Showstoppers! Great Women of TV Variety

-[ Applause ] -Are you ready?

- Prime-time ladies sing this song Doo-da, doo-da Prime time is where we belong All the doo-da day Variety, variety Variety, variety -Thank you.

And welcome to the show.

-I'm pretty excited about having my own show.

-And welcome to my very first special.

-The reason I use the word "special" is so that you'll be very impressed and stay with me for the whole hour.

-Can I ask you something?

Now, tell the truth.

-Okay.

-Have you ever in your whole life found anything in this whole wide world that you've ever done to be more exciting to you than being the host of your own variety show?

- Variety, variety -Boom!

- Variety, variety - What makes life nice?

- Variety -This is Ms. Tomlin of the telephone company.

Do I have the party to whom I am speaking?

- Variety - What gives life spice?

[ Toes tapping ] - I could have danced all night Could have danced all night [ Applause ] - Variety We're two girls Who love what we do a lot - I'm Debby with a "Y" - I'm Debbie with an "I" - Can clear it up one, two, three I'm "D," "E," double "B" "Y" And "D," "E," double "B," "I," "E" -We made it!

-Howdy!

[ Laughter ] -In the 1960s and '70s, a cavalcade of dynamic and inspiring women changed popular culture through television.

They were music stars, movie stars... -Hi, there.

-...TV moms... -I'm Florence Henderson.

-...and even superheroes and gold-medal-winning Olympians.

Every week, through blockbuster TV variety shows and specials, America welcomed these iconic women into their living rooms and their hearts to stay.

Together, they made us laugh... -She told me she wanted a white wedding, I told her she better pray for snow.

[ Laughter ] -...and they made us sing and dance along, expanding the world of opportunities for women in television and setting the course for a dazzling and joyful era in entertainment.

They're "Showstoppers!

Great Women of TV Variety."

- Et c'est ne pas Boom, pa-pa [ Cheers and applause ] - The world would be a happier place We know If everybody had a... Variety show Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa Variety, variety Variety, variety -Hi.

I'm Debby Boone.

And that's just a sampling of the extraordinary women who were making waves, breaking ground, and entertaining television audiences in grand style on variety shows during the 1960s and '70s.

Music and comedy variety shows were appointment TV for more than four decades, most often hosted by men like Bob Hope, Andy Williams, Perry Como, and my dad, Pat Boone.

But it was women, including Carol Burnett and Cher, along with the legendary artists we'll be celebrating in this show, that helped push TV variety to its creative zenith while imagining a world of opportunities for women in media.

-I do believe we are the only two ladies that have a variety show.

-Right, and we're both Taurus and we both have the same initials.

-Yeah.

Sometimes.

-Sometimes.

-Right.

[ Laughter ] God bless variety.

-God bless variety!

-Right.

-"The Carol Burnett Show" ended any notion that variety was only a man's game.

-I think Carol Burnett is an amazing performer.

I mean, that's not news to anyone, I'm sure, but I did a couple of shows with her, and they were wonderful.

I really feel that she brought out the best in her guests.

-And Carol helped create paths for women behind the scenes, too.

Writers Gail Parent and Jenna McMahon both won Emmy Awards for their work on her show.

And that opening number, "Variety," featuring Carol and Cher?

[ Chuckles ] Well, that's special music material written by the talented composer, director, producer, and five-time Emmy winner Mitzie Welch and her husband, Ken.

Mitzie and Ken Welch wrote music for Carol... - Chutzpah, chutzpah What have we got?

Chutzpah -...and artists including The Carpenters, Olivia Newton-John, and Barbra Streisand.

She was just one of the many dynamic women breaking ground behind the scenes.

Our first showstopper delighted audiences in classic movie musicals including "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Viva Las Vegas."

But Academy Award-nominated actress, singer, and dancer Ann-Margret thrilled TV audiences, too.

Beginning in 1968, her acclaimed series of TV specials helped establish her reputation as one of the most dynamic entertainers of all time.

