Thank you so much Frank. I had a great deal of fun being on the Tonight Show for a full ten minutues! I was treated like a King. I was 26 and David was 34. This was four years BEFLORE he had his own Show. David and Doc were really nice to me. They paid for the Limo, Hotel, first class airfare and they paid me $448. for the appearance! Check out other Handwhistlers: handsplay, gegegenonewmusic and hamderhamder.
This was a LONG TIME ago! I was twenty six, Letterman was 34. The Tonight Show contacted me to be on this Show. I was flown First Class, a limo met me at the airport to take me to the Sheriton Universal in Burbank, and all my other travels, and I was paid $448. I was the right place at the right time, with the right ability.... Best of luck to you!
I had a full ten minutes on the Show and prior to the Show I had about twenty minutes to talk to David and Doc going over some questions that they might ask. Since David was the Guest Host of this Tonight Show, and it was four years before he had his own Show, he was still a very nice, sincere person, and a pleasure to talk with.
@LychkovIA Ivan- Glad that you stopped by and enjoyed seeing my Handwhistling when I was only 26 years old! David Letterman is only 32 years old there and it was BEFORE he had his own late night Show! Happy New Year!
I remember it beacaue I had just taken a studio apartment in Seattle. First night there tryikng to move in... Had a little black and white tv on the floor turned on. I hear this as I was putting stuff away in the kitchen, and had to come see what that was. Amazing how thing come back to you ;-) Thanks!
Unbelievable! I remember watching this impressive video when I was like 12 or 13 something. So glad we can meet again here. Cannot express my excitement.
I was 26 in 1979. There was another TV Show that I was a guest on in 1975 that is also in my uploads in two parts. The Show is called, Evening Magazine. I was on the Tonight Show again in 2001 as a member of the musical group, The Three Tendons. We were also on Don Polec's World together, which is also up.
Yes, Dave, it is great to go back to my mid twenties again. My daughter will be the same age I was here in December! It was a lifetime ago. It is great watching all of the talent out there that is up here on the Tube. I get to re-live my days of glory over again through them. Take care, and thank you for stopping by.
Glad that you enjoyed it Vance! I was "ON TOP OF THE WORLD" while I was on this Show, which was the Top Rated Show in the Country. When anyone got on the Tonight Show back in those days, it was as high as you could go. Now, these days, there are so many other Shows like The Voice, America's Got Talent, X factor and others as well to show off talent. Just think Vance, there were no cell phones in 1979, no Fax, just Telex, No Email, no UA-cam. Everything I did through writing and receiving letters mailed at the post office and sending recordings the same way. I talked many times to people on the phone about the Shows that I got to be on. I was performing locally for years before the Philadelphia Newspapers covered one of my performances. That is how I got what I needed to start to try to get on the Shows. It was hard work and it took YEARS. It is too easy these days. I had to travel and meet people in person to demonstrate my Handwhistling! There was NO SKYPE!
@HandwhistlerBen wow......that's why im so proud of you...sir BEN.....that's a extra ordinary talent from god,,,,,no body can take tha away.....keep it up master and im always here to support you always,,,,,take good care of yourself and god bless.....age dosn't matter as long us we can perform.......ROWENA......
You truly have found the beauty in living, such joy comes from such a simple act... I’m trying hard to learn to hand whistle, yesterday I finally got it for about a minute and now I cannot replicate it...
Thank you Zenny for stopping by and for your lovely heartwarming comment. I started handwhistling back in 1965 and am the Original Pioneer of Handwhistling, having gotten it accepted as a musical instrument and important with the tools that are used to play any wind instrument professionally. I did all this without Social Media, using the Telephone, traveling by train, bus or car, and sending Snail Mail to get people to see me or to arrange a demonstration or Concert. I was invited to be on This Tonight Show in 1979 after having been on many other TV Shows, Stages and Performance venues, and having been reviewed in Local Newspapers. You will get the tone back. Give it a day off!! Check out my recent videos and see what I can still do at 68 years old! There are now between five and ten thousand handwhistler(hand flute, hand ocarina) players around the World on all levels. I use Professional diaphragmatic breathing techniques to control and pressurize my air stream to play long phrases and keep my notes full sounding and in tune. I don't use any computer enhancements. It is just ME playing into a $50. microphone. I don't edit anything and don't use auto tune!
@@HandwhistlerBen Thank you for the wonderful reply my friend, I will take a break and rethink my approach to the whistling techniques... the reason why I’m trying so hard is because I am of Mayan descent, my ancient people used these methods to communicate through the thick of the jungle in Honduras. I am not a consistent practitioner of this art, but I recognize and admire a professional when I see them. Good day to you!
@@zenny387I adored Yma Sumac, a Peru Inca Indian with a five octave singing range who was famous around the World. I have seen Native American's perform handwhistling in videos up here over the years for communication. If you post a video of about a minute long of all the tones that you can produce, I will be more than happy to give you advice how to do it better. Just post the URL to the video up here so that I will watch it! Have a pleasant night.
Ben,look at YOU here! wow! still young,talented and confident! Enjoyable,entertaining you are to watch Not just in a big crowd ,popular audiences like like this! amused...it's vicky.
Lauren, every type of Handwhistling tutorial has been done. There is no need for me to one. I really don't care how many views that I get as long as some people enjoy what I perform. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Hi there Ben, thanks for the lovely reply! Of course I would love to check out some more of your videos! I will head over now and have a listen! Lots of Love, Tamara xx
You certainly have a talent there, what a performance! Echoing what the other guy said, Id love to see Letterman live someday. Its nice to hear that he was a friendly guy off camera, Ive heard hes a shy and quiet guy off the stage...
