Never Too Late: The Doc Severinson Story

After three decades as the colorful bandleader to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, master trumpeter Doc Severinsen defied nature with a relentless schedule of touring and performing into his nineties. The musical icon traced his groundbreaking career and personal trials underscoring a  life of inspiration and obsession.

In 2018, at the age of 90, Doc Severinsen was still going strong as he left home and set off on a performance tour. At the gym, Doc demonstrated his grueling work-out routine while his trainer calls him “a freak of nature”. He shared childhood memories of growing up in a small town in Oregon, and also looked back on his early marriages, including struggles with alcoholism, and his determination to find stability for his children. The film follows Doc around the country through joyful live performances as he nostalgically retraced the steps of his career from his big band beginnings to The Tonight Show.

As Doc joined The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, he became beloved by millions of American households nightly. Through archival clips and contemporary interviews, we relive thirty years of music, comedy, and friendship of America’s favorite talk show.

When Johnny Carson retired from The Tonight Show in 1992, Doc moved to Mexico. However, not ready to give up performing, he continued touring nonstop, even forming a new band, The San Miguel Five. Surrounded by family and doing what makes him happy, bringing joy to audiences, Doc savored every moment.

FEATURING:

• Questlove, Musician
• Arturo Sandoval, Trumpeter
• Chris Botti, Trumpeter
• Ernie Watts, Saxophonist
• David Steinberg, Comedian
• Martin Mull, Actor
• Bob Saget, Comedian