A million yrs ago, when Doc was in his prime & I was abt 18, I was part of the junior fair board for the Ohio State Fair. The junior fair board was made up of older teens from a dozen youth organizations, who were paid to live on the grounds during the fair and did all kinds of honorary odd jobs - transporting trophies, picking up performers at the airport, etc. I was assigned to deliver a 12-pack of Coke to the Doc Severinsen trailer behind the grandstand. He and his band were the featured entertainment that night. When I got to the trailer, the door was unlocked but no one was there. I took the Coke in and looked around. There sat his magnificent horn, glowing on a dark cleaning cloth. Before I could stop myself I reached out and touched it. Then I got out of there quick. But I've remembered that mini adventure my whole life. So glad to see Doc still getting the recognition he deserves. Thanks for the memories!
He looks great for 97!!! story: When Al Hirt was riding in a New Orleans parade, someone threw a brick or rock and hit him in the mouth. Fortunately for us, he wasn't hurt, but when Doc heard the news, he called Al to check on him. Al's response was, "How'd you throw that brick and get back to California so fast, Doc?" Great friends. Glad Doc is still with us. Would love to have one of these mutes, but haven't touched a horn in nearly 40 years now. Grew up listening to him play! Turns out my middle school band teacher played trumpet in Doc's Tonight Show band. Good times!
Long story, (somewhat) short. Way back in the late 80's I was a partner in an high end german car tuning firm, and prior to that resided in a home off of Nichols Canyon Road in the Hollywood hills which just happened to be about 75 yards or so from Doc's, and (what seemed like) every day, I'd hear the glorious sounds of an exceptionally well played Trumpet. So exceptional was the technique and range, I could not imagine it was anyone other than 'someone' of fame on a major, if not global level. I was inevitably told by another neighbor it was indeed Doc Severinsen. Now, bear in mind I myself dabbled in trumpet having studied under Jane Sager as well as Jimmy Stamp in the late 60's through 70's until my life path, well... changed. Still, back then the inimitable horn blowers (for me) were Harry James, Al Hirt, Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval and the one who just stood out above all....'Doc'. I idolized this man. When studying with Jane Sager I had mentioned just how mezmorized I was listening to anything and everything I could get my hands on with him playing. Much like many of us budding, young, trumpeteers - I had just about ALL of his albums, from 'Doc Severinsen and Friends' to 'Facets' to 'Doc and Xebron'. For those who know. Jane also tutored Herb Alpert when he attended Fairfax High School. Me? I'm an Hollywood High alumnist and did pretty darned well reaching first trumpet/chair in Los Angeles 'All city band' and later 1st/1st with the Highland Park Symphony Orchestra under Dr. Frank Desby. I had finally made the grade (so to speak) and commissioned Dominic Calicchio to build me one of his masterpieces. Ms. Sager was emphatic with her praise of Doc's mastery. Once, when I had mentioned Alpert, she quipped: "Poor embouchure, mediocre range, limited technique, excellent business man", followed by "Herb couldn't walk down the same side of the street with Doc, but could probably own the sidewalk he was walking on". I continued playing for a few more years and then, well..... let's just say, I was bitten by the love bug and women became a denominator in my life choices. Ahh, but I must digress. MANY years had passed, I earned a masters in mechanical engineering and became involved in making fast cars go faster, so along with a partner we formed a company catering to those interested in such. We specialized in BMW, MBZ, and Porsche and were located in Santa Monica, California. One particular afternoon my partner told me we had received an inquiry on a particular model BMW and the client who called was none other than Doc Severinsen! Initially I thought it was a ruse as he knew very well of my past forays into the music world and especially my high regard for Doc. Adamantly, he gave me an inquiry sheet with a contact phone number. I decided to play along and dialed the number, and to my absolute shock I immediately recognized the voice, it was Doc! Now. At this point in time we had already been commissioned by several high profile celebrities to build cars for but THIS was different. On the other side of the line was my absolute - from an early age - IDOL! I was almost catatonic and struggled through some initial small talk about BMW's and I asked if he wanted a personal demonstration of a similar car as we had just completed one for a real estate developer in Florida. Doc replied with someting like 'Oh, that would be great!" I told him I already knew where he lived so, if it was more convenient I would be happy to drive up there for our meeting. Doc was somewhat taken aback and asked how I knew where he lived to which I replied I lived just a stones throw away for years and would hear him practicing his otherworldly routines in awe. We set a time and date and myself and brother drove up and met Doc.You know how you hope the person you've long admired doesn't turn out to shatter to pieces any preconceived notions you may have of them, and how they occupy that one spot on your personal pedestal of admiration and awe? Not only did Doc surpass any such notion, but he and his lovely wife Emily were so down to earth and just so accommodating they bordered on the surreal to me. Doc invited us into his home and Emily was busy preparing some Italian sauce for spaghetti I believe. I took the opportunity to just spew all of my pent up thoughts and searched for the words in attempting to explain to him just how much of an impact he had on my life. I was in another world. He was well aware of who Jane Sager and Jimmy Stamp were, and followed my mention of them by asking me to follow him which I did. He led me to... of all places his bathroom where he had a collection of horns and Trumpets the likes of which I hadn't seen before nor since! Anyhow.. After about 30 minutes or so, (they even asked if we wanted to have some spaghetti with them!) We all went outside to view the car with Doc uttering the words " Joe, you mentioned how in awe you were - well, Let me tell you, I am in as much awe looking at this masterpiece". I was over the moon. We went for a test drive around the neighborhood and upon returning, Doc looked at Emily and said I like it, a LOT. Emily responded, Buy one Doc, you've earned it. Doc called me the very next day and had his financial manager on the second line. Introduced us to one another and said "Ruth, Joe gets carte blanche. whatever he needs make certain he gets it" With that he commissioned us to build him a car. The following day I came into the office and there was a huge box waiting for me. In it was an amazing collection of CD's. All of them either then-current, or Docs older albums in an digital format. In closing and I apologize for my ongoing diatribe. Doc was and is, without any reservation whatsoever - one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Thank you for this upload TrumCor Mutes, and - for you IF you're reading this, Mr. Severinson. You have changed lives. Thank you for being so much, for so long, in mine. -doc
Diatribe?, I think not. You, too, have had an extraordinary life. I very much enjoyed reading your story. Such a wonderful memory to have. I personally, would have loved a glimpse into his wardrobe closet! Thank you very much for sharing.
