I live in Nebraska. My aunt listened to polkas every single day. we actually had a wonderful polka band for her birthday a year ago. This is an absolute gem of a show. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve posted to my friends. We are all from the Czech Republic and we love it. Thank you!
I appreciate Johnny mentioning his early days on WOW-TV in Omaha. Announcing their "Polka Parade" show. Lots of Czech, Polish, and German descendants here in Nebraska keep the polka tradition going.
Johnny Carson was the most versatile host in the history of television. Anybody who had an unusual way of entertaining, could appear on his show. Carson is the reason the Tonight Show has been on the air for 70 years! I miss him.
Johnny Carson is a masterclass on how to host a talk show. He never upstaged the guests, he always allowed them to shine, and he knew exactly how and when to add to what they were doing. There will never be another late night host as talented and gracious as he was.
That accordion is very heavy. Then her dancing some. That is exhausting. I see she had padding for her chest. My parents didn't think of that. It was painful and yes, I pinched myself. DD cup. Not my idea to play accordion, that was moms idea. Ugh.
@@littleme3597 Not padding, nothing to do with the accordeon, those tassels are just a traditional part of the bodice in one specific spot in Moravia. Though I'm sure they helped. 😀
@@scarletryane8842 Personally I just see the very full tassels; though it's hard to decode details with the old footage. 😀 Gathered shirt, wool broadcloth bodice - the clothing itself would do a bit of padding.
Easily one of the greatest big bands ever. I've seen lots of videos featuring The Tonight Show band just playing tunes and they are hot, hot, hot. Doc Severinsen is a fantastic trumpet player and his band could swing so hard.
Why wouldn’t he? She’s a wonderful musician and performer. I’m sure everyone in the band enjoyed having her there! They probably enjoyed the chance to take a moment to play polka like that with a bone vide polka star, given the mores of American entertainment. (People who play band instruments get into that traditional stuff so Doc obviously wanted her to perform with the Tonight Show band) And you just want to hug her! Also back then people enjoyed polka music for a change every now and then, it was synonymous with being relaxed, eating, drinking, having fun. Whoopee John Wilfahrt whom Johnny mentioned, his band was a cut above, it’s no surprise that Doc knew who he was, he probably knew it well.
😂😂 Thank you so much for posting this! She is precious, Johnny was on point as always with his zingers, and I truly miss him and the Tonight Show. I miss the days of wholesome entertainment, with performers who had actual talent.
Carson genuinely enjoyed having these quirky guests and always treated them with the greatest courtesy and respect. Notice how often he reaches over and puts his hand on hers.
It's allowing guests like her that helped make Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show so wonderful to watch. Back in the day, I didn't miss very many Tonight Shows.
Pity, what a sad life you must have if you pine for “the good old days.” Days are still good, there’s still good people but so much more freedom. You must just be blind to them and stuck in the past. And it’s not if back then there wasn’t misery or strife. As in any decade you need to find the bright spots.
Don't ever forget... she got on Johnny... and then was soon playing accordion on the parade float in the famous Ferris Bueller "Danke Schoen" sequence in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." She looked so happy. RIP, beautiful lady.
What a stellar performer! Vlasta turns first to the audience, then to the band and you can see in their eyes their affirmation of her talent and status. This is very, very old school. That is exactly why I love it.
I started watching Johnny in the 70's as a teenager with the volume just loud enough to hear, parents went to bed at 11 p.m. and mom had great hearing. I had a little black and white 12 inch tv in my room.
I’ve wished all my life I could play the accordion. Myron Floren was one of my heroes, took my kids (aged 3 and 4) to see him in the 1990s. What a precious memory!!
I'm 72 & enjoy these shows so much. Growing up we didn't get to see Johnny..much. We only got a couple TV channels where I lived...CBS & CBC ( out of Canada). NBC never camre in very clear unless the weather cooperated & you had a 20' tower!! Johhny was a #1 class act.
This was great. I'm Czech also. My family came from old Bohemia. I love the polkas and getting together with other Czech people. We enjoy the fellowships and the traditional foods. ❤😊
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG SHE IS GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!! Johnny is great with her taking a bath with her husband Johnny and writes a song about Johnny Carson I LOVE IT!!! lolololol
Watching her reminds me of watching a show called "Polka Varieties" on WEWS Channel 5 on Sundays at 1:00 P.M. (after Church, of course) in Cleveland, Ohio. Our family name in The Old Country was Jedlicka, and being Polish, this feels heart-warming.