It always amazes me to see people who were on these shows way back then suddenly appearing on UA-cam with the video of their old appearences. Thanks for sharing this with us :)
What a wonderful performance! 1979! A time when young people all over the world had long hair. I modeled my performance on Ben's and am now practising for a second try after 50 years.
Hello Peter. I was contacted by the Talent Coordinator from the Tonight Show who wrote a letter to my Parents. I contacted the three Newspapers in Philadelphia for several of my performances and someone sent them out to the Show people. I was living in an Apartment with my older brother. I had already earned my College Degree to Teach Music and was teaching in the Philadelphia School District at the time of this Show. The letter said that they were interested in having me on, and to call them. I played for them over the phone and they said that my First Class Airfare tickets, limo, two nights in the top Hotel in Burbank were all set up with the date of this Show. I was on for ten minutes. I posted eight minutes of it in two videos. Here is my Interview. ua-cam.com/video/ztT9owljuL4/v-deo.html David Letterman was Guest Hosting with Doc Severinsen for Johnny Carson who was off that day. David would not have his own late night Show for three more years in 1982. I wish you all the best! I look forward to hear your handwhistling and hope that you have some videos up on your Channel!!
The costs of me performing and the amount of money that I brought in was not making me a living. So I left it as the novelty it was, and performed when the opportunity came along. This is my 32nd year teaching vocal music in the Philadelphia School District. I have been married since 1980, have a daughter and a son, and I have to support them. Thank you for your comments!
I teach general classroom music in Philadelphia School District to Kindergarten to eighth graders....I run a thirty two member Choir, teach xylophones, reading music etc. I do handwhistle for my students as well as play my bassoon, clarinet and recorder and keyboard and piano. Merry Christmas....
Thank you so much for your comment and for putting it up as your favorite on your channel. Yes, I was lucky to be with David and Doc back in the day when all things were meaningful! I had such a great time. Take care.
Yes, I was twenty six years old back in 1979 and David Letterman was 34! It was four years BEFORE David had his own Show!! I was flown out First Class, picked up in a limo, put up two nights in the Sheriton Universal in Burbank, taken to the studio by limo, and paid $448. for the appearance. I was one lucky guy at the right place at the right time with the right talent......I am 55 years old not......and have a daughter 22 and a son 16.......
Amy, your name and voice are going to be famous Internationally as you perform around the World in years to come and with the sale of millions of CD's over a long career. I was just lucky to have a musical novelty that I did well that got me on some Nationally televised Shows. By the way, I had a GREAT TIME dong this show! I was treated like royalty.
My pleasure! They flew me out first class airfare from Philadelphia to Burbank, California, drove me around in a Limo that took me to the Sheraton Universal in Burbank where all the Stars stay, and took me to and from the Studio. I was also paid Union Scale for my appearance- $448. I was a human interest story. The Tonight Show INVITED ME ON!!
@paxter7989 Jill- Thanx for watching and I am so glad that you enjoyed seeing me over thirty years ago doing my Handwhistling. No I am not trying to get on any more Shows. A Handwhistling friend of mine named Sally the Handwhistler is going to be on AGT sometime between now and the end of the Summer. I was on the Tonight Show again in 2001, 30 Seconds to Fame, many clubs and local TV Shows into the end of 2002. I perform for my students at School, and up here in UA-cam. Good luck!
Rowena- I wish that I had more time to perform two songs instead of just one. But, as many people have told me, it is not how many you do, it is how well you perform them. I gave this song everything that I had, and I almost passed out after that last high note!!!
Nancy- It is rare that someone checks out four of my videos one after the other AND leaves comments. I thank you so much, and I am glad that you appreciate what I do....
@unsoffiodivita1 I am so glad that you enjoyed this video from over thirty years ago. I have over thirty other Handwhistling videos up here as well as singing, playing my bassoon and clarinet and making music in many other unusual ways. Have a great day!
Thank you so very much. The Tonight Show contacted me and asked me to be on the show. It was over a generation ago... Please enjoy my other Handwhistling videos up here...There is great variety...
Thank you Alec! This Tonight Show appearance with David Letterman guest hosting for Johnny Carson was a dream come true. The producers asked me to be on the show!!! Happy Holidays!
I am glad that you enjoyed my early days of Handwhistling. David was extremely nice, friendly, and helpful before, during and after the Show. It WAS a pleasure meeting and talking with him..... Take care......
I am so glad that you enjoyed watching this video from thirty years ago!!! It was a great deal of fun to do, and the Tonight Show contacted me, to be on the Show!!! Happy New Year!!!!!
Thank you Roeleke. Forty three years of practice.... My bassoon and clarinet playing are on another video called "Sway". My singing is on "Misty" and "I want you, I need you, I love you". There is a great variety of samples of my lifetime's musical experiences up here. It is much like the great videos that you do..always different!
