May 21, 1992 –
Bette Midler appeared as the last scheduled guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, on this date. Carson had already announced his retirement, and this was the penultimate episode before his final farewell the next day. (This was the apex of TV. It hasn’t gotten any better than this.)
What made this episode so unforgettable was its deep emotional resonance. Bette Midler turned what was supposed to be a talk-show appearance into a moving tribute. She and Johnny shared warm banter, heartfelt appreciation. Then, in a moment of pure television magic, sang One for My Baby (and One More for the Road) directly to him, with Carson sitting just a few feet away, visibly moved. Her performance was so powerful and poignant that it became instantly iconic. Bette Midler won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for this appearance. The award underscored how singular the moment was.
The Haus of Dcaligari 