Jonny's shows were the best. He sometimes had random, regular people on, not just famous people. The animal guest shows were top notch. He always kept things interesting, and he never lost his sense of humor. We could never tell how things were going to go but we always knew Jonny would just be Jonny and find the laughable moments. It was fun (still is) to watch Jonny just crack up. He was real, and genuine. He'll always be missed.
This is precious. My grandmother played piano and accordion in my grandfather's big band.....she had this enormous, to me, accordion with her name on it....ALMA. She would play Beer Barrel Polka and she and I would sing. I was just a little one...6 or 7 years old. When I got older they wanted me to play accordion. No dice.....those suckers weigh a ton.......the way this lady is dancing around with that thing strapped on is amazing.
What a pleasure to watch her. She wanted a sip of something and drank his coffee! She was overwhelmed to sit beside him! I wish I didn't have to go to bed in the 60's & 70's I may have seen this if awake! Miss Johnny Carson he was an original!
Betsy, think about what you are saying, have you gone to the grocery store this week. All of the men actually were wearing ties and dressed liked they cared to be seen on television.
Back in the day, like when this was made, the Tonight Show Band was an incredible band. Getting them for your backup players, well, it doesn’t get much better than that. And seeing a girl fulfilling her dream is just wonderful.
When I was younger I used to dance the polka with my cousin at parties like weddings & bar mitzvahs, we had so much fun dancing, its a very fast dance. We Loved it ❤
This woman was the real deal and yet was a total scream to be around. You can't help but love her!
She's the most genuine person I've seen on television. And thanks to her persistence and Johnny Carson, we all get to know her.
One of the best “Nighttime talk show King” episodes ever.
And this channel ❤
There will never be another Johnny Carson. R.I.P.
He died from emphysema he was a chainsmoker so sad
He could talk with and be totally comfortable with any guest. From Presidents to Polka Queens.
RIP Johnny 😊 you were absolutely great TV viewing & still 😊 laugh great humour 😊
I live in Nebraska. My aunt listened to polkas every single day. we actually had a wonderful polka band for her birthday a year ago. This is an absolute gem of a show. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve posted to my friends. We are all from the Czech Republic and we love it. Thank you!
So did my father-in-law, on the weekends.
I appreciate Johnny mentioning his early days on WOW-TV in Omaha. Announcing their "Polka Parade" show. Lots of Czech, Polish, and German descendants here in Nebraska keep the polka tradition going.
I visited Wilbur! It was fantastic to learn about this culture!❤🎉
My gawd, I dont remember ever seeing the band stand up for anyone LOL. So awesome :)
A genuine lady full of life and happiness. 👍
Johnny was the best of the best and I'm 74 and still find his shows to watch
Johnny Carson was the most versatile host in the history of television. Anybody who had an unusual way of entertaining, could appear on his show. Carson is the reason the Tonight Show has been on the air for 70 years! I miss him.
Grace in action. Generous, humble
Johnny Carson is a masterclass on how to host a talk show. He never upstaged the guests, he always allowed them to shine, and he knew exactly how and when to add to what they were doing. There will never be another late night host as talented and gracious as he was.
Amen!
This was so delightful to watch! I grinned the entire time.
Me too!😄
It was. I have trouble imagining this getting 15 minutes of airtime anywhere else these days, though. 😂
Just lovely - genuine - love when Johnny says 'I'm telling you this is show business.'
I absolutely love her! He joy and enthusiasm is contagious! Thanks to the great Johnny Carson for having her on his show. May he rest in peace.
OMG, im from Chicago and i remember her very well. WOW. awesome!
what an infectious and effervescent personality. And a kickass accordionist too.
That accordion is very heavy. Then her dancing some. That is exhausting. I see she had padding for her chest. My parents didn't think of that. It was painful and yes, I pinched myself. DD cup. Not my idea to play accordion, that was moms idea. Ugh.
@@littleme3597 Not padding, nothing to do with the accordeon, those tassels are just a traditional part of the bodice in one specific spot in Moravia. Though I'm sure they helped. 😀
@@beth12svist I think her chest had padding underneath top? I feel I can tell she's much thinner than that...?
@@scarletryane8842 Personally I just see the very full tassels; though it's hard to decode details with the old footage. 😀 Gathered shirt, wool broadcloth bodice - the clothing itself would do a bit of padding.
