It was in 1952 during Steve Allen’s stint as host of NBC-TV’s Tonight that 
Arlington, Oregon’s own Doc Severinsen began playing first trumpet in
the shows band, directed by Skitch Henderson. When Henderson left the
show, Severinsen took over as band leader on Monday October 9, 1967 
and remained with the show until Carson’s retirement in 1992. While under   
the direction of Severinsen, The Tonight Show NBC Orchestra was the most  
visible big band in America.

Doc Severinsen turned 84 on July 7th