By now I’m sure you know about David Letterman’s final show last night. Over his remarkable 30+ year career, Letterman has promoted and introduced to the public hundreds of musical acts and comedians. It was a badge of honor to be featured on his Late Night show, and in honor of his famous “Top 10” segment, we have compiled our own “Top 10” of favorite performances on Letterman by acts we have coming to the Music Circus and Melody Tent this summer.
#10- Brian Regan
No comedian has graced The Late Show stage more than Brian Regan. In his 26th and final appearance, Regan delivers some of his classic, clean comedy that has made him the stand-up star that he is. You can tell the two have a great friendship and at the end of the video Regan says to Dave “I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me over the years man.” A great tribute to the millions they have made laugh through out the years.
#9- Loretta Lynn
On May 3rd, 2004, the Queen of Country made her Late Show debut with her then-band “The Dowhaters”. In her classic, elegant manner, Loretta belted out her song “Portland, Oregan”.
#8- Boz Scaggs
Boz Scaggs made his Late Night debut in 1988, but the clip above is him singing his classic “Some Change” for Letterman on April 7th, 1994. Scaggs first appearance on a late night talk show was with Letterman in 1988 and what spawned was a plethora of talk show stints, including appearing on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, “The Late Show with David Letterman”, “The Late Show with Craig Kilborn”, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”, and “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.” Boz also had a number of daytime talk show moments but we are running out of room.
#7- Paula Poundstone
Paula Poundstone has had quite the career on TV and Radio, appearing in over 60 shows and movies, let alone her numerous radio gigs. You could make a compelling argument that it all started for her on “Late Night with David Letterman” June 13th, 1987. The clip above is from a later appearance on the show and the very funny Poundstone hits on everything from Tiger Woods to cell phones, even to her own problems with drinking and Alcoholics (not so) Anonymous.
#6- The Temptations
Mo-Town legends “The Temptations” made their debut on the “Late Show with David Letterman” on January 6th, 2006. Singing their smash hit “My Girl” and showcasing their still-smooth dance moved, The Temptations showed us all why they are beloved by so many.
#5- Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Few 20 year olds have ever been lucky enough to be on “Late Night”, but Kenny Wayne Shepherd accomplished that feat on December 26th, 1997. Performing “Slow Ride”, Shepherd shows why he deserved to be on that stage at the age of 20.
#4- Hunter Hayes
Super-talented Country superstar Hunter Hayes dropped by the “Late Night” set to promote his new album Storyline and performed his hit song “Tattoo”. The young singer-songwriter put on a show with such energy and passion that it made it clear to anyone with eyes he was going to be a star.
#3- Diana Krall
Besides the beautifully sung, emotion filled song; what makes this performance by Diana Krall special is the fact that it was one of her very first performances after overcoming a severe case of pneumonia that made her cancel her tour and push back her album release. One of Jazz’s finest, Krall puts on a memorable show for Letterman and the “Late Night” audience.
#2- Lucinda Williams
Lucinda shows off some great guitar licks, some killer drumming, and a toe tapping beat with her song “Real Love”. It is different seeing her without a guitar in her hands but its a great performance none-the-less. Letterman said it best when he said “The amazingly talented, Lucinda Williams”.
#1- Lee Brice
How can we have a top 10 without Lee Brice? Brice brings his best selling hit “Drinking Class” to the Letterman stage and of course brings the house down. With connectable lyrics, a great beat, and some awesome rock-yells, Brice helped send Letterman off the air in style.
