Scheduled To Appear – 10/8

The first thing we should mention is “The Midnight Special” didn’t actually air at midnight. The NBC program featuring some of the best music acts to come out of the ‘70s followed “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson” on Friday nights, which means it aired at 1 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Nevertheless, with ABC’s “In Concert” series airing Friday nights from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., music fans got three hours of musical performances.

For most of its 1972-1981 run, “The Midnight Special” featured guest hosts each week with the only constant factor being that of the announcer, legendary DJ Wolfman Jack.

Along with presenting established acts, “The Midnight Special” was also adept at bringing new bands and artists to American audiences. Sure, they had stars of the day like Harry Chapin, John Denver, David Bowie, Steve Miller Band and Electric Light Orchestra.

But the program also included one of the first national TV appearances by AC/DC and served as a platform to help introduce bands and artists like Cheap Trick, Cars, Rick James and Aerosmith to television audiences.

And don’t forget the comedians! Steve Martin appeared on “The Midnight Special.” So did George Carlin, Andy Kaufman and improv group The Committee. Along with music, “The Midnight Special” was always good for a few laughs.

Today’s “Scheduled To Appear” honors “The Midnight Special.” Not only do the following clips give you a peek at the performers you’ve come to know and love over the years, but you also get a healthy dose of ‘70s fashion. But don’t worry. It’s not contagious.

Thursday, Oct. 8
Backstreet Boys – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
Ben Harper, Jim Black – “The Jay Leno Show”
Motorhead – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Joss Stone – “Last Call with Carson Daly”

Friday, Oct. 9
Toby Keith – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
Brett Dennen – “Late Show With David Letterman”
Lady Antebellum – “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”
Cory Chisel – “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”
Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”

Saturday, October 10
Ben Harper and Relentless 7 – “Austin City Limits”
Regina Spektor – “Saturday Night Live”