[ Applause ] [ "All of You" plays ] - I love the looks of you The lure of you The sweet of you And the pure of you Thin Stout Fair of you Few without any Hair of you I like the Strong of you The thrill of you The summer tan And the winter pale Of you The young, the old, the short The tall of you, too Yes And the thought Of you I love the thrill of you The tweet of you The appearance of you And the beads Of you I love the chic Chapeaus of you Cool cut Brooks Brothers Clothes of you I like the Furs of you The gowns of you The wheelin', dealin' Joes And the Farmer Browns Of you And as I said before From my point of view Yes.

I love all Of you [ Applause ] - Make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along -In 1969, for the first time in history, three black performers became hosts of their own variety series all at the same time, and all three were women -- Barbara McNair, Della Reese, and Leslie Uggams.

Like Leslie, whom you'll see later in the show, both Della and Barbara's series had some of the first integrated, creative teams and orchestras on television.

Della Reese had risen to fame through her hit recordings and nightclub performances and was a popular favorite on series including "Touched by an Angel."

Her innovative daily variety show, the first to be hosted by a black performer, included music and conversation in her signature style.

-I had a mixed orchestra.

I had Caucasians and Latin people in the orchestra, and I was an Afro-American woman.

And so they thought it would not sell in the South, but in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, we had our biggest audiences.

We did 292 shows, and we had two or three people on each one of the shows.

But I've been blessed that I opened the doors so people could get in.

And I'm very thankful that they got in and did so well.

-Sadly, only a few fragments of the more than 200 episodes of this influential show are known to exist, underscoring the vital need for historic preservation.

Barbara McNair's stellar career ranged from movies and Broadway to concerts and recordings.

Her undeniable warmth and appeal as a TV host propelled "The Barbara McNair Show" through three seasons.

Here are Barbara and Della making musical magic together.

- Nobody can tell ya There's only one song worth singing They may try and sell ya 'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you-u-u-u You're gonna be nowhere The loneliest kind of lonely It may be rough going Just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do-o-o - But you gotta - Make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings along - So, if you cannot take my hand - If you cannot take my hand - And if you must be going - If you must be going - I will understand - I will understand - You gotta make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else sings alo-o-ng - You gotta - Make your own kind of music Sing your own special song Make your own kind of music Even if nobody else Sings along [ Flourish, song ends ] [ Applause ] - Lo-o-ve -That's me at 3 years old with my sisters and our mom on my dad's variety show.

You see, variety has been a part of my life right from the start.

Over the years, I got to sing with my sisters, my entire family, and some truly extraordinary performers.

- Georgia, oh, Georgia - Have tux, have cane - Have gown, have song - Have teeth, half hats - Or if I were a bell I'd go "ding, dong, ding" - Though birds are singin' For me and my gal - And you Light up my life You give me hope Variety shows were an incredible showcase for my beautiful mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney, and they gave me a wonderful opportunity to sing, dance, do comedy, and host.

It was like going to show-business college.

[ Applause ] - My mama done told me [ Dramatic chord plays ] [ Cheers and applause ] When I was in pigtails [ Dramatic chord plays, music stops ] That's gorgeous.

[ Laughter ] My mama done told me -Dinah Shore began hosting her own music variety series in the '50s and remained one of TV's most influential performers for the next four decades.

Dinah blazed a trail through prime-time and daytime TV, hosting nearly 2,000 episodes of her innovative talk-variety shows, winning seven Emmy Awards, championing women in sports, and opening doors for everyone from Billie Jean King to Martha Stewart and Barbara Walters and me.

In this captivating performance taped with just a single camera in close-up with no cuts -- a hallmark of variety shows of this era -- Dinah instantly connects with the millions watching at home through the sheer power of her artistry.

- What are you doing the rest of your life?