Hello Newhour. Thank you for stopping by and watching my achievement of Fame in 1979 at 26 years old. I started practicing Handwhistling in 1965 and by 1974 had worked up to performing in Lincoln Center,, New York. The Following year in 1975 I was invited to perform with Peter Schickele and his P.D.Q. Bach Shows for three nights Christmas week in Avery Fisher Hall where the New York Philharmonic performed. There were 3000 people a night who saw me there. I had worked myself up to that by getting in front of anyone who would listen to me play my Handwhistling. There were no computers, no Smart phones, No Social Media, only six channels on the TV and I phoned people with a landline phone, took public transportation or was driven by my Parents to perform at High Schools until I drove myself. I am the Original Pioneer of Handwhistling, selling the idea the the control of the Wind through the use of Professional Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques was much more important than a reed, mouthpiece or an instrument. I pressurize the air and can old a phrase out for twenty seconds on one breath. At 70 years old now, I am even better than I was here on this top National TV Show. Check out my recent videos from the past two years and your will hear how refined my tone is now. I don't fake anything I don't add any computer enhancements, don't edit, just play LIVE into the microphone at the same time that the Karaoke is playing. No Autotune added either. Please spread my Channel around on the newer Social Media and get me more comments and Likes. There are over 10,000 Handwhistlers around the World now on all different levels. I am still in the top ten and probably can do things that non of the others can! I don't want to be forgotten. I have helped dozens of handwhistlers to play better by giving advice and sending videos to them to help them out. I will check out your Channel. Enjoy the Holiday Season! www.musicoguia.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-handwhistling/
@ShawnCorytube - Shawn, your Channel is a real blast. When I find the time, I want to watch all of your creations. I am so glad that you enjoyed this video from my very early days-over thirty years ago! Take care.
ive ben practice a lot.. a year ore something like that.. every day.. and then a day.. i started to play songs.. i can play.. the song you played there.. i am getting better and better.. soon i will upload some videos with my talent:)
+Ezio Auditore Thank you so much Ezio for your kind comments. In reality, I am one of the top five in the World. We all have different styles and techniques as well as differences in our tones. Thank you for enjoying what I have been practicing for 50 years! If you are a Handwhistler, I am anxious to hear a video on your new Channel. Please send me an email when you post one!
Thanks! Sometimes I make changes to a video, but hate replacing when when there are comments posted! :) I wish UA-cam can make it possible to replace a video w/out having to delete the whole thing. BlipTV does that, and it's great. I imagine hand whistling is sort of like singing...each individual has a unique voice and style and no two people can sing a song the exact same way. And that makes the world a much more interesting place :)
@SmoggMusic I was lucky to be the right place at the right time. I performed so much in Philadelphia that when I did a performance during the Summer of 1979 the newspapers covered my appearance. A copy got out to the talent coordinator and they contacted me. I handwhistled on the phone and they said that I was going to be one. Within a two weeks I had the first class airfare tickets, vouchers for the free two nights in the sheriton universal, limo picks etc. Check out the interview part.
Glad that you enjoyed this second part of the video from 1979. There is a Part One to this that is also up here where I am interviewed and I blow into Doc's hands. Brendan, you are a VERY TALENTED VOICE ACTOR! Keep showing it off to everyone and someone will USE YOU! Philly After Midnight and Don Polec's World are two of my other top TV Shows up here. The Tonight Show in 2001 as a member of The Three Tendons is also up here. See you at the Gym again!
Thank you Banifi for stopping by and I am glad that you enjoy my Handwhistling. I was Handwhistling for fourteen years before I got on this Show in 1979! Lots of hard work goes into all of my 26 videos on UA-cam. do you play an instrument?
I look forward to you putting up your Handwhistling videos! I was practicing my Handwhistling for thirteen years, practicing three or more hours every day, doing lots of performances before I was a guest on this Show. You must be a prodigy to be able to play this song after only ONE YEAR.......
Thank you for your comment. I was practicing up to three hours a day since 1965 before I was invited by the Tonight Show by letter to be on this Show. There is an Interview part of the Show also up here. I had a full ten minutes and posted eight of the minutes in the two videos. ua-cam.com/video/ztT9owljuL4/v-deo.html David Letterman was just the Guest host for Johnny Carson who was off that day. He got his own late night Show three years later. Wishing you all the best!
I was only 26 here. The Tonight Show contacted me after I performed at a big venue here in Philadelphia and had Newspaper coverage. They INVITED ME onto the Show! I was a human interest story. You can see that in Part One of this Shows video. I divided it up with the interview in part 1 and the performance in part 2 for a total of almost ten minutes on the Show seen by over thirty million people. It was the TOP show for Stars to be on at the time. I had First Class Airfare, limo, Hotel etc.
Dear Ben You are fantastic I saw your videos only now as i found your comment on mine. You are really incredible! Thanks also for the information on whistlernet I will be back in september and have a look at it thanks again elena
@lovelygirl1508 Rowena- This nationally televised Show was a lifetime ago. I was only 26 years old, and David Letterman was 32. This was Before he had his Late Night Show. Back in those days, being invited to be a guest on the Tonight Show was a great honor because it was the Highest Rated Show in the USA. All the Stars were on there being interviewed or performing. I was a human interest story, because my Handwhistling is a novelty. I was seen by about 30 million people.
Freeana, glad that you enjoyed one of my first of many major achievements as a Handwhistler. You are right that practicing three hours a day and believing that it was all worthy of recognition made me work at it until I succeeded. You have many musical gifts and I find your Channel most interesting! My second Tonight Show video from 2001 is also up here along with "The Three Tendons revisited which has other Shows. Keep having fun doing your own thing.