@@littleme3597Ouch. Ouch!
Missed this episode. She was 100% correct. Playing for the President was nothing to being on Johnny's show. Being on Johnny's show was HUGE.
I sang for Gerald Ford in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial celebration. I’d have been 100x more nervous singin’ for Johnny.
@@SuperiorHoundCurious to know what songs you sang. An honor to sing for the President 🇺🇲!
Man! Doc and the band went above and beyond to make her feel welcome!!
Way above and beyond!
Easily one of the greatest big bands ever. I've seen lots of videos featuring The Tonight Show band just playing tunes and they are hot, hot, hot. Doc Severinsen is a fantastic trumpet player and his band could swing so hard.
He played with the Buffalo Philharmonic when Johnny retired.
Why wouldn’t he? She’s a wonderful musician and performer. I’m sure everyone in the band enjoyed having her there! They probably enjoyed the chance to take a moment to play polka like that with a bone vide polka star, given the mores of American entertainment. (People who play band instruments get into that traditional stuff so Doc obviously wanted her to perform with the Tonight Show band) And you just want to hug her! Also back then people enjoyed polka music for a change every now and then, it was synonymous with being relaxed, eating, drinking, having fun. Whoopee John Wilfahrt whom Johnny mentioned, his band was a cut above, it’s no surprise that Doc knew who he was, he probably knew it well.
Doc's band respected her and rose to the occasion to support her musically. ❤🎉
😂😂 Thank you so much for posting this! She is precious, Johnny was on point as always with his zingers, and I truly miss him and the Tonight Show. I miss the days of wholesome entertainment, with performers who had actual talent.
😎 I can't ever remember seeing the full band like that for any other performances on the show
I saw this episode in a small camper trailer in Cass county Texas. Loved her and Carson I sure miss him.
Carson genuinely enjoyed having these quirky guests and always treated them with the greatest courtesy and respect. Notice how often he reaches over and puts his hand on hers.
It's allowing guests like her that helped make Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show so wonderful to watch. Back in the day, I didn't miss very many Tonight Shows.
Oh, my, I miss the Johnny Carson Show! There has never been another like it! 😂😂🥰
Truly wonderful. Where have these wholesome, good days gone?
Been replaced with degeneracy, I can't find any other way to put it. Remember Laurence Welk? 😊
@@WalburgisLuppusLawrence Welk is still on every Sunday night on PBS
@@WalburgisLuppusit was a joy to watch it.
@@utahdan231 😊❤️🔥
Pity, what a sad life you must have if you pine for “the good old days.” Days are still good, there’s still good people but so much more freedom. You must just be blind to them and stuck in the past. And it’s not if back then there wasn’t misery or strife. As in any decade you need to find the bright spots.
Love RUclips, brings all the wonderful feelings right back from when I first watched Johnny as a kid with Dad when I got to stay up late.
Another reason Johnny was the King of the late night talk shows.
What a great memory Johhny Carson made for her! A lifetime achievement ❤😊🎉
Johnny was the best by far
He and Steve Allen
Watching this feels like he never left.
The only comment on RUclips that has brought tears to my eyes.
Ive got tears in my eyes! She's playing and singing the state song of my Wisconsin..Roll out the Barrel 0!
Don't ever forget... she got on Johnny... and then was soon playing accordion on the parade float in the famous Ferris Bueller "Danke Schoen" sequence in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." She looked so happy. RIP, beautiful lady.
ruclips.net/video/tRcv4nokK50/видео.htmlsi=xEUZqJKkJiUpgxke
Polka music is happy music.
Right up there with yodeling! Put them together, and I’m a goner.
She was fun. In 2024, I think the polka queen would be Molly B on RFD TV.
It is. My grandma was a great dancer and could definitely polka, but she never taught me how. It's just as well, I'd have to dance alone. 😂
Yes and doc and the band were superb!🎺
The polka is a great part of Wisconsin culture.
Such an adorable and lovely guest! Her joy and authenticity are delightful!
Johnny Carson was the best late night show ever
Nobody will be as good as Johnny Carson! ❤
You can tell this lady spread joy wherever she went!
What a stellar performer! Vlasta turns first to the audience, then to the band and you can see in their eyes their affirmation of her talent and status. This is very, very old school. That is exactly why I love it.
from when television was real entertainment!! clean, fun, kind!!! thank you !!
