SOFA Entertainment | Ed Sullivan Show Affiliate Sales Program SOFA Entertainment In 1990, Andrew Solt formed SOFA Entertainment, Inc. and purchased The Ed Sullivan Show, which had originally been broadcast on the CBS Network from 1948 to 1971. Considered the greatest variety show in primetime television history, SOFA Entertainment re-introduced The Ed Sullivan Show to the American public starting in 1991. The Ed Sullivan Show (which was originally called “Toast of the Town” when it began) is considered one of the most eclectic and storied archives of 1950’s and 1960’s American television. The Ed Sullivan Show remains as vibrant today with the show being honored with its own stamp and a growing presence on the internet. Every night millions of people are reminded of The Ed Sullivan Show when they watch The David Letterman Show broadcast from The Ed Sullivan Theater . Many unforgettable moments took place on Sullivan’s stage including the three historic appearances of Elvis Presley in 1956-57 and The Beatles’s U.S. television debut in February 1964.

The Sunday night showcase also benefits from the fact the musical performances on the show were almost always performed live — whether they were pop, rock, jazz, Broadway, opera, classical, etc. The library also includes great comedians, novelty acts, children’s favorites and appearances by film and theater stars as well as top names from the worlds of sports and politics. Ed Sullivan’s aim was to produce and host a show for the entire family and for 23 years Americans gathered around the television sets on Sunday nights at 8 pm.to