1949

 
Ed McMahon (L) with The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson

  Edward Peter "Ed" McMahon, Jr. (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009)

McMahon was a comedian, game show host and announcer. He is best
remembered as the announcer and sidekick on the The Tonight Show
with Johnny Carson on NBC from 1962 to 1992. He also was the host of
the original version of Star Search on CBS from 1983 to 1995. McMahon
also co-hosted TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes with Dick Clark from 1982
to 1998 on NBC and ABC. 

The Original Amateur Hour was formerly Major Bowes Armature Hour, a 
radio staple from 1934 to 1945. When host Ed Bowes left the show. His 
successor was Ted Mack. The shows TV debut came on Sunday, January
18, 1948 on the DuMont Television Network.with Mack continuing as host.

The television debut of The Original Amateur Hour came on January 18, 
1948 on the DuMont Television Network with Mack as the host. It was
one of the few shows to have appeared on four TV networks during the
Golden Age of Television. After a 22 year run, Ted Mack (pictured above)
terminated the show of his own volition. The final broadcast of The Original
Amateur Hour was on Sunday September 27, 1970.

Johnny Burnette and the Rock & Roll Trio. September 9, 1956