Dave Letterman Awarded for Contributions at U.S. Comedy Awards in New York City

Late night television talk show host David Letterman was awarded the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence, in New York. The award was presented to Dave in style as fellow funny man Bill Murray took the honor. Appropriate that Murray should deliver the award to Dave considering he was Dave's first guest on the show when it was at NBC and then first again when Dave moved to CBS.

David Letterman's contribution to the comedy fabric is not to be denied. Originally as a weatherman, then stand-up comedian and finally late night talk show host, Letterman developed a casual relaxed demeanor that was infectious and east to welcome into your home. Before turning out the lights to call it a night, many enjoy the host's late night musings on topical fare and ability to find the humor in a plunging watermelon.

The hardest thing to capture in words is Dave's essence. It is not easy to describe what it is about the man that has so enthralled viewers for so many years. Is it his timing or signature grin? Perhaps it is the way he tossed a pencil or Tuesday night. Maybe it was the way he tossed a pencil on Friday night. One thing is certain, here is hoping he will be around for some time to come.

Part of the undeniable charm of Letterman is that he is one of the very few mainstream entertainers who are a direct link to the past in Hollywood. From a studio in New York, he casts a signal around the world that allows his audience to be a part of the remarkable history of comedy that has flown through the fabric of the country for years. There are very few entertainers working today, if any, that have that kind of connection to all that has been entertainment for so long.

On any given night, one can tune into Dave's show and catch the latest musical star or perhaps share in a conversation with a comedy legend like Don Rickles. There may be a ridiculous moment when serious consideration is given to the permeability of Jell-O or a moment remembered for a fallen hero. One thing about Letterman, is that almost anything can be turned into fodder for television. Sometimes it works, sometimes it would not, but that's what the experience with Dave has always been about. He has always been able to have fun and hopefully will never start taking himself too seriously, awards or not.