You may know John Davidson from Hollywood Squares, The Tonight Show or The Love Boat. But did you know he's a musician, too? 

The legendary talk show host will play at Club Passim, a stage that has welcomed artists like Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Muddy Water and Bob Dylan. Davidson feels honored to be a part of such a talented group of people. He hopes to have a stamp of approval on his new career as he describes by singing, a “singer on my guitar sitting here with Jim Braude.”

Davidson, West Bridgewater, Massachusetts raised and now Lenox resident, finds that his career in music feels like coming home. He explains, “I have a lot of baggage from playing Las Vegas a lot, from doing game shows, variety shows, all these crazy things. There’s an honesty to Club Passim that I would like to be a part of.” All of the artists- like Joan Baez and Tom Rush- that have received the stamp of credibility from playing at Club Passim that he is looking for.

Jim Braude mentions to John Davidson that there was a stereotype that occurred from his celebrity and his appearance as a television personality. He was clean-cut, apolitical but right leaning, and God-fearing man. In actuality, Davidson is none of these things. “Both of my parents were ordained Baptists ministers. I am non-religious. In fact, I am openly secular. But, it was easier to just not bring that up,” Davidson said. After coming forward regarding his secularism, Davidson feels more free now in his seventies (This December he will be 75).

Jim went on to ask Davidson about his experiences filling in for Johnny Carson. Davidson recalls that he filled-in on the show more than any other singer. “I sang in that opening segment rather than do jokes,” Davidson said “I think you’ve got to realize that you cannot fill his [Carson’s] shoes,” he continues “you have to bring your own shoes to the studio.”

At Club Passim, Davidson plans to play some original songs and folk classics. He will also play some rock and Broadway on guitar. He says that the audience will see him express himself in a way that he never has before. He ended by saying, “This journey we’re all on is about self-discovery. And I felt like I discovered more after all these years and I’d like to share it.”

John Davidson plays at Passim on Saturday, July 16th at 8PM. Tickets are on sale now: http://passim.org/club/john-davidson

Learn more at www.johndavidson.com