How do you start a post writing about one of the most iconic shows of all time?  I battered my brain for a while trying very hard to put into words the sheer greatness that was The Ed Sullivan Show.

Ed Sullivan was an entertainment columnist who signed on to host the show Toast of the Town in 1948, but everyone referred to it as The Ed Sullivan Show.  The show’s name changed in 1955 and the show ran every Sunday night on CBS at 8pm EST until 1971.  It was one of the few shows in the entertainment business to run for more than two decades on the same network .

The Ed Sullivan Show featured a vaudeville style of programming, including performers from opera, musical theatre, comedians, classical soloists, ballet dancers, popular musical performers, and dramatic actors performing monologues.  The show was considered family entertainment and was a staple in many households on Sunday evenings.  Because of this family stigma, Mr.

Sullivan was cautious to place certain performers on his stage.  Elvis Presley had many critics about his suggestive movements (for that time period) and Mr. Sullivan swore never to put him in front of his audience.  It wasn’t until after he actually saw Elvis on Steve Allen’s show that he decided to bring him up on stage.

Mr. Sullivan was an intense supporter of African-American performers in a time where many weren’t showcased.  He faced a lot of criticism for that decision, but held steadfast.  Performers such as The Jackson 5, Dinah Washington, Stevie Wonder, Della Reese, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Bill Cosby, and The Four Tops graced the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theatre (which was named such on the 20th anniversary of the show in 1968).  Mr. Sullivan went so far as to feature The Supremes 17 times on his program.

The Ed Sullivan Show was pivotal in the progression of American tastes of music.  After Mr. Sullivan saw how the fans reacted to The Beatles in London and called their manager, Brian Epstein, to offer top dollar for them to perform on his show.  Instead, Brian offered for them to be paid bottom dollar, but be featured for three programs, receive top billing, and perform twice a show.  Mr. Sullivan agreed, The Beatles came aboard and it’s been said that these performances were what lead to the British Invasion in the American music scene.

There was a steady decline in ratings as television changed with the times.  By the end of its career, The Ed Sullivan Show had acquired a much older audience than the promoters liked.  The show ended its long run in 1971 and Ed Sullivan died three years later.

While the show had its conflicting moments, its role was key in the development of American entertainment.  I only wish I could have been around to see the history The Ed Sullivan Show made in its time.