That, sir, was a marvelous tribute to Mr. Severinsen. I don't know which end of a trumpet to hold much less play, but your love and admiration for Doc came through loud and clear. Thank you for sharing. While it was obviously an inside joke, I always cracked up when Johnny would "snap back" at Doc with "one more crack like that and I'll send you back to Enoch Light." The guys in the band would always howl at that one.
What a treasure!!! As a child, I had the pleasure of meeting Doc after a concert in Clay Center, KS. Still have his autograph!!! My Music teachers, Mr. Baunman & Mr. Hood took me to Clay Cener for the concert & meet. The following year, I worked 3 jobs in the summer to purchase my dream trumpet....Getzen Eterna Doc Severinson model. My dream to be a studio muscian didn't work out the way I wanted...(smile).....but I did manage to join the Marine Corps and played for a stint in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing band out of El Toro!! You're still VERY much my hero Doc!! God Bless!!
Doc at 97! What a specimen this guy is! He’s living proof that unmatched discipline, a lifetime of hard work, a healthy lifestyle and immeasurable talent will get ya pretty far! Congrats. Chris, on this project - great work!
Doc, looking great! 97 is the new 75. Thanks for sharing your gift with us all these years. Take care and God bless! Thanx for doing this and letting us see Doc again!!
When Doc & Bob Newhart leave us it will truly feel like the end of an era to me. Van Dyke is older than both of them but he doesn't feel like part of the same crowd the way those two do.
I remember back in the early seventies when I was in high school was my friends and I started watching Johnny. We would sit in the cafeteria at lunch and talk about the show. Always loved Doc’s crazy outfits and how he and Johnny would go back and forth. Look forward to seeing you at 100!
Deepest respect for Doc and the maker of the mute. Modern technology making ancient technology all fancy and special. What a tribute to the man and his wardrobe. Love, from Oregon.
How wonderful to see Doc again. I wish Johnny were still with us, as well. Those days were truly the Golden Era of late night television. And Johnny Carson was the reigning King.
Wow. Doc was every horn players idol when I was playing in HS and college. The teachers didn't like him because he was too "flashy". Because of him I had to have Getzen silver horns. That was all back in the seventies. I'm super pleased that he is still with us. Thank you Doc.
Doc, thanks for all the pleasure you have given us in your life. So glad you are still alive and we had a chance to see you again. You made an impact on millions of people. A GOOD impact. Thank you!
Everyone, thank you for all the comments and love towards Doc. He IS READING and really enjoying all the stories you are sharing! Y’all are making him very happy!!
I've never ever really envisioned myself being 97 until right now. I'm in my seventies and in really good health. So I guess I better get ready for it.
I loved watching the The Tonight Show when I was young, always thought Doc was soooo handsome, he still is, looks great! Happy 97 years Doc! You’re the best! I’m 66 now and those were good times!
There will never be another late might talk show like 'The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.' Ed McMahon and Doc made it special with thousands of big name guests over those 30 years! Thank God for RU-vid!
Doc said longevity runs in his family and his mother lived to be over 100. It's great to see you Doc. Stay healthy and hope we see another video when you're 98!
Happy birthday, Doc! 🥳🎂I hope that you’re reading the comments. You sent me an autographed 8x10 portrait in the 70s and I still have it. Also, you’re Thanksgiving plans interview with Johnny on the Tonight Show is comedy gold! It’s one of my favorite Tonight Show moments. 🤣 Thanks for all of the wonderful entertainment over many years!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The Tonight Show is my favorite tv show of all times. God bless Doc. Doc turned 97 on 7-7-24. Thanks for the great wonderful memories. What a same what the show has become.
