The practice of using regular backing musicians during studio sessions became customary as a means for record companies to save money and add convenience at a time when the music industry had seen increased studio costs and musical specialization.
One of the best-remembered, and longest-running, house bands was the NBC Orchestra of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and his predecessors.
Late-night television offered security and survival for the big band, led by trumpeter Doc Severinsen, while the trends in popular music continually changed around them.
The band continued that blend with Letterman when he left for CBS to start Late Show in 1993.
[5] The Roots became the first hip hop house band on late-night television when they joined Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in 2009.