Hi Ben, This was a really great performance.... But I would have been really nervous to appear on TV like that. Excellent = 5***** : ) Regards! +++ Helen +++
Thank you awakendsigma for stopping by and enjoying this video of mine from so very long ago. I have over 300 more videos up on my Channel including very re3cent ones that you will enjoy. That includes other TV Shows that I was on. Wishing you and your Family all the best!
@Ajohn13 John- Thank you for the comment. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this video. The interview section of the Show is a separate video up here. I was on for a total of ten minutes and treated like royalty. Have a great day.
@Shabannie - Yes Ellen, it was exciting being invited to be a guest on the Tonight Show. They saw an article about me in our local newspaper. "What kind of fool am I" was written and sung by a Brit named Anthony Newley. Sammy did a much more famous cover of the song. The song untilized my entire two and a half octave Handwhistling range. It was the perfect song. I'm glad that you enjoyed this.
@huffb1 Thanks for asking. The Tonight Show talent coordinators invited me to be on the Show. They read about me in two Philadelphia newspapers where I had given some performances, called my Parent's house, told me to call back, and then told me that I would be receiving my First class airfare tickets, hotel, limo etc. and the date was set. Ten minutes on the top show in the country in 1979! Yes , that was quite a wonderful experience! Have a great day.
@GlenShannon - I'm glad that you enjoyed my Handwhistling here. By the way, I was very nervous. Back in 1979, this was the Number 1 Show to be on. Now you have Idol and America's Got Talent. I was invited to be a guest on the Show and got paid well for it, including First Class Airfare, Limo, and staying in the best Hotel. Watch the video of the First Part of this Show. Take care.
@shrodes31 Why are there no handwhistling videos up on your channel? This video from over thirty years ago was lots of fun to do. I have gotten much better since those days and enjoy continuing to push myself to the limit. Thank you for watching and I am glad that you enjoyed this. Have a great night.
Thank you for watching and enjoying. The Tonight Show invited me to be on this Show. I started practicing Handwhistling in 1965 and worked my way up to local TV Shows and performing in Lincoln Center in New York where I performed with Peter Schickele and his three Christmas P.D.Q. Bach Shows in 1975. Over the years following that, I contacted the three local Philadelphia Newspapers who sent them out to the Talent Coordinator at the Tonight Show. They contacted my Parents through my College and asked me to phone them and play for them. Then they gave me the date of my appearance, First Class Airfare, and Limo, and two nights in the Sheriton Universal Hotel in Burbank, California. I was also paid $448. for my appearance. Here is the first part of my appearance: ua-cam.com/video/ztT9owljuL4/v-deo.html
A very well deserved set of applaud. That performance looked like it used a good bit of effort and energy specially at the end. Such nice and fond memories. Your notes were on point! I wish they would have invited you again at some point years later then you could have woo the crowd yet again!
I was on the Tonight Show again in 2001 as a member of The Three Tendons. ua-cam.com/video/LneoTfaR4Tw/v-deo.html We performed together from 2000 to 2002. ua-cam.com/video/_a96fsPtAaU/v-deo.html We dd other TV Shows that are up on my Channel and we also performed with a Pops Orchestra playing, "Bugler's Holiday" and an Armed Services Medlley. We were also a warmup act for a Country music duo called, Trout Fishing in America and we performed at the Godfrey Daniels Coffee House in Bethlehem, PA. and some Comedy Clubs. It was a blast having fame twice!
Your very good at this now and that was fantastic back then too. I found ur channel through a posted video of Sally's, she is great too like u, and I never knew of this kind of music till now, so thanks for posting & I enjoyed it, have a good evening! -S
Thank you so much Frank. I had a great deal of fun being on the Tonight Show for a full ten minutues! I was treated like a King. I was 26 and David was 34. This was four years BEFLORE he had his own Show. David and Doc were really nice to me. They paid for the Limo, Hotel, first class airfare and they paid me $448. for the appearance! Check out other Handwhistlers: handsplay, gegegenonewmusic and hamderhamder.
This was a LONG TIME ago! I was twenty six, Letterman was 34. The Tonight Show contacted me to be on this Show. I was flown First Class, a limo met me at the airport to take me to the Sheriton Universal in Burbank, and all my other travels, and I was paid $448. I was the right place at the right time, with the right ability.... Best of luck to you!
Jesus loves you
FANTASTIC BEN !!!
sensational performance
I am glad that it brought back other memories as well....
There's ANOTHER human instrument?????? Incredible!! You are a wonderful musician.
Awesome, Great show Ben! Wow~ "Ben Brenner, Ladies and Gentlemen!" *****
I had a full ten minutes on the Show and prior to the Show I had about twenty minutes to talk to David and Doc going over some questions that they might ask. Since David was the Guest Host of this Tonight Show, and it was four years before he had his own Show, he was still a very nice, sincere person, and a pleasure to talk with.
@LychkovIA Ivan- Glad that you stopped by and enjoyed seeing my Handwhistling when I was only 26 years old! David Letterman is only 32 years old there and it was BEFORE he had his own late night Show! Happy New Year!
So very, very beautiful Ben..Loved it from start to finish..Have a lovely week there.
I remember it beacaue I had just taken a studio apartment in Seattle. First night there tryikng to move in... Had a little black and white tv on the floor turned on. I hear this as I was putting stuff away in the kitchen, and had to come see what that was. Amazing how thing come back to you ;-)
Thanks!
BEN!! Watching this gives me my drive. I'm so ready to play this for my school's lunchtime concert one day.
-Bennett(:P)
Unbelievable! I remember watching this impressive video when I was like 12 or 13 something. So glad we can meet again here. Cannot express my excitement.
