Johnny Carson, the "Tonight Show" TV host who served America a smooth nightcap of celebrity banter, droll comedy and heartland charm for 30 years, has died. He was 79. Comedian Joan Rivers said: "The Carson show changed your life. If Carson liked you, you were set. He got the bright comics. He picked the ones who were different, who were smart." (CNN) -- Johnny Carson, host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" for nearly 30 years, died Sunday of emphysema.
