History of Late Night TV

Earvin "Magic" Johnson is known as a star basketball player for the Michigan State University Spartans. He led them to a national championship in 1979. Then he became a star player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. 

 

When he tried his hand at hosting a late night talk show, called The Magic Hour, it lasted only from June to September of 1998. 

 

His band leader for the show was the percussionist and protege of Prince, Sheila E. His sidekick was comedian Craig Shoemaker. 

 

Johnson was not known as a good interviewer and he seemed to struggle with the late night format. 

 

Nevertheless, he has had massive success as a businessman who owns many movie theaters, restaurants and other establishments.