I was 26 in 1979. There was another TV Show that I was a guest on in 1975 that is also in my uploads in two parts. The Show is called, Evening Magazine. I was on the Tonight Show again in 2001 as a member of the musical group, The Three Tendons. We were also on Don Polec's World together, which is also up.
@HandwhistlerBen Sally and I have been good friends for ten years. She is a wonderful person and fellow Handwhistler.
Wow Ben, that was great. That must have been so exciting. Great performance.
Two word's...incredibly fantastic...
Yes, Dave, it is great to go back to my mid twenties again. My daughter will be the same age I was here in December! It was a lifetime ago. It is great watching all of the talent out there that is up here on the Tube. I get to re-live my days of glory over again through them. Take care, and thank you for stopping by.
Simply amazing footage on the Holy Grail of all stages with those 2 legends AND quite an outstanding performance! Bravo!
That was a great performance and in front of such a big audience. Very cool Ben. Thumbs up.
Glad that you enjoyed it Vance! I was "ON TOP OF THE WORLD" while I was on this Show, which was the Top Rated Show in the Country. When anyone got on the Tonight Show back in those days, it was as high as you could go. Now, these days, there are so many other Shows like The Voice, America's Got Talent, X factor and others as well to show off talent. Just think Vance, there were no cell phones in 1979, no Fax, just Telex, No Email, no UA-cam. Everything I did through writing and receiving letters mailed at the post office and sending recordings the same way. I talked many times to people on the phone about the Shows that I got to be on. I was performing locally for years before the Philadelphia Newspapers covered one of my performances. That is how I got what I needed to start to try to get on the Shows. It was hard work and it took YEARS. It is too easy these days. I had to travel and meet people in person to demonstrate my Handwhistling! There was NO SKYPE!
@HandwhistlerBen wow......that's why im so proud of you...sir BEN.....that's a extra ordinary talent from god,,,,,no body can take tha away.....keep it up master and im always here to support you always,,,,,take good care of yourself and god bless.....age dosn't matter as long us we can perform.......ROWENA......
You truly have found the beauty in living, such joy comes from such a simple act... I’m trying hard to learn to hand whistle, yesterday I finally got it for about a minute and now I cannot replicate it...
Thank you Zenny for stopping by and for your lovely heartwarming comment. I started handwhistling back in 1965 and am the Original Pioneer of Handwhistling, having gotten it accepted as a musical instrument and important with the tools that are used to play any wind instrument professionally. I did all this without Social Media, using the Telephone, traveling by train, bus or car, and sending Snail Mail to get people to see me or to arrange a demonstration or Concert. I was invited to be on This Tonight Show in 1979 after having been on many other TV Shows, Stages and Performance venues, and having been reviewed in Local Newspapers. You will get the tone back. Give it a day off!! Check out my recent videos and see what I can still do at 68 years old! There are now between five and ten thousand handwhistler(hand flute, hand ocarina) players around the World on all levels. I use Professional diaphragmatic breathing techniques to control and pressurize my air stream to play long phrases and keep my notes full sounding and in tune. I don't use any computer enhancements. It is just ME playing into a $50. microphone. I don't edit anything and don't use auto tune!
@@HandwhistlerBen Thank you for the wonderful reply my friend, I will take a break and rethink my approach to the whistling techniques... the reason why I’m trying so hard is because I am of Mayan descent, my ancient people used these methods to communicate through the thick of the jungle in Honduras. I am not a consistent practitioner of this art, but I recognize and admire a professional when I see them. Good day to you!
@@zenny387I adored Yma Sumac, a Peru Inca Indian with a five octave singing range who was famous around the World. I have seen Native American's perform handwhistling in videos up here over the years for communication. If you post a video of about a minute long of all the tones that you can produce, I will be more than happy to give you advice how to do it better. Just post the URL to the video up here so that I will watch it! Have a pleasant night.
Ben,look at YOU here! wow! still young,talented and confident!
Enjoyable,entertaining you are to watch
Not just in a big crowd ,popular audiences like like this!
amused...it's vicky.
Ben that's wonderful. I think I remember seeing you.
Lauren, every type of Handwhistling tutorial has been done. There is no need for me to one. I really don't care how many views that I get as long as some people enjoy what I perform. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
One of my dreams is to meet david letterman, he's just so funny. great tune by the way.
Very cool indeed! Ha! I was in the 2nd grade when this was recorded. Thanks for the share Roeleke. 5 stars.... Peace Joey
Hi there Ben, thanks for the lovely reply! Of course I would love to check out some more of your videos! I will head over now and have a listen! Lots of Love, Tamara xx
I think that Sammy Davis Jr. sang this song too. How exciting to be on the Tonight show!
-------------Ellen
You certainly have a talent there, what a performance! Echoing what the other guy said, Id love to see Letterman live someday. Its nice to hear that he was a friendly guy off camera, Ive heard hes a shy and quiet guy off the stage...
It always amazes me to see people who were on these shows way back then suddenly appearing on UA-cam with the video of their old appearences. Thanks for sharing this with us :)
What a wonderful performance!
1979!
A time when young people all over the world had long hair.
I modeled my performance on Ben's and am now practising for a second try after 50 years.
