Comedian Johnny Carson, the king of U.S. late-night television as host of NBC's 'The Tonight Show' for nearly 30 years -- and the last face millions of Americans saw before drifting off to sleep -- died on January 23, 2005 at age 79. Carson's topical opening monologues and on-air banter with sidekick Ed McMahon and bandleader Doc Severinsen made his show a cultural touchstone, and his death saddened many in Hollywood who got their first big break on the program. Carson is shown in an undated photo with co-host Ed McMahon. REUTERS/NBC NO SALES
From 1964, Stan Zabka’s Tonight Show theme, which incorporated the NBC Chimes. This is performed by the Paris Strings. Following that, Stan Zabka and orchestra with his NBC Sports version of Chimes.
This was prior to the Paul Anka version, which was released in 1965.
The Tonight Show theme (1964) – NBC Sports theme – CHIMES by Stan Zabka (3:20)
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Many years ago I agreed a copy of the first NBC theme on this track, I don't recall where I got it and never heard it in use. Never heard the second track, but it's good, too.
The three tones that have always identified NBC are relevant. The notes are G, E, and C which happen to be the first letters of General Electric Company and reveal its role in the formation of the network.