North and south and east and west of your life I have only one request of your life That you spend it all with me All the seasons and the times of your days All the nickels and the dimes of your days Let the reasons and the rhymes of your days All begin and end with me I want to see your face in every kind of light In fields of dawn and forests of the night And when you stand before the candles on a cake Oh, let me be the one to hear the silent wish you make Those tomorrows waiting deep in your eyes In the world of love you keep in your eyes I'll awaken what's asleep in your eyes It may take a kiss or two Through all of my life Summer, winter, spring and fall of my life All I ever will recall of my life Is all of my life With you-u-u-u [ Applause ] -Much of the work of the women in this special are preserved in archives like The Great American Songbook Foundation, including this next showstopper.

In her illustrious career... [ Camera shutter clicking ] ...Diahann Carroll won a Tony Award, was nominated for an Oscar, and made television history, becoming the first black woman to star in an independent, empowered lead role on network TV with her series "Julia."

She was always a champion of representation on television.

Here she is in her tribute to Ethel Waters, another true pioneer who, in 1939, became the first black woman to star in her own variety special on television.

- After you've gone and left me cryin' After you've gone, there will be no denying That you'll feel blue You'll feel sad You'll miss the bestest pal that you have ever had There is gonna come a time Don't you ever forget it There will come a time You're gonna regret it Some day, some day When you grow lonely Your heart will ache like mine You're gonna want me only But that is after, that is after That is after you have gone away After you've go-o-o-ne Stormy weather Since my man and I Ain't together It keeps raining, raining Raining all the time All the time Since he went away The blues walked in and met me If he stays away Rockin' chair will surely get me All I do is pray The Lord above will let me Let me walk in the sun Once more Oh, Lord I cannot go on Everything in my life is gone Stormy weather Since my man and I ain't together Oh, it's raining, raining, raining All the time All the time Ohh!

It keeps raining all All All the ti-i-i-me [ Cheers and applause ] -Paul McCartney called our next showstopper a true star.

And the great Doris Day was that and so much more.

In the mid-'60s, Doris was the top box-office star, a top recording star, and a creative force behind the scenes, too, with her company, Arwin Productions, A passionate advocate for the welfare of animals, Doris came to television in 1968, producing her own long-running sitcom and two blockbuster variety specials.

In this beautiful performance, Doris' fearless artistry as both an actress and a singer is thoroughly on view.

Again, with just a single camera, no cuts, and an overhead boom microphone.

- Memories Like the corners of my mind Misty water-colored memories Of the way we were Scattered pictures Of the smiles we left behind Smiles we gave to one another For the way we were Can it be that it was all so simple then?

Or has time rewritten every line?

If we had the chance to do it all again Tell me, would we?

Could we?

Memories Are too beautiful and yet What's too painful to remember We simply choose to forget So it's the laughter We will remember Whenever We remember Just the way we were Memories [ Cheers and applause ] - Ain't got no troubles in my life No foolish dream to make me cry I'm never frightened or worried I know I'll always get by I heat up... -"South Pacific" star Mitzi Gaynor's Emmy-winning annual television specials were audience favorites, showcasing her dazzling artistry as a dancer, singer, and actress.

Though uncredited, Mitzi made insightful creative contributions behind the scenes, too, collaborating with a team that included designer Bob Mackie, director Tony Charmoli, and writers Ann Elder, Jerry Mayer, and Charlotte Brown.

Like the best TV hosts, Mitzi is a great broadcaster with a keen ability to connect directly through the camera to the tens of millions watching at home.

Her specials were truly TV events.

[ Jazz music playing ] [ Fanfare ] -Somebody wanted me to do a special.

I wanted Gene Kelly to be on the special with me.

And Gene said, "You know, Mitzi, you're smart not doing weekly television," he said, "because you must only do event television."

Because he said, "I don't know how much the audience can take you every single week."

I thought, "How dare you?"

But he taught me that.

He said, "Only do event."

And we've always tried to make our shows an event.

-Mitzi's music collection, spanning her work on recordings stage and screen, is preserved in the archive of The Great American Songbook Foundation.

