The official reason that Jon Stewart backed out of hosting last night's black-tie fundraiser at the Waldorf-Astoria featuring Sumner Redstone is because of his workload on The Daily Show without his writers. Whatever the case, Charlie Rose took Stewart's place. And, we cannot fail to note, CBS News' Bob Schieffer played country music. From The Hollywood Reporter:

''Schieffer said playing country music in Redstone's honor allows him to say something he has wanted to say for a very long time -- 'I'm Bob Schieffer and this is my band!' ''The anchor sang two songs to much applause and laughter.

''The second started with the lyrics: 'There are good stones and bad stones ... the Redstone is a gem.'

''At the end, Schieffer quipped in song: 'You said bye to Tom Cruise, but you can't sell CBS News.'

''... Moonves, Dauman, Bill Clinton and Time Warner chairman Richard Parsons sang Redstone's praises in a video tribute.''

(image via digital-lifestyles.info)