VIDEO: Howard Remembers Local Comedy Legend Uncle Floyd

Uncle Floyd Vivino, the legendary and highly influential New Jersey comedian whose “Uncle Floyd Show” was considered a pioneer in local television, has died. He was 74.

On Monday, Howard paid tribute to Vivino — who not only influenced the likes of David Bowie but also gave a young Jon Bon Jovi his first shot on television. “He was this guy who I loved,” Howard remembered. “He had a little local show, but it was so charming … Floyd was a talented guy.”

Howard went on to play audio of Uncle Floyd’s Stern Show appearance in 1989, where he was both funny and humble. “We have a 27 rating — 27 people are watching,” Uncle Floyd joked at the time. “We had our Christmas party at Roy Rogers.”

In addition to Bon Jovi, Howard was another one to appear on “The Uncle Floyd Show” early in his career. “He was into puppets, so I threw two marionettes into a shopping bag … not even in a box,” Howard recalled with a laugh. “I was very proud of myself that I got on there — the guy was really funny.”