroove9740
    @hinthegroove974011 ай бұрын

    I don’t think I enjoy anything else the way I do these uploads 😊

  • @nadiamccall4311
    @nadiamccall43112 жыл бұрын

    he's so adorable and the clothes look like 80s clothes and his head is enormous compared to his shoulders

  • @kevinlakeman5043
    @kevinlakeman50432 жыл бұрын

    Utterly joyous nonsense, silliness, absurdity but all done in such an innocent, seemingly effortless way. Just relax and go with it. It's really worth the ride. Clearly, 'The Honeymelmans' would've been a smash.

  • @katoffeevhs9798
    @katoffeevhs9798 Жыл бұрын

    i love these uploads!!!! what happened to the full episodes, though? I LOVED watching those, and they're not available anywhere else!

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    Жыл бұрын

    There are a number of full episodes on this channel.

  • @lilefanvids
    @lilefanvids2 жыл бұрын

    Doing the lord's work, Mr. Giller! Waiting anxiously on '83 as that's when my letter appeared! I can't do Patron, but would be more than happy to Venmo or CashApp a nice one-time donation if you put that in your bio?! Thanks a million!

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    Unfortunately, due to my recent hire with Worldwide Pants as a consultant for its newly-launched Dave channel, I’ll no longer be able to upload Dave-related content, at least for the time being. I’m planning another KZread message as to what’s going on. So while I appreciate the gesture, please save your hard-earned money. :)

  • @lilefanvids

    @lilefanvids

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh, that's great news for you! Congrats! 🙌 Sadly those of us with VM letters to come will have to keep waiting. At least I have the spreadsheet you did as proof! 😃 Thanks!

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    Email me your name, and I’ll send it to you directly. You can find my email address on my channel’s “About” page.

  • @lilefanvids

    @lilefanvids

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dongiller Done, thanks a mil!

  • @chickenringNYC
    @chickenringNYC2 жыл бұрын

    Holy crap this huge.. so will these subsume and eventually replace the compilations you've already uploaded or will you leave those up? Good luck with this endeavor!

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    I don’t think I’ve ever prepared a VM compilation before this. Oh wait - there’s the Dave Nelson compilation, but I think that’s it. It’ll stay up.

  • @benjaminabercrombie6807
    @benjaminabercrombie68072 жыл бұрын

    Gold, all of it.

  • @bw4025
    @bw40256 ай бұрын

    Back when host and support staff were not arrogant or overly sarcastic but just had fun. Conan is also in this category.

  • @robertjohns1675

    @robertjohns1675

    3 ай бұрын

    Craig Ferguson also was great.

  • @cookie5335
    @cookie5335 Жыл бұрын

    Paul reminds me of brains from the thunderbirds

  • @mortyfromthed
    @mortyfromthed2 жыл бұрын

    When late night wasn't garbage.

  • @directassault1662
    @directassault16622 жыл бұрын

    Hey Don, are you planning on moving onto 1983 soon? I had a friend from school get a letter read sometime in the 83 timeframe and she hasn't seen it since it was on TV.

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    She or you can go to my blog post (link in the 1982 VM description and look for her name in the spreadsheet with the names in alphabetical order. That’s the reason I put that together - for folks to access it themselves. There’s no timetable for when the 1983 VMs will be prepared. I’ll get to it when I get to it.

  • @directassault1662

    @directassault1662

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dongiller cool. To the best of your knowledge, that’s a complete list?

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@directassault1662 I watched every VM and catalogued every name and location, when given, for six weeks. It’s as complete as it’ll ever be.

  • @jrpipik
    @jrpipik2 жыл бұрын

    Is that Chris Elliot as the Roman soldier? 1:08 (I love how he's all in Roman armor but still wearing his glasses.)

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is.

  • @crs290
    @crs2902 жыл бұрын

    Was any segment of the show responsible for more great late-night television than Viewer Mail?

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    A brief history here, along with a complete list of letter writers - donzblog.home.blog/2022/01/12/viewer-mail/

  • @crs290

    @crs290

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dongiller Unreal. Thanks, Don! Viewer Mail is the gift that keeps on giving and giving.

  • @jrpipik
    @jrpipik2 жыл бұрын

    I'm finally getting around to this one and I saw that Dave had Meat Loaf on the show on August 12. Another great one passed on. Here's a link to your collection from last August. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZpNq2Kyzkc6vpNI.html

  • @eddieloius4592
    @eddieloius45924 ай бұрын

    Don, do you know if LNwDL ever had a set change? I know Conan had "at least 2 set changes during his time at Late Nite" that I know for certain

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    4 ай бұрын

    There have been several.

  • @johnhaley1325
    @johnhaley13252 жыл бұрын

    1:47:14 why is this so funny

  • @WostryFerenc
    @WostryFerenc2 жыл бұрын

    Don, now that you have become a bigshot consultant on the Letterman channel, these viewer mail compilations will never continue, huh? :P

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    Dunno about the big shot status, but yes, no more Dave-owned or licensed content without authorization.

  • @NankerPhelge65

    @NankerPhelge65

    Жыл бұрын

    @@dongiller ☹️

  • @michaelsalisbury1477
    @michaelsalisbury1477 Жыл бұрын

    Very juvenile like a chld playing. But fun to watch

  • @davechambers7598
    @davechambers75982 жыл бұрын

    Did you ever write a letter and have it read on the show, Don?

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nope, never did.

  • @jacksonjack7838
    @jacksonjack78382 жыл бұрын

    Could anyone help me out with what song starts playing with the food and smoking come in the studio circa 12:49 ? Also 25:39, which seems to be some old rock? Song Im pretty sure.

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    “Strangers in the Night” - gigantic hit for Frank Sinatra in 1966. (This is not that version.)

  • @jacksonjack7838

    @jacksonjack7838

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dongiller Thank You! Would you also happen to know the outro music at 25:39? Some sort of rock(I think) song. Lol man it drives me crazy when I cant place the song.

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@jacksonjack7838 “Bernadette” - Four Tops, 1967.

  • @jacksonjack7838

    @jacksonjack7838

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dongiller damn youre good.

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@jacksonjack7838 That’s my era. :)

  • @caroldebeaussaert8971
    @caroldebeaussaert8971 Жыл бұрын

    Can you help me find the episode with the chain letter?

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    Жыл бұрын

    Needle->Haystack

  • @alcabane3125
    @alcabane31252 жыл бұрын

    did he do any viewer mail after 1982, anyhow thanks for the upload

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nobody reads my descriptions.

  • @RideAcrossTheRiver
    @RideAcrossTheRiver2 жыл бұрын

    Paul Shaffer! Haaaaa! Daaave! Haaa!

  • @HHh-qe2ch
    @HHh-qe2ch2 жыл бұрын

    Was that voice on the phone paul Simon?

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    The video is 2 hours 15 minutes long. Where are you referring?

  • @HHh-qe2ch

    @HHh-qe2ch

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dongiller oh, its in the thumbnail, it's only a few minutes In, letter says the dad plays in bad bands

  • @HHh-qe2ch

    @HHh-qe2ch

    2 жыл бұрын

    About 5 minutes in, Paul sits at the desk and listens to the phone.

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. As the chyron has it, that’s Martin Schmookler.

  • @preesi1403
    @preesi14032 жыл бұрын

    Arlene the edible plant specialist was a local Philly teevee show presenter. I recognize her. Lizabeth Starr

  • @dongiller

    @dongiller

    2 жыл бұрын

    That’s Sandra Furton, a Late Night staffer.

  • @BonoTheManShow
    @BonoTheManShow2 жыл бұрын

    When people where normal