- Why am I smiling?

And why do I sing?

Why does December seem sunny as spring?

Why do I get up each morning to start Happy and head up with joy In my heart?

You are the sunshine of my life And that's why I'll always be around You are the apple of my eye Oh, yeah Forever you'll stay in my heart I feel like this is the beginning Yeah Though I've loved you for a million ye-e-ars And if our love affair was ending I'd find myself drowning in my own tears Whoa-oh-oh-oh, oh, oh, yeah You are the sunshine of my life That's why I'm smiling And that's why I sing And that's why December Feels sunny as spring You are the sunshine Of my li-i-fe Forever you'll stay In my Heart Stay in my heart [ Cheers and applause ] -This is one hour of television we've elected to call "The Lily Tomlin Show."

I know that probably sounds egotistical, but think about it.

I mean, if someone gave you your own show, who would you name it after?

-Lily Tomlin brought a world of unforgettable characters to vivid life on "Laugh-In" and on her own landmark Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning TV specials.

Along with her acclaimed writing partner and wife, Jane Wagner, and an incredible group of collaborators, Lily wrote and produced specials that took comedy and television to new creative heights, reminding us of our shared humanity, commenting on important social and cultural issues, and [Chuckles] making us truly laugh out loud.

-This is Bobbi Dineen reminding you, never "B sharp"... [ Organ plays ] ...never "B flat"... [ Organ plays ] ...always "B natural."

[ Organ plays ] -And that's the truth.

[ Blows raspberry ] -Here she is as one of her signature comedic creations, the housewife, mother, and consumer advocate Mrs. Judith Beasly.

-Hi.

For years, I have had a family problem I could not solve -- dirt, grease, and stains in my family wash.

I tried every brand of detergent on the market, but nothing seemed to do the job.

Then, about a month ago, a man came to the door and asked me to try something new called "Gr-r-r-r." He said to me, "With Gr-r-r-r, your problems will be over."

Naturally, I was skeptical, but I tried it anyway, and was I surprised.

Everything came out perfect, even the tough things.

I was so excited, I just had to come on TV and tell you about it.

With Gr-r-r-r, your problems will be over.

Gr-r-r-r contains a new additive called "carnivore" that seeks out and gobbles up stains like a thousand tiny, little piranha fish.

To prove it, I have brought some samples from my own family laundry.

Ew.

See this diaper?

It has been worn six days.

Disgusting.

And look at these grass stains on Billy's chinos.

These are really tough.

And here.

These lipstick stains on my husband's collar.

Well, anyway, I am only going to take, uh, ha-half a cup of, um... of, uh -- of Gr-r-r-r. You only need half a cup be-because it's concentrated, see?

You can actually feel it coming on for weeks and weeks now.

He's been so indifferent no matter how hard I try to please him.

B-because it's concentrated, you save money because you use less and less and less time at home.

All those nights he said he was going bowling, I've just been kidding myself along like some kind of fool.

Well, to hell with you.

Gr-r-r-r is not only strong, it is safe for even the most delicate washables, like this sheer pink negligee he gave me on our eighth anniversary.

You never cared about me.

All you ever wanted was supper on the table and no responsibility.

Well, you want to know something?

Billy isn't yours.

[ Laughter, cheers and applause ] -Folks, this is The Lennon Sisters' show.

-I want to be a Lennon Sister, too!

-I still think their Christmas album is an all-time classic.

-When they made their TV debut as kids in the 1950s, The Lennon Sisters never imagined they'd grow up on the small screen and become popular stars for decades to come.

Fan magazines followed their every move, and kids enjoyed comic books, paper dolls, and other products featuring the quartet.

Branching out as independent young women in the 1960s, they formed their own production company and, though uncredited, produced their very own variety series and specials.

- The look of love - Is saying so much more Than just words could ever say - And what my heart has heard Well, it takes my breath away -We're probably the only famous singing sisters who became famous and popular off of television and not through our records.

