My Friend Johnny - by Howard Smith (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For two decades, Howard Smith shared an extraordinary friendship with Johnny Carson-not as the legendary Tonight Show host, but simply as John. A neighbor turned close companion, Howard entered John's private world far from the spotlight.

In My Friend Johnny, Smith paints an intimate portrait of the man behind the iconic desk: funny, kind, and generous, yet deeply complex. From tennis matches to quiet moments, their bond lasted until John's passing.

Set against Malibu's elite circles, Smith's journey includes personal and revealing accounts with icons like Princess Diana, Bruce Springsteen, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Wahlberg, Oprah, Jerry Weintraub, Usher, David Foster, Arnold Palmer, Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Hoffa, Tommy Lasorda (who changed Howard's life forever), and seven US presidents. More than a memoir, this book celebrates true friendship, serendipity, the magic of knowing someone beyond their fame, and the five traits that link the most successful.

With a foreword by Jay Leno, this book also includes 20 pages of never-before-seen candid photos of celebrities, capturing unforgettable moments from Smith's extraordinary life journey.

Review Quotes

Praise for MY FRIEND JOHNNY

"Imagine my complete surprise when I went to my dear friend Howard Smith's house for dinner one night to find the Johnny Carson as the other guest. Unsurprisingly, it was a great and unique night. Anyone could see that Howard and Johnny were great friends-a real friendship, not a Hollywood friendship. I can't think of anyone more perfect to pull the curtain back just a little on this most treasured entertainer. This book will make you laugh and cry at the same time, and Howard has somehow done it without crossing that "privacy" line that was so important to Johnny. Bravo, Howard-and Johnny!"

-David Foster

---

"Howard, you are a blessing in my life."

-Johnny Mathis