Who Did David Letterman Pay Four Cartons of Marlboro to Be on His Show?

David Letterman, the iconic late-night talk show host, is known for his unique sense of humor and interviewing style. Throughout his career, he has had a wide range of guests on his show, from Hollywood A-listers to politicians to everyday people with interesting stories to share. However, there is one guest who stands out for a rather unusual reason - David Letterman once paid four cartons of Marlboro cigarettes to have them appear on his show.

The guest in question is none other than the legendary musician, Johnny Cash. In the early 1980s, Cash was at the height of his career and Letterman, who was a big fan of his music, was eager to have him on his show. However, Cash was notoriously difficult to book for interviews and appearances, as he was a very private person. In order to entice Cash to come on the show, Letterman resorted to a rather unconventional method - he offered him four cartons of Marlboro cigarettes as payment.

Surprisingly, Cash agreed to the deal and appeared on the show, where he gave a memorable performance and interview that is still talked about to this day. The sight of Cash, the Man in Black, sitting on Letterman's couch smoking a cigarette is now a part of television history.

This incident just goes to show the lengths that David Letterman was willing to go to in order to have his favorite guests on his show. His quick wit and charm, combined with his willingness to think outside the box, made him a beloved figure in the world of late-night television.

So, the next time you watch a rerun of The Late Show with David Letterman, remember the story of how he once paid four cartons of Marlboro cigarettes to have Johnny Cash on his show. It's just one of the many quirky and memorable moments that have made Letterman's show a classic.

Overall, David Letterman's willingness to think outside the box and go the extra mile for his guests is what made his show so special. And the story of how he paid Johnny Cash with four cartons of Marlboro cigarettes is just one example of his unique approach to late-night television.

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