I started watching Johnny in the 70's as a teenager with the volume just loud enough to hear, parents went to bed at 11 p.m. and mom had great hearing. I had a little black and white 12 inch tv in my room.
Me too. Great memories!
Same Tonight Show story as mine, except the years were in the 1960s.
When I was a kid, growing up in Johnstown PA, we listened to the Polka Party on the radio every Sunday during lunch. I miss those days.
Second time seeing this lady and she is an absolute delight!
This is great... and Carson is wonderful. He's a class act, and so is she... what fun, and what energy she has!
WAS great...he died in Jan. 2005. She died in 2020.
She is a triple threat:
sing, dance and
play the accordion. 😅
@kathrynmolesa1641 - she’s also a born comedian 😆
While on the toilet!
So can Weird Al. ....🫨
Dancing with an accordion is no joke! Those things can be heavy.
That thing weighs 20 lbs at least 🪗
She’s just swinging it around like it’s nothing
I adore this woman. ❤❤❤
What a wonderful lady! So full of life and spirit!! Love her. Thank you, Johnny, for allowing genuine folks to be a part of your wonderful show.
DAMN good accordion player! I was forced to learn as a kid, but damn. She rocks it.
Eat your heart out Crazy Al Yankovich
I’ve wished all my life I could play the accordion. Myron Floren was one of my heroes, took my kids (aged 3 and 4) to see him in the 1990s. What a precious memory!!
@@SuperiorHound It's a hard instrument to play well. Check out Weird Al.
@@SuperiorHoundMyron Floren 🪗👏🏼
@@boblozaintherealworld3577 I used to live in Wisconsin, land of polka. Weird Al is a hero!
I'm 72 & enjoy these shows so much. Growing up we didn't get to see Johnny..much. We only got a couple TV channels where I lived...CBS & CBC ( out of Canada). NBC never camre in very clear unless the weather cooperated & you had a 20' tower!! Johhny was a #1 class act.
It’s so cute to see Johnny blush.
What a trip down memory lane! A much happier time in this country.
Seeing this makes me realize how much real talent we lost.
This wonderful woman is a ball of energy. The Energizer Bunny could get a jump start off of her.
She was dancing around the entire time carrying around what, 20 pounds of weight? She’s an athlete!
🐰🔋🔋🔋🔋🔋🔋😅
Nothing more fun than a good polka song!
This was great. I'm Czech also. My family came from old Bohemia. I love the polkas and getting together with other Czech people. We enjoy the fellowships and the traditional foods. ❤😊
He was the GOAT. Always light hearted and very funny
She is pure joy. We need more people like her. We definitely need another Johnny Carson. He knew how to make each guest shine brightly.
So funny how we all love these old shows :) ...
Her enthusiasm is infectious. You can't help but be happy after watching this!
She's adorable in so many ways! 😊
What a delightful woman!! 😊😊😊 They don't make them like this no more.... 😑😑😑
She was adorable. So genuine and happy!
Suggestion for anyone feeling down : WATCH THIS EPISODE OF JC!
🙄🙄
This was not only the best spot I've ever seen on the Tonight Show but any and all talk shows . BRAVO Vlasta !
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG SHE IS GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!! Johnny is great with her taking a bath with her husband Johnny and writes a song about Johnny Carson I LOVE IT!!! lolololol
Remember when there used to be a late-night show on TV to watch and enjoy? I sure miss having that.
The only good thing about the internet is that you can watch old time late night tv!
Roger that !
Right?! 👍
There’s a few other advantages, for example, my wife can talk to her sister in Spain all she wants for free.
Couldn't have said it better!!!!
Right on!
Watching her reminds me of watching a show called "Polka Varieties" on WEWS Channel 5 on Sundays at 1:00 P.M. (after Church, of course) in Cleveland, Ohio. Our family name in The Old Country was Jedlicka, and being Polish, this feels heart-warming.
I remember Polka Varieties, too! Thanks for recalling that memory for me!
@@davidpetrie3793 You're welcome. Are you a Clevelander? I grew up on The West Side (the Best Side!), Broadview and Oak Park.
Wonderful fun!! My mom used to play the accordion and my dad played trumpet. This took be back to my childhood. Thank you!