-Their beautiful harmonies made them a TV staple for more than four decades.

Here they are at the height of 1970s variety.

- Every woman's your sister Whoa-oh, and every man is your brother Don't you know it ain't natural To love one child more than the other And we're all goin' home, uh-huh Yes, we're all goin' home, you know that We're all goin' home, we're goin' back someday - Ohh - Yeah - Bah, bah-bah-bah Bah, bah-bah-bah - We can make this a life of love Whoa, yeah, it's just a matter of attitude - Unh, unh, unh, yeah - Ho-ho Just remember when Jesus comes It ain't me - It ain't me - Oh, you got to answer to - No - And we're all goin' home, uh-huh Yes, we're all goin' home, you know that We're all goin' home We'll resurrect someday [ Tempo quickens, flourish ] - Jeremiah was a bullfrog - Yeah - Was a good friend of mine - Yes, he was - Never understood a single word he said - But I helped him a-drink his wine - And he always had some mighty fine wine Singin' joy to the world All the boys and girls Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea Joy to you and me -I think we were very, very fortunate.

We had this great experience of being with the tail end of the real greats.

-But there were also musical shows on TV that had real music -- Glen Campbell, Cher.

-And Andy Williams, yeah.

-Andy.

And we were all on all those shows, got to work with those people, sing with them, got to know them.

-Perry Como in New York.

-And we were so proud of what we did because it was beautiful mu-- There are no shows on TV now that are musical like that.

-Certainly like that.

- Put your hand in the hand of the man who stills the water Put your hand in the hand of the man who calms the sea Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently By putting your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee - Every time I look into the holy book, I wanna tremble - Really wanna tremble, now - When I come to the part where the carpenter cleared the temple - Whoa, he cleared the temple, yeah - For the buyers and the sellers were no different fellers than what I profess to be - Profess to be - And it causes me shame to know we're not the people we should be - No, no, no, no - Mama taught me how to pray before I reached the age of 7 - Yes, she did She said, "There'll come a time when there'll probably be room in heaven" Yes, there will But I'm feelin' mighty guilty 'bout the number of times We do the things we do - We do the things we do - We forget about the blessings that he gave us to get us through, ooh-hoo-hoo Put your hand in the hand of the man who stills the water People gotta put your hand in the hand of the man who calms the sea Why don't you take a look at yourself And see the world as it should be-e-e Put your hand in the hand We are all goin' home Yes, we're all goin' home - That's right Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee We're goin' Home [ Applause ] -For the last six decades, legendary three-time Grammy Award-winning singer Vikki Carr has found great success in multiple genres of music... - I love you, baby And if it's quite alright, I need you, baby To warm the lonely night I love you, baby -...recording jazz, pop, country, and Spanish-language hits.

As a pioneering crossover artist, Vikki opened doors for a generation of performers.

She broke ground on television, too, helping to introduce Latin sounds to viewers at the height of the variety-show era.

Here's Vikki doing just that with one of her signature songs.

- Amor, estoy solo aqu en la playa Es el Sol quien me acompaa Y me quema, y me quema, y me quema Cuando calienta el sol Aqu en la playa Siento tu cuerpo vibrar Cerca de m Es tu palpitar Es tu cara, es tu pelo Son tus besos Mi estremezco Cuando calienta el sol Aqu en la playa Siento tu cuerpo vibrar Cerca de m Es tu palpitar Tu recuerdo, mi locura Mi delirio, mi estremezco-o-o Cuando calienta el sol Cuando calienta el sol Aqu en la playa Siento tu cuerpo vibrar Cerca de m Es tu palpitar Es tu cara, es tu pelo Son tus besos Mi estremezco-o-o Cuando calienta el sol Aqu en la playa Siento tu cuerpo vibrar Cerca de m Es tu palpitar Tu recuerdo, mi locura Mi delirio, mi estremezco Cuando calienta el sol Cuando calienta el sol Cuando calienta el sol Cuando calienta El sol [ Crescendo ] [ Cheers and applause ] -Hi.