Hello Peter. I was contacted by the Talent Coordinator from the Tonight Show who wrote a letter to my Parents. I contacted the three Newspapers in Philadelphia for several of my performances and someone sent them out to the Show people. I was living in an Apartment with my older brother. I had already earned my College Degree to Teach Music and was teaching in the Philadelphia School District at the time of this Show. The letter said that they were interested in having me on, and to call them. I played for them over the phone and they said that my First Class Airfare tickets, limo, two nights in the top Hotel in Burbank were all set up with the date of this Show. I was on for ten minutes. I posted eight minutes of it in two videos. Here is my Interview. ua-cam.com/video/ztT9owljuL4/v-deo.html David Letterman was Guest Hosting with Doc Severinsen for Johnny Carson who was off that day. David would not have his own late night Show for three more years in 1982. I wish you all the best! I look forward to hear your handwhistling and hope that you have some videos up on your Channel!!
GREAT! Handwhistling is the wave of the future..... get on board and have fun!
The costs of me performing and the amount of money that I brought in was not making me a living. So I left it as the novelty it was, and performed when the opportunity came along. This is my 32nd year teaching vocal music in the Philadelphia School District. I have been married since 1980, have a daughter and a son, and I have to support them. Thank you for your comments!
I teach general classroom music in Philadelphia School District to Kindergarten to eighth graders....I run a thirty two member Choir, teach xylophones, reading music etc. I do handwhistle for my students as well as play my bassoon, clarinet and recorder and keyboard and piano. Merry Christmas....
What a priceless memento to have in your life!!!!! And you didn't crack up from nerves either, to deliver an outstanding performance.
Thank you so much for your comment and for putting it up as your favorite on your channel. Yes, I was lucky to be with David and Doc back in the day when all things were meaningful! I had such a great time. Take care.
You are right about that! He was much different as an interviewer in those days. He was a class act!
I still remember this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I was twenty six years old back in 1979 and David Letterman was 34! It was four years BEFORE David had his own Show!! I was flown out First Class, picked up in a limo, put up two nights in the Sheriton Universal in Burbank, taken to the studio by limo, and paid $448. for the appearance. I was one lucky guy at the right place at the right time with the right talent......I am 55 years old not......and have a daughter 22 and a son 16.......
Amy, your name and voice are going to be famous Internationally as you perform around the World in years to come and with the sale of millions of CD's over a long career. I was just lucky to have a musical novelty that I did well that got me on some Nationally televised Shows. By the way, I had a GREAT TIME dong this show! I was treated like royalty.
Wow, this is beautiful! ❤
It is so great to see your history. Your whistling is very heartfelt.
Woooooow...an amazing performance on the Tonight Show ...sure that must have been quite an experience...thanks again for sharing this with us
My pleasure! They flew me out first class airfare from Philadelphia to Burbank, California, drove me around in a Limo that took me to the Sheraton Universal in Burbank where all the Stars stay, and took me to and from the Studio. I was also paid Union Scale for my appearance- $448. I was a human interest story. The Tonight Show INVITED ME ON!!
@paxter7989 Jill- Thanx for watching and I am so glad that you enjoyed seeing me over thirty years ago doing my Handwhistling. No I am not trying to get on any more Shows. A Handwhistling friend of mine named Sally the Handwhistler is going to be on AGT sometime between now and the end of the Summer. I was on the Tonight Show again in 2001, 30 Seconds to Fame, many clubs and local TV Shows into the end of 2002. I perform for my students at School, and up here in UA-cam. Good luck!
incredible. I just love the sound of your handwhistling
Rowena- I wish that I had more time to perform two songs instead of just one. But, as many people have told me, it is not how many you do, it is how well you perform them. I gave this song everything that I had, and I almost passed out after that last high note!!!
Nancy- It is rare that someone checks out four of my videos one after the other AND leaves comments. I thank you so much, and I am glad that you appreciate what I do....
@unsoffiodivita1 I am so glad that you enjoyed this video from over thirty years ago. I have over thirty other Handwhistling videos up here as well as singing, playing my bassoon and clarinet and making music in many other unusual ways. Have a great day!
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that you enjoyed my Handwhistling from almost thirty years ago!
wow! This is incredible!!!
Thank you so very much. The Tonight Show contacted me and asked me to be on the show. It was over a generation ago... Please enjoy my other Handwhistling videos up here...There is great variety...
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am glad that you enjoyed my Handwhistling!
Thank you Alec! This Tonight Show appearance with David Letterman guest hosting for Johnny Carson was a dream come true. The producers asked me to be on the show!!! Happy Holidays!
I am glad that you enjoyed my early days of Handwhistling. David was extremely nice, friendly, and helpful before, during and after the Show. It WAS a pleasure meeting and talking with him..... Take care......
That was amazing. Wow, so cool. A really incredible performance! Thanks for posting your Tonight Show appearances!
I am so glad that you enjoyed watching this video from thirty years ago!!! It was a great deal of fun to do, and the Tonight Show contacted me, to be on the Show!!! Happy New Year!!!!!
amazing video...salute sir ben..god bless u always......
Hey Ben :] watching your videos has really helped me in my schools music recital! Thanks a bunch
Yes, I was only 26, and they invited me on. David Letterman as guest host was wonderful...I was treated like royalty!
Thank you Roeleke. Forty three years of practice.... My bassoon and clarinet playing are on another video called "Sway". My singing is on "Misty" and "I want you, I need you, I love you". There is a great variety of samples of my lifetime's musical experiences up here. It is much like the great videos that you do..always different!
Thank you so much. I am glad that you enjoyed this very old video. Happy Holidays.....