Jonny's shows were the best. He sometimes had random, regular people on, not just famous people. The animal guest shows were top notch. He always kept things interesting, and he never lost his sense of humor. We could never tell how things were going to go but we always knew Jonny would just be Jonny and find the laughable moments. It was fun (still is) to watch Jonny just crack up. He was real, and genuine. He'll always be missed.
This is what I call great TV. Can't go wrong with a killer Polka legend on the best talk show.
She's a hoot!!!
Can't believe they gave her such a long piece of the show. what a character.
This is precious. My grandmother played piano and accordion in my grandfather's big band.....she had this enormous, to me, accordion with her name on it....ALMA. She would play Beer Barrel Polka and she and I would sing. I was just a little one...6 or 7 years old. When I got older they wanted me to play accordion. No dice.....those suckers weigh a ton.......the way this lady is dancing around with that thing strapped on is amazing.
Carson was hands down the best host ever!
Loved when the entire band stood to play❤
I think she was in Ferris Bueller's Day Off too. She was playing on the float with Matthew Broderick.
Immediately pictured her. Makes sense being set in Chicago.
Here's the clip of Vlasta playing the accordion 🪗 in Ferris Bueller ruclips.net/video/tRcv4nokK50/видео.html
Absolutely delightful! Some of Johnny's best guests were regular people you never heard of.
What a pleasure to watch her. She wanted a sip of something and drank his coffee! She was overwhelmed to sit beside him! I wish I didn't have to go to bed in the 60's & 70's I may have seen this if awake!
Miss Johnny Carson he was an original!
Tubi has complete shows. I had to turn in early in those days too!
This was great... the reason that Johnny was so successful he had this type of guest.
And he treated them with respect but still got laughs.
I was thinking the same thing. Some of his best shows had regular people on like this amazing lady.
@@johnperrigo6474 yes he really did. He had a kindness for the average person and children.
Then you should try watching Lawrence Welk ! He was a German speaking American whose parents emigrated from Odessa Russia .
Oh look no cussing no weird people no barely dressed women no filth. I miss those days.
Yes she wasn’t weird at all
Betsy, think about what you are saying, have you gone to the grocery store this week. All of the men actually were wearing ties and dressed liked they cared to be seen on television.
There was plenty of all that to be found on tv at the time, including on this very program. 😂
@@betsybauer7340😂
Why can't you just enjoy a woman having the time of her life without your silly commentary?
Those are the days I miss.
She’s terrific. Miss Johnny.
Oh Johnny! She's the total package! Your show was always so much fun and we never knew what to expect!😂❤
Priceless.
Couldn't imagine Johnny had a bigger fan than I, but International Polka Lady might have me beat. Miss Johnny forever.
She died in 2020 ... RIP. ( 1937- 2020)
😪
Never knew about this joyful funny talent. May the Good Lord keep her soul in Heaven above.🙏🙏🙏
She brought so much joy. What a beautiful soul.
What a humble women.
She is definitely A Class Act! You can see .how genuinely honored she is to be there.
Thank you so much for this. I had seen the part about sitting on the toilet, but not the whole segment.
What a gem!
To forgive is human, but to Polka is DIVINE.
ROCK OUT, VLASTA!!!😁😁👍👍
Back in the day, like when this was made, the Tonight Show Band was an incredible band. Getting them for your backup players, well, it doesn’t get much better than that.
And seeing a girl fulfilling her dream is just wonderful.
Johnny’s show was best part of the day!
She is precious! ❤
When she started playing with Doc and the band, I had the urge to open a beer.
lmao, so true!
god bless Doc and the orchestra. and, of course, Johnny himself.
They really gave her a memory didn’t they!
She embodies joy and inspires me with her true-to-herself weirdness.
This is marvelous! It beats the drudge of celebrities guesting on late night talk shows now days.
Reminds me of some episodes from the I Love Lucy show-wacky, wonderful, joyful stuff.
This was so great!!!!
When I was younger I used to dance the polka with my cousin at parties like weddings & bar mitzvahs, we had so much fun dancing, its a very fast dance. We Loved it ❤
Doc got a very funny quip in there with "and his band will play" at 6:43. Took Johnny a second to catch on but he got it, haha.
😂😂
Johnny was the best. No one since has come close.
Yes we need more Polka and family entertainment in America 🇺🇸 where we live free or Die.
Looked like the whole band quite enjoyed that !! What a cutie, her energy is quite infectious !!
She is so delightful🤣
Polka, my first cultural experience as a lad….at 82 I STILL 😍!