I don’t know a darn thing about mutes but I can say that you have beautifully made products. I sure miss Doc and Johnny. What a team. So happy to see Doc still in such good shape. ❤
I spoke to Doc Severinson back when I was an intern at NBC Talent Relations in NY when he was still on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. I think I procured some Broadway tickets for him and his family while in Manhattan. He was the dearest, loveliest man to me and very gracious. Happy Birthday, Doc!
My favorite Doc story is when They Might Be Giants came on the tonight show to play, "Birdhouse in your Soul." Brass is really prominent on the song and before the show they'd practiced it with the house band with a metronome (timer). When they did it live Doc had upped the tempo 10 beats per minute faster and if you watch the video (it's on RU-vid) you can see John scream, "Nooo!!" before the launch into the song! It really changed the tone of the song and made it like a roller coaster and is my favorite live version of the song.
When I was about 14 ... (in 1979), my parents bought me a Getzen Eterna - Severinsen Model Trumpet.... I played it all through college and off and on and still play it today... I also remember my dad waking me up after bedtime any time Doc and the Band got to play a whole number on the Tonight show...I saw the Tonight Show Band live once on tour and damn!!... one of the best bands in the world. - Great to see him still going at 97 ...for the record, I'm 60 now. Thanks for the music an the inspiration Mr. Severinsen!
Please pass this on to Doc! He and my dad (Red Kelly, bass) played together in the Big Bands a long time ago, and Doc stayed at our home in Tahoe whenever he and Johnny would play Reno or Tahoe. I'm so glad he's still kicking at his horse ranch, I assume. It's been so long. Anyway, tell him Dugan Kelly said hello and Happy Birthday. Cheers
Let me add the reason he's lived so long is he would get up really early when he stayed with us in Tahoe. He would get up and run 5 miles before any of us got up. And that was at high altitudes! Such a great inspiration, but that is how he had such powerful lungs
@@leonardboesger8769 Thank you so much. I still love hearing it after almost 70 years. And he stull got requests for it into the 80's at his club in Tacoma, WA.
Great anecdotes, thanks for sharing those! As a former trumpet player and runner myself, I can attest the running certainly helps the trumpet playing. I was trained as a biologist, and once we had to measure our lung capacity in a laboratory class. Though I was an average sized guy similar to Doc, everyone was amazed at how much greater capacity I had than anyone else. It was not even close. The running certainly helped build that capacity, and learning as a trumpet player how to properly fill my lungs from the diaphragm up, then expel it all in a controlled manner was the key. Doc clearly knew all of this well, and more. Such a master of his craft.
@@HQBergeron thanks for the nice reply. Reminds me of one of my high school teachers who would tell me odd facts and things as the class was ending. He told me once that our lungs atrophy as we age, and if I didn't want that to happen I could stretch my lungs often and it might help. I doubt he figured I took him seriously, but I did. I stretched them at least twice a week from then on and man, did it end up helping me. About 30 years later, I had a pulmonary embolism that should have killed me out right but didn't. The doctor came in and told me how lucky I should feel because he had never seen anyone survive such a large clot go through their heart and settle in their lung. Well, the heart was built for taking that. I live in high altitudes and was very active on the mountains all my life. But the lungs, I told the doc, were the secret. I told him about stretching them several times a week for over 30 years and he agreed that was what saved me. Too bad I never played trumpet! I did play trombone, like Ray Simms and Joe Cadena, but like my father I play stringed instruments. Bass and guitar. But now, approaching 70, my lungs and heart are still far healthier than I deserve! A lot of my youth wasted on marijuana! But heck, too late to cry about that!
What a legend! I'm 70,....and when I was in high school in the late 1960s, I had a friend who sort of resembled Doc. That was his nick-name, and what all his friends called him. He was slender fellow, with a narrow thin mustache. He wasn't a horn player or even a musician. It was all based on his looks. He was called Doc the rest of his life, by his closest friends. Wishing you well, (real) Doc.
Doc.... your part of the "Greatest Generation" and we are glad your still with us. Thank you for all the joy you brought into our homes throughout the many years! God bless!!!
Johnny, Doc, Ed and the band where an important part of my youth. I started watching them when I was in grade school, yes grade school! It was difficult to get up the next morning for school but I loved the show. Thank you Doc for being exactly as you are!
I met Doc at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City in 1973 or 1974. I was on the Mounted Patrol in Swope Park, and rode my horse backstage when he was rehearsing. He came over to talk about horses with me.
I instantly recalled that moment at a particular Thanksgiving Tonight Show episode when Ed was off and Doc was filling in and Johnny invited Doc over for Turkey and the rest is history! 🤣 Herr Doktor making 97 seem possible for all of us! Cheers Everyone and always shoot for that High Note on The Trumpet! 👋
Not believe Doc is 97 years old looks that good his hands look 40-year-old man’s hands. His brain is his sharp as a young man believable. His mother lived to be 101 years old. He’s amazing trumpet player my gosh he was a real gift from God, or is a gift from God.
Thank you so much for posting this. It does my heart good to see an update on Doc and that he's in excellent shape for 97 and looking forward to 98! Doc you are truly an amazing man!! 🎉
