The first time I saw Johnny Carson in person was at the old Chateau Vegas restaurant on D.I. Road behind the Convention Center in 1977. It was about 2 am. He was seated with a very attractive woman (maybe his wife) and two men. I remember after he finished his meal watching him sign a few autographs on his way out the door. Although I lived in Vegas during that time, I never had the chance to see him perform at one of his many weekend gigs at The Sahara. I always figured why pay to see someone I see free on TV all the time. Boy, was I wrong !

After Resorts International opened in Atlantic City (1978), many big stars started appearing there. I think Frank Sinatra kind of legitimized the venue when he signed a multi-year contract there.

One crispy fall day in 1980 (I'm back in Atlantic City now) I received a call from Skinny D'Amato's son Angelo. He wanted to know if I wanted to go to Johnny Carson's opening at Resorts with him and his Dad.That night I drove over to Skinny's Ventnor home. Angelo had arranged (much to his Father's dismay) a stretch limo to chauffeur us to and from the show.
Limos were not Skinny's style.Even though his clothes closet was the size of most people's living rooms, he was basically a man with simple tastes.I think he would've been happier going to the show in my old Ford.

Entering the giant Resorts Superstar Theatre, the waters seemed to part. People were fighting over who would escort Skinny and his party down front. After watching Skinny peel off a crisp $100. bill to the maitre' d, I could understand why.

The opening act was Phyllis McQuire. She seemed to play her entire set to Skinny and lovingly introduced him telling of the wonderful times she had playing the 500 Club with her sisters.

Finally, it was time for Heeeere's Johnny ! Carson was greeted with a standing ovation by the capacity crowd. He proceeded to entertain us with slightly more ribald humor than the NBC censors would allow. He didn't work "blue" like Buddy Hackett. There weren't any four letter words. He was more like an aging Peck's bad boy with a winning grin - boyish and charming. I thought he borrowed a lot from Jack Benny. They could both get bigger laughs from a joke that didn't work just by utilizing their facial expressions. Both were consummate pros with exquisite comic timing.

Johnny also introduced Skinny and reminisced about driving down to Atlantic City back in the late 50's to see Sinatra. Carson was marvelous. I regretted waiting this long to see him.

When the show was over Skinny said he was going backstage to say hello to the two performers. Angelo asked if we could join him. Skinny told us to go watch TV in the goddamn limo or words to that effect. Needless to say, we did as we were told.

It was a wonderful memory. There aren't too many show biz icons left.The word icon and especially the word legend are too freely tossed around these days. That night I was lucky to spend time with two of the genuine article.

Rest in Peace, Johnny and Skinny.

Rick Apt