Talk with Ed Sullivan

Ed Sullivan was an American television personality, sports and entertainment reporter, and syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News and the Chicago Tribune New York News Syndicate. He is best known for hosting the television variety show "The Ed Sullivan Show" from 1948 until 1971. Originally named "Toast of the Town," the show was later renamed after him and became one of the most famous variety shows in the history of American television.

The show was broadcast on CBS every Sunday night and became a cultural institution, featuring a diverse range of performances from comedy, opera, popular song, dance, circus acts, and more. Sullivan had a talent for recognizing and showcasing new talent, and his show helped introduce a wide array of artists to a broader audience, including iconic acts like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Supremes, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, and many others.

Ed Sullivan is remembered for his somewhat stiff on-camera demeanor and famously stoic expression, which earned him the nickname “Old Stone Face.” Despite his lack of flamboyance, Sullivan was an influential figure in the entertainment industry, largely because of his ability to spot and promote new talent. His show ended in 1971, and he died in 1974. Sullivan's legacy continues in the memory of his contribution to American entertainment and television history.

Ed Sullivan played a significant role in launching Elvis Presley's career to a national audience. Initially, Sullivan had been reluctant to have Elvis Presley on his popular variety show, "The Ed Sullivan Show," due to Presley's reputation for his provocative performance style. However, after seeing the massive audience ratings from Presley's appearances on other shows such as "The Steve Allen Show" and "The Milton Berle Show," Sullivan decided to book him.

Elvis Presley first appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on September 9, 1956, in an episode that was watched by an estimated 60 million people, accounting for 82.6% of the television viewership at the time. His appearance on the show was a major event, significantly boosting his national profile and solidifying his status as a major star. Elvis appeared on the show three times in total, each time attracting huge audiences.

Sullivan's introduction of Elvis to his mainstream and family-friendly audience provided a level of acceptance and legitimacy that was crucial during that era. Despite Sullivan's initial reservations and the controversy over Elvis' performing style, Sullivan treated Elvis with respect during his appearances, which helped to enhance Elvis' image and career.

"The Ed Sullivan Show" first aired on June 20, 1948.

Ed Sullivan was known for his somewhat reserved and formal interviewing style. Unlike many hosts who are very expressive and engaging in conversation, Sullivan maintained a more subdued demeanor. He was not particularly animated or overly conversational. Instead, he often stood stiffly, letting his guests take the spotlight. His style was to introduce and showcase talent, rather than to delve deeply into personal interviews or engage in lengthy discussions.

Sullivan's approach worked well with the format of "The Ed Sullivan Show," which was primarily focused on a variety of performances ranging from music and comedy to novelty acts. The show was not designed for in-depth interviews, but rather for presenting a wide array of entertainers to the viewing audience. This made Sullivan less of an interviewer in the traditional sense and more of a master of ceremonies.

Ed Sullivan was known for his keen eye in selecting a wide variety of acts for his show, "The Ed Sullivan Show," which famously showcased a diverse array of performances from rock bands and pop singers to comedians, ballet dancers, and opera singers. Sullivan’s approach to selecting acts was influenced by several factors:

1. Audience Appeal: Sullivan aimed to choose acts that would attract and please a broad audience. He understood the tastes of the American public and often selected performers who were gaining popularity or had a unique appeal.

2. Talent Scouts and Agents: Sullivan relied on talent scouts and agents to help find and recommend acts. These professionals would often attend clubs, theaters, and other venues to scout for talent that could be suitable for the show.

3. Cultural Relevance: Sullivan was attentive to the cultural shifts and trends of the times. This sensitivity is reflected in his bookings of groundbreaking artists during pivotal moments in American culture, such as booking Elvis Presley and The Beatles at the height of their popularity.

4. Personal Judgement: Sullivan himself was deeply involved in the selection process. His personal judgement played a crucial role, and he was known to have a good instinct for what would work on television. His background in journalism helped him understand the elements of a good story and appealing performance.

5. Viewer Feedback: Audience reactions and feedback could also influence future bookings. Sullivan and his team paid attention to viewer responses to different acts to determine who should be invited back.

These criterions helped "The Ed Sullivan Show" remain popular and relevant throughout its run, making it a significant platform for artists of the era.

The Beatles made their iconic first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on February 9, 1964. The first song they performed in that broadcast was "All My Loving." This performance is famously remembered for the enormous impact it had on American television audiences and the music industry.

Ed Sullivan was known for his distinct on-screen persona. He was often perceived as somewhat stiff and reserved, with a somewhat wooden demeanor and an earnest, straightforward style. Despite this, he was deeply passionate about entertainment and was very effective in introducing a wide variety of acts to his audience. His understated personality contrasted sharply with the more flamboyant and dynamic performers he presented on his show, which may have helped to highlight the talent of his guests even more. Sullivan was also known to be very supportive and encouraging of his performers, which endeared him to many in the entertainment industry.

The Beatles made their historic appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on February 9, 1964. On that night, they performed five songs: "All My Loving," "Till There Was You," "She Loves You," "I Saw Her Standing There," and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." These performances were crucial in bolstering their popularity in the United States and marked the beginning of the British Invasion in American music.

On their first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on February 9, 1964, The Beatles performed five songs. The set list for the show was:

1. "All My Loving"
2. "Till There Was You"
3. "She Loves You"
4. "I Saw Her Standing There"
5. "I Want to Hold Your Hand"

This performance is particularly famous, as it marked the Beatles' live television debut in the United States and was watched by approximately 73 million viewers.

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