Honoring Johnny Carson & Doc with Music, Lights, & Memories

This fundraiser is organized by Trumpet Champions Inc.

Tax deductible

"Honoring Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, & Doc Severinsen with Music, Lights, and Memories"

If you’re a fan of Johnny Carson, Doc Severinsen, Ed McMahon, or the timeless music of The Tonight Show, please consider supporting this

The Vision

Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, and Doc Severinsen captivated audiences for decades on The Tonight Show, with Doc’s unforgettable trumpet solos becoming a defining feature of late-night entertainment.

I’m thrilled to bring their legacy to life with several special tribute performances featuring Doc’s signature big sound, iconic Tonight Show clips, and live music that celebrates these legends.

To make this vision a reality, Trumpet Champions Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is raising funds for essential resources to honor Doc’s incredible contributions to music and to inspire audiences with the spirit of his sound.

Why This Tribute Is Special

This is more than a performance—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the brilliance of Doc Severinsen and the magic he brought to The Tonight Show.

Contact us:

please see link on this page to send us an email

This event will include:

Live recreations of Doc’s iconic solos, played by Kurt Thompson, a professional trumpeter who has made tributes for Maynard Ferguson, Bud Brisbois, and Chet Baker.

Clips of Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, and Doc Severinsen woven into the performance to allow the audience to relive their on-screen chemistry.

Fun Trivia about Doc, Ed, and Johnny that have flown under the radar of most Tonight Show fans.

A live band bringing the music of The Tonight Show to life with Doc’s vibrant energy.

This tribute also gives me the opportunity to fulfill a dream of paying homage to my one of my biggest trumpet inspirations, despite the challenges I’ve faced since my main professional trumpet was stolen last year;

When I was a kid, I would watch the Tonight Show and meticulously listen for any high notes that Doc or the trumpet section might be playing. This meant that I had to watch the commercials so I could catch Doc and the Band playing as the show resumed.

What We’re Raising Funds For

To ensure this tribute meets the highest standards, we need your help to cover:

Performances: $7500 will fund unlimited live performances and shows. This is sustainable and does away with the need for an expensive sound person and lighting tech person saving a tremendous amount of money.

Estimated cost breakdown as follows:

Live Sound Equipment: $3000 to deliver the best listening experience:

Lighting & Videography: $2000 Huge 7’ tall digital display monitor for clips of Johnny & Doc plus trivia questions, text displays and more…

Musicians: Trumpet Soloist, Kurt Thompson, donating performances free to start these tributes.

Licensing Costs and other incidentals: $2500 - Travel, Photo, Video, and Music licensing and other miscellaneous costs including a high powered laptop with a very long battery life:

Every donation directly supports the tools, talent, and resources needed to make this tribute extraordinary. This fundraiser has been deeply cut down to the bare essentials to deliver a quality, professional tribute. Any further cuts would result in a noticeable loss of quality in sound and presentation.

Since there will be no audio/sound person for the initial performances, the best option is to at least have high quality speakers, mics, and other tools.

Impact of Your Support

Your generosity will make this tribute possible and help bring the magic of Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, and Doc Severinsen to life.

With your help, we can:

Recreate the vibrant sound that inspired a generation of trumpet players.
Preserve the legacy of these icons for audiences of all ages.
Inspire the next generation of musicians to follow in Doc’s footsteps.

Please help Us Now

If you’re a fan of Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon, and Doc Severinsen, or the timeless music of The Tonight Show, please consider supporting this tribute.

Since the end of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show in 1992, when was the last time you were able to reconnect with the magic of that show in person, in real life?

After more than 30 years, this is your first opportunity to take this sentimental journey...

Your donation will help bring this vision to life and honor two legends who left an indelible mark on entertainment. Your support will also allow you to take a walk down memory lane in real life when you attend one of these tribute performances.

Look around. It doesn't appear that there are any other efforts to keep these great times and music from yesteryear alive. Please give us a chance.

Click ‘Donate Now’ to make a difference and help us celebrate this unforgettable legacy!”

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.

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