Episode 56: Talks Shows of the 1970s
PLAY LIST
Mamma Mia by ABBA (1975)
You Can’t Catch Me by John Lennon (1975)
Still Crazy After All These Years by Paul Simon (1975)
The Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television by George Carlin (1972)
If You Don’t Know Me By Now by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (1972)
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, we explore the crucial role that talk shows played during the 1970s, a transformative decade in American television and culture. The 70s talk shows were not just entertainment; they became a platform for public discourse, social change, and cultural reflection. Talk shows of the 70s reflected the rapidly changing social landscape, addressing issues such as civil rights, feminism, and the Vietnam War. Hosts created spaces where controversial topics could be discussed openly, helping to shift public opinion and raise awareness. The decade saw the emergence of charismatic hosts like Johnny Carson and Dick Cavett, who had very different styles but were both very effective — and popular — hosts. Also, I don’t normally discuss modern politics on this podcast but, sometimes the facts just take you there, such as in Richard Nixon’s use of the presidency to threaten PBS and end funding for “Soul!” In 2025, the current president finished the job that Nixon started.
SOURCES
Associated Press. 1972. “DA Won't Ask Carlin's Arrest.” Fort Lauderdale News, July 23, 1972.
Carson, Johnny. 2022. “George Carlin on Being Arrested for Performing "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television."” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohnb2yaUggk.
Christgau, Robert. 1973. “The Comedy Album Crop.” Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics. https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/news/nd730311.php.
Courier-Gazette. 1972. “Soul Begins its Fifth Season.” October 1, 1972.
Delatiner, Barbara. 1968. “Soul TV Not Black and White.” Newsday, September 13, 1968.
“Johnny Carson Profile Part 1.wmv.” 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrWkhTJGrsA.
Jonze, Tim. 2014. “Abba on drugs, Eminem and why writing great pop is a job for young people.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/10/abba-interview-bjorn-ulvaeus-frida-lyngstad.
“Paul Simon Presents Still Crazy on Guitar.” 2020. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RVVz_OiPT8&t=74s.
PBS and Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 2021. “Mr. Soul Discussion Guide.” filmplatform.net. https://www.filmplatform.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MRSOUL_Discussion-Guide.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Rapp, Allison. 2025. “50 Years Ago: ABBA Records 'Mamma Mia' After Nearly Letting It Go.” Ultimate Classic Rock. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/abba-mamma-mia/.
Rare Find Music Videos. n.d. “Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes: Live Soul! TV Appearance.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmPcOOGa37E.
Smith, Sue, and Pete Mekeel. 1979. “TV Talkies: The Hosts with the Most...& The Least.” New Era (Lancaster), January 30, 1979.
Star-Gazette. 1969. “Most Everybody Tunes in on TV Talk Shows.” January 25, 1969.
Unger, Arthur. 1973. “George Carlin Says He's for Real as Hippie Monologist.” The Republican (Springfield), August 11, 1973.