SNL at 50

   I didn't watch Saturday Night Live until early 1976.  Mostly from hearing middle school kids talking about this new program that is on late night Saturday.  From then I was hooked.  At least during the classic era of the late 70's.  The buzz this show gave was deep during this period.  And we knew all the names: Dan, John, Chevy, Bill, Gilda, Garrett, Jane, Laraine.  The co-hosts, skits and the musical guests.  I should say that teenage me didn't know some of the guests at the time.  Now most are part of my musical life, but at the time a lot of these musical guests were eye an ear openers.

  The next buzz that SNL gave occurred when Eddie Murphy arrived.  The 70's cast members had all moved on and until Murphy arrived SNL was just another late night comedy show.  But he was must-see tv.  I should say that all of this happened before DVR's and just as VCR's were coming along.  So, you had to watch the show live or catch it later on reruns.  Once these things happened, I taped the show weekly.

  Now in its 50th year, the show is hit or miss.  But still a must watch.  Nothing beats the excitement of those early years though.