Wow! Very nice! I'm loving all the brave whistlers I'm finding on UA-cam, and you're one of the best I've heard. Thank you!
This guy needs deserves way more popularity.
Hello Newhour. Thank you for stopping by and watching my achievement of Fame in 1979 at 26 years old. I started practicing Handwhistling in 1965 and by 1974 had worked up to performing in Lincoln Center,, New York. The Following year in 1975 I was invited to perform with Peter Schickele and his P.D.Q. Bach Shows for three nights Christmas week in Avery Fisher Hall where the New York Philharmonic performed. There were 3000 people a night who saw me there. I had worked myself up to that by getting in front of anyone who would listen to me play my Handwhistling. There were no computers, no Smart phones, No Social Media, only six channels on the TV and I phoned people with a landline phone, took public transportation or was driven by my Parents to perform at High Schools until I drove myself. I am the Original Pioneer of Handwhistling, selling the idea the the control of the Wind through the use of Professional Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques was much more important than a reed, mouthpiece or an instrument. I pressurize the air and can old a phrase out for twenty seconds on one breath. At 70 years old now, I am even better than I was here on this top National TV Show. Check out my recent videos from the past two years and your will hear how refined my tone is now. I don't fake anything I don't add any computer enhancements, don't edit, just play LIVE into the microphone at the same time that the Karaoke is playing. No Autotune added either. Please spread my Channel around on the newer Social Media and get me more comments and Likes. There are over 10,000 Handwhistlers around the World now on all different levels. I am still in the top ten and probably can do things that non of the others can! I don't want to be forgotten. I have helped dozens of handwhistlers to play better by giving advice and sending videos to them to help them out. I will check out your Channel. Enjoy the Holiday Season! www.musicoguia.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-handwhistling/
@ShawnCorytube - Shawn, your Channel is a real blast. When I find the time, I want to watch all of your creations. I am so glad that you enjoyed this video from my very early days-over thirty years ago! Take care.
ive ben practice a lot.. a year ore something like that.. every day.. and then a day.. i started to play songs.. i can play.. the song you played there.. i am getting better and better.. soon i will upload some videos with my talent:)
Mythical ! You've been at Letterman show ! How cool ! You have a nice natural musical quality ! my 5 stars for you ^_^
incredible,so many years from this and you are still the best on doing this,you are awesome
+Ezio Auditore Thank you so much Ezio for your kind comments. In reality, I am one of the top five in the World. We all have different styles and techniques as well as differences in our tones. Thank you for enjoying what I have been practicing for 50 years! If you are a Handwhistler, I am anxious to hear a video on your new Channel. Please send me an email when you post one!
Thanks! Sometimes I make changes to a video, but hate replacing when when there are comments posted! :) I wish UA-cam can make it possible to replace a video w/out having to delete the whole thing. BlipTV does that, and it's great.
I imagine hand whistling is sort of like singing...each individual has a unique voice and style and no two people can sing a song the exact same way. And that makes the world a much more interesting place :)
@SmoggMusic I was lucky to be the right place at the right time. I performed so much in Philadelphia that when I did a performance during the Summer of 1979 the newspapers covered my appearance. A copy got out to the talent coordinator and they contacted me. I handwhistled on the phone and they said that I was going to be one. Within a two weeks I had the first class airfare tickets, vouchers for the free two nights in the sheriton universal, limo picks etc. Check out the interview part.
WOW! That is SO cool!
You are like, the BEST! WOW!
Great vid!
Just met you at the gym.... Salute!!
Glad that you enjoyed this second part of the video from 1979. There is a Part One to this that is also up here where I am interviewed and I blow into Doc's hands. Brendan, you are a VERY TALENTED VOICE ACTOR! Keep showing it off to everyone and someone will USE YOU! Philly After Midnight and Don Polec's World are two of my other top TV Shows up here. The Tonight Show in 2001 as a member of The Three Tendons is also up here. See you at the Gym again!
That mush be soooo difficult!!!
Many Stars!!!!
Thank you Banifi for stopping by and I am glad that you enjoy my Handwhistling. I was Handwhistling for fourteen years before I got on this Show in 1979! Lots of hard work goes into all of my 26 videos on UA-cam. do you play an instrument?
I look forward to you putting up your Handwhistling videos! I was practicing my Handwhistling for thirteen years, practicing three or more hours every day, doing lots of performances before I was a guest on this Show. You must be a prodigy to be able to play this song after only ONE YEAR.......
Cool video Ben! And a great fun talent! All my best!
Lar
This is far better than i anticipated
Thank you for your comment. I was practicing up to three hours a day since 1965 before I was invited by the Tonight Show by letter to be on this Show. There is an Interview part of the Show also up here. I had a full ten minutes and posted eight of the minutes in the two videos. ua-cam.com/video/ztT9owljuL4/v-deo.html David Letterman was just the Guest host for Johnny Carson who was off that day. He got his own late night Show three years later. Wishing you all the best!
I was only 26 here. The Tonight Show contacted me after I performed at a big venue here in Philadelphia and had Newspaper coverage. They INVITED ME onto the Show! I was a human interest story. You can see that in Part One of this Shows video. I divided it up with the interview in part 1 and the performance in part 2 for a total of almost ten minutes on the Show seen by over thirty million people. It was the TOP show for Stars to be on at the time. I had First Class Airfare, limo, Hotel etc.
Ben that was absolutely amazing, what a great talent you are! I am so proud to be your friend! ;D
Dear Ben You are fantastic
I saw your videos only now as i found your comment on mine. You are really incredible!
Thanks also for the information on whistlernet
I will be back in september and have a look at it
thanks again elena
@lovelygirl1508 Rowena- This nationally televised Show was a lifetime ago. I was only 26 years old, and David Letterman was 32. This was Before he had his Late Night Show. Back in those days, being invited to be a guest on the Tonight Show was a great honor because it was the Highest Rated Show in the USA. All the Stars were on there being interviewed or performing. I was a human interest story, because my Handwhistling is a novelty. I was seen by about 30 million people.
Wow, absolutely amazing!!! :-)
I real appreciate your taking the time to watch this video and comment. Take care.....
Exactly! We are all worth listening to for the musical enjoyment.
Freeana, glad that you enjoyed one of my first of many major achievements as a Handwhistler. You are right that practicing three hours a day and believing that it was all worthy of recognition made me work at it until I succeeded. You have many musical gifts and I find your Channel most interesting! My second Tonight Show video from 2001 is also up here along with "The Three Tendons revisited which has other Shows. Keep having fun doing your own thing.
Hi Ben,
This was a really great performance....
But I would have been really nervous to appear on TV like that.
Excellent = 5***** : )
Regards!
+++ Helen +++
This is such an amazing talent 👏
Love from India❤
Thank you awakendsigma for stopping by and enjoying this video of mine from so very long ago. I have over 300 more videos up on my Channel including very re3cent ones that you will enjoy. That includes other TV Shows that I was on. Wishing you and your Family all the best!
This is absolutely amazing!! 5 stars and many many more from me!! Love, Tamara xx
amazing INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!
@Ajohn13 John- Thank you for the comment. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this video. The interview section of the Show is a separate video up here. I was on for a total of ten minutes and treated like royalty. Have a great day.
@Shabannie - Yes Ellen, it was exciting being invited to be a guest on the Tonight Show. They saw an article about me in our local newspaper. "What kind of fool am I" was written and sung by a Brit named Anthony Newley. Sammy did a much more famous cover of the song. The song untilized my entire two and a half octave Handwhistling range. It was the perfect song. I'm glad that you enjoyed this.
Thank you so much for appreciating how hard I had to work thirty years ago and now to produce this highest quality music.
I wish you luck with your piano creations and anything else that comes your way!
@huffb1 Thanks for asking. The Tonight Show talent coordinators invited me to be on the Show. They read about me in two Philadelphia newspapers where I had given some performances, called my Parent's house, told me to call back, and then told me that I would be receiving my First class airfare tickets, hotel, limo etc. and the date was set. Ten minutes on the top show in the country in 1979! Yes , that was quite a wonderful experience! Have a great day.
@GlenShannon - I'm glad that you enjoyed my Handwhistling here. By the way, I was very nervous. Back in 1979, this was the Number 1 Show to be on. Now you have Idol and America's Got Talent. I was invited to be a guest on the Show and got paid well for it, including First Class Airfare, Limo, and staying in the best Hotel. Watch the video of the First Part of this Show. Take care.
I am glad that you could watch the video. I hope that you enjoyed it....
Came back for another visit, Ben...this is SO wonderful my friend ! A big thumbs up !!.... Jagdish
Jagdish, whenever I need cheering up I look at this and other videos of my Glory Days! I was only 26 here!
@shrodes31 Why are there no handwhistling videos up on your channel? This video from over thirty years ago was lots of fun to do. I have gotten much better since those days and enjoy continuing to push myself to the limit. Thank you for watching and I am glad that you enjoyed this. Have a great night.
Wonderful
Thank you for watching and enjoying. The Tonight Show invited me to be on this Show. I started practicing Handwhistling in 1965 and worked my way up to local TV Shows and performing in Lincoln Center in New York where I performed with Peter Schickele and his three Christmas P.D.Q. Bach Shows in 1975. Over the years following that, I contacted the three local Philadelphia Newspapers who sent them out to the Talent Coordinator at the Tonight Show. They contacted my Parents through my College and asked me to phone them and play for them. Then they gave me the date of my appearance, First Class Airfare, and Limo, and two nights in the Sheriton Universal Hotel in Burbank, California. I was also paid $448. for my appearance. Here is the first part of my appearance: ua-cam.com/video/ztT9owljuL4/v-deo.html
A very well deserved set of applaud. That performance looked like it used a good bit of effort and energy specially at the end. Such nice and fond memories. Your notes were on point! I wish they would have invited you again at some point years later then you could have woo the crowd yet again!
I was on the Tonight Show again in 2001 as a member of The Three Tendons. ua-cam.com/video/LneoTfaR4Tw/v-deo.html We performed together from 2000 to 2002. ua-cam.com/video/_a96fsPtAaU/v-deo.html We dd other TV Shows that are up on my Channel and we also performed with a Pops Orchestra playing, "Bugler's Holiday" and an Armed Services Medlley. We were also a warmup act for a Country music duo called, Trout Fishing in America and we performed at the Godfrey Daniels Coffee House in Bethlehem, PA. and some Comedy Clubs. It was a blast having fame twice!
@massieko - Thank you for your wonderful comment. Glad that you enjoyed this video. Take care.
Your very good at this now and that was fantastic back then too. I found ur channel through a posted video of Sally's, she is great too like u, and I never knew of this kind of music till now, so thanks for posting & I enjoyed it, have a good evening! -S