When Elvis Presley made his debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1956, he had yet to earn the title of “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” However, Ed Sullivan was a kingmaker in his own right. Andrew Solt, the owner of the Ed Sullivan archives, reveals that Sullivan initially hesitated to feature Elvis but eventually booked him for three shows, paying him a record-breaking $50,000. More importantly, Sullivan gave his blessing to Presley, proclaiming him a “real decent, fine boy” and expressing his pleasant experience with the young artist.
Being featured on “The Ed Sullivan Show” was a golden ticket to success. The show premiered 75 years ago on June 20, 1948, and captivated viewers for over two decades. Otis Williams, a member of The Temptations, recalls eagerly watching the show every Sunday at eight o’clock, noting it as a glorious event. The Temptations themselves appeared on the show six times and witnessed the impact it had on their record sales and tour bookings.
“The Ed Sullivan Show” was not solely dedicated to music but had something for everyone. It was a variety show, showcasing comedians, ballet dancers, Broadway performances, plate spinners, athletes, Muppets, and even an adorable puppet named Topo Gigio, who appeared over 50 times. Ed Sullivan himself was a surprising TV star, initially a newspaper columnist who possessed a keen eye for talent, earning the trust of the public and becoming a powerful figure.
However, not everything was smooth sailing for Sullivan. He faced unwanted attention from sponsors in the South who complained about having too many Black acts on the show. Despite the pressure, Sullivan stood his ground and continued booking talented artists regardless of their race, including The Temptations, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. His goal was simple: to showcase the best talent the world had to offer and break the color barrier.
It comes as no surprise that “The Ed Sullivan Show” was the platform where The Beatles made their monumental live U.S. TV debut. Debbie Gendler, who was in the audience that night in 1964, recalls the overwhelming atmosphere of screaming fans. Despite the chaos, she was simply grateful to be in the same room as The Beatles. Ed Sullivan, determined to maintain control, tried to quiet the crowd, but his efforts were in vain.
As the ’60s came to an end, TV viewing habits changed, and “The Ed Sullivan Show” was canceled in 1971. The cancellation deeply affected Sullivan, who had dedicated his life to the show. He passed away three years later, leaving behind a rich archive of more than a thousand hours of shows. Andrew Solt purchased the archive in 1990 and, along with his son, Josh Solt, has worked to preserve and share the legacy of “The Ed Sullivan Show” through DVDs, social media, and streaming. They aim to ensure that future generations can witness the immense talent that graced the stage.
While Ed Sullivan’s name may now be synonymous with a theater in New York City, the Solts view “The Ed Sullivan Show” as a treasure trove that continues to bring joy. They believe there are still hidden gems to be discovered within the archive, and their mission is to share this joy with audiences for years to come. The legacy of “The Ed Sullivan Show” lives on, and the Solts are committed to preserving its magic.
In conclusion, “The Ed Sullivan Show” was an iconic platform that launched careers and captivated audiences for over two decades. Ed Sullivan’s keen eye for talent and dedication to showcasing the best artists made him a kingmaker in the entertainment industry. The show’s diverse range of performers and unforgettable moments continue to resonate with viewers, and the preservation efforts of the Solts ensure that this iconic legacy will live on for generations to come.
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