The two most important things to know in the world, David Letterman said he tells his son, are a) "you have to be nice to other people," and b) "the greatest songwriter of modern times is Bob Dylan." Yes, "that's all you need to know in life," Letterman said on Tuesday's Late Show. So, of course, for his final appearance on Letterman — the last scheduled performance of any musician on Letterman — Dylan chose a Sinatra song, "The Night We Called It a Day."
The song (actually written by Matt Dennis and Tom Adair) is on Dylan's newest album, a tribute to Frank Sinatra, but it works pretty well as a farewell number for Letterman, too. Still, wouldn't have "The Times They Are A-Changin'" been even better? Or even "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"? I guess you don't tell "the greatest songwriter of modern times" what tune to sing at your sendoff. Even if you're David Letterman —Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Political dynasties at war in the PhilippinesUnder the Radar 'Fiercer, nastier, and more personal' rift between Marcos and Duterte factions risks splitting ruling coalition
-
'Without mandatory testing, bird flu will continue circulating at farms across the country'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Thirteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinksSpeed Read The vessel sank near the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box officeSpeed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appealSpeed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproarSpeed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain PrizeSpeed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 winsspeed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