You know me.

Sandy Duncan?

Glamorous Hollywood star?

[ Chuckles ] -When she came to television in the early '70s, Sandy Duncan was already a Broadway favorite.

This gifted triple-threat dynamo from Tyler, Texas, is a wonderful dancer and singer, as well as a natural and engaging comedic actress, which made her one of variety TV's favorite and familiar faces, hosting her own specials and showcasing her skills as a vibrant guest star.

She thrilled theater audiences as Peter Pan and as Roxie Hart.

But here, she is making razzle-dazzle TV magic with a fabulous quartet of dancers.

- How sweet it is to be loved by you How sweet it is to be loved by you I needed the shelter of someone's arms There you were I needed someone to understand my ups and downs There you were - Ooh - Sweet love and devotion - Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh - Keep me touching my emotion I want to stop, ooh, and thank you, baby I just want to stop and thank you, baby How sweet it is to be loved by you How sweet it is to be loved by you Ooh!

Stop and thank you, baby Stop How sweet it is - Thank you, baby - How sweet it is - Thank you, baby - How sweet it is to be loved by you - You were better to me than I as to myself For me, there's you, there ain't nobody else How sweet it is [ Cheers and applause ] - You're so terrific, mm You never done it like that You never been this way before -When Grammy winners Captain & Tennille burst on to the scene with their smash "Love Will Keep Us Together," TV executives capitalized on the phenomenon by offering the husband-and-wife team their own variety series.

Toni Tennille is a multifaceted creative force and the gifted songwriter behind some of the group's biggest hits.

Her powerful voice and her skill as a host helped make her a music and TV superstar.

Here she is sharing the stage with "The First Lady of Song," 13-time Grammy Award winner Ella Fitzgerald, in one of the once-in-a-lifetime moments made possible by variety shows.

-Sing it for me, Ella.

- When you're alone - Oh, yeah - Who cares for starlit skies?

When you're alone The magic moonlight dies At break of dawn -Aha!

- There is no sunrise When your lover has gone - I ain't got nobody -Yeah?

- Yeah Nobody cares fo-o-r me - To me Why must you be mean to me?

Gee, honey, it seems to be You love to see me cry, yeah I don't know why - I remember every little thing you used to do I'm so lonely Every run I walked along, I walked along with you Know whether I am lonely - The sky is blue - Bee-do-do - The night is cold - Cold beep-bo - The moon is full - Whoo-hoo-hoo - But love is all And while I'm waiting here, this heart of mine is singing Lover, come back, do-doobie-ooh - Lover, come back, boo-be-do-dee Lover, come back to me - Lover, come back, boo-do-be-do-be-dee Lover, come back, boo-do-doobie, oh Lover, come back to me [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Thanks for the ball.

- What is a woman?

What is she made of?

-Our next performer may be best known as one of America's favorite TV moms for her role on "The Brady Bunch," but Florence Henderson became a star on the musical-theater stage with roles on Broadway and on tour.

Television was a major facet of her career right from the start, and she excelled in numerous formats -- game shows, talk shows, commercials.

And she brought her thrilling voice and her acclaimed musical-comedy chops to a cavalcade of variety shows and specials.

[ Cheers and applause ] - Once, I thought that love was meant for anyone else but me Once, I thought you'd never come my way Now it only goes to show how wrong we all can be For now, I have to tell you every day My love is warmer Than the warmest sunshine Softer than a sigh My love is deeper than the deepest ocean Wider than the sky My love is brighter Than the brightest star that shines Every night above And there is nothing in this world that can ever change My love Something happened to my heart the day that I met you Something that I never felt before You are always on my mind, no matter what I do And every day, I seem to want you more My love is Warmer than the warmest sunshine Softer than a sigh My love is deeper than the deepest ocean Wider than the sky My love is brighter than the brightest star That shines every night above And there is nothing in this world That can change My love [ Cheers and applause ] -Hello, there.

Welcome to our new show.

I'm "Vonnie."

I'm the one likes to sort of talk.

-A lot.

-We're better known as The King Sisters.

-Ta-da!

-Variety shows could offer unique opportunities for artists to reinvent their careers, as was the case with The King Sisters.

They rose to fame as a hit-making quartet in the 1940s, but as the '60s dawned, Yvonne King had an idea for a brand-new TV concept.

-And I said, "Why don't we do something different like The King Sisters and their families?"

-She invited her relatives into the act and created a TV phenomenon, "The King Family."

-We were the first ones to be a whole family onstage and on television, all performing together.

-This massive musical assemblage starred in two of their own prime-time variety series and 17 specials, including their popular Christmas shows, which kept them on the air for more than two decades.

And all of these shows were produced and often written by Yvonne and her talented sisters.

-"King Family Show."

We did that ourselves.

We produced it, wrote it, and did it ourselves.

- Love is the answer Someone to love is the answer Once you've found him Build your world around him Make someone happy - And love him Build your world around him - Make just one someone happy And you will be happy Too -I loved singing with The King Sisters, with their moms.

We would do these medleys with them that were wonderful.

They called them the mother-daughter medleys.

The moms would do, you know, something grand and, you know, a ballad, and then we would come out, cousins would come out rockin'.

Always ponying.

- I need your love I want your love Say you're in love And you'll be my love -I was performing with The King Family, with The King Cousins, and "My Three Sons."

It was magical.

-Who else's career encompasses playing opposite the great Ethel Waters on her pioneering 1950s TV series, "Beulah," to starring in the blockbuster "Deadpool" movies in the 2000s?

The amazing Leslie Uggams has been breaking ground in entertainment all of her life.

She's made an impact in so many mediums, winning a Tony Award for the trailblazing musical "Hallelujah, Baby!," starring in the epic miniseries "Roots," and in 1969, she followed in the footsteps of early TV star Hazel Scott to become one of the first black women to host her own prime-time network variety series.

-It was such good entertainment.

I had a black cameraman.

That had never happened before.

I had a black choreographer, Donald McKayle.

We had an integrated -- dancers, Latino, black, white, doing dancing on the show.

And the conductor of the music was black.

So we had a lot of us represented on the show.

It only lasted 10 weeks, but it was 10 weeks that we got people that were talented to be able to be with me.

People got to see somebody that looked like them, as well, and I think that's a great legacy to leave.

-Here on her own special, Leslie performs one of the showstopping songs that won her a Tony.

- Watch out I'm busting out I just found out what life's about Hallelujah, baby "Hallelujah, baby" -- two words that have a very special meaning for me.

Not only are they the title of my first Broadway show, but, more important, the two words that gave me this opportunity to be here tonight, on this, my first television special -- a dream come true.

It's funny -- in the warmth and comfort of your own dreams, you can be very brave.

But then it happens... it's no longer a dream.

You're standing all alone, wondering if you're really as good as you hoped you were.

- Being good Isn't good enough Being good Won't be good enough When I fly I must fly extra high And I'll need special wings So far to go From so far below Should I try?

Am I strong enough?

Oh, is there time?

Have I long enough?

Gotta fly And if I fall That's the way it's gotta be There's no other way for me Being good Just won't be good enough I'll be the best Or nothing At all [ Cheers and applause ] -Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Peggy Lee blazed a trail through the Big Band era and beyond, writing many classic songs along the way, becoming one of the most acclaimed artists of the 20th century and an enduring television presence.

-My grandmother was on variety shows for five decades.

And it seemed like whenever you turned on the TV, there she was.

She was on everybody's show -- Carol Burnett, "The Judy Garland Show," "Frank Sinatra Show," and "The Nat King Cole Show," "The Dean Martin Show."

One of my grandmother's favorite appearances was on "The Petula Clark Show," which they filmed over in London, my grandmother's favorite city.

-Growing up in England, Petula Clark was a popular child performer before becoming an international superstar of song, with a long string of huge hits including the Grammy-winning "Downtown."

As gifted singer-songwriters, recording artists, movie stars, and as the hosts of their own acclaimed television specials, Peggy Lee and Petula Clark conquered every facet of media.

-Well, when I was growing up, most of my friends seemed to be listening to Judy Garland.

And, you know, I love Judy Garland, like everybody, but, in fact, I was secretly listening to Peggy Lee.

There's something sort of mystical about her.

She doesn't reveal everything.

And I had the wonderful opportunity to sing with her.

She was a guest on one of my specials, and that was [Sighs] extraordinary for me.

-It's fun to see these two women singing "I'm a Woman."

And you could just see they were having so much fun and there was a lot of respect there.

- She was born in North Dakota But you'd never know it from the way she sings It's cold in North Dakota But when she sings, it's Palm Springs I mean she can give you a fever She can stand you on your ear She is one of the seven natural wonders Of the Western hemisphere And she's a woman W-O-M-A-N I'll say it again - Peg can take you men, kinda saw her make you do bad flips She can melt the coldest heart She even melted Mr. Chips I mean, when she grabs hold of a song She really lays it down She can make you leave your happy home And go downtown 'Cause she's a woman W-O-M-A-N I'll say it again - You know, I think we've both said enough - Yes, I think we've made it clear - That I'm thrilled to have you with me - I'm delighted to be here - Seems like the meeting Of the mutual admiration society - Well, Petula, let me tell you That it's all right with me 'Cause I'm a woman W-O-M-A-N -Let's talk about men.

[ Laughter ] - Bill I love you so I always will I look at you And I see the passion eyes of May Oh, but am I ever gonna see My wedding day?

- Oh, I was on your side, Bill When you were losin' - I was on your side, Bill When you were losin' - I'd never scheme or lie, Bill There's been no foolin' - I'd never scheme or lie But kisses and love won't carry me Till you marry me, Bill - Till you marry me, Bill I love you so I always will And in your voice I hear a choir of carousels - Ah, but am I ever gonna hear My wedding bells?

- Am I gonna hear my wedding bells?

- You know that I was the one that came running When you were lonely - I was the one that came running When you were lonely - I haven't lived a day Not loving you only - I haven't lived a day But kisses and love Won't carry me Till you marry me, Bill - Won't you marry me, Bill?

I love you so I always will And though devotion rules my heart I take no vows - Oh, but, Bill I know I wanna take my wedding vows - Bill, I wanna take my wedding - Come on, Bill - Bill, I wanna take my wedding - Come on, Bill - Bill, I wanna Come on and marry me - Marry me - Marry me - Marry me - Marry me - Marry me - Marry me - Marry me - Marry me - Bill I love you so I always will I love you so I always will I love you so I love you, Bill - 'Cause I'm a woman - Yep I got the wedding-bell blues - 'Cause I'm a woman - I got the wedding-bell blues - 'Cause I'm a woman - 'Cause I'm a woman W-O-M-A-N [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you so very much for being here.

I hope you've enjoyed our show.

-It's really been a wonderful experience.

-Thank you all a lot.

-Goodnight, everybody.

I love you.

[ Smooches ] [ Applause ] -It's been a thrill to experience the brilliant artistry of these legendary women right here on public television.

Let's keep their songs and stories alive so they continue to inspire generations to come.

Thank you for watching.

Until next time, I'm Debby Boone.

- The world would be a happier place We know If the world were one great big Variety show Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa Variety, variety -Now, everybody!

Come on, let's hear it.

- Variety, variety -That's it.

- Variety, variety -That's the spirit.

Come on, Toni.

- Variety, variety Variety, variety -Come on.

- Variety, variety -[ Laughs ] -Variety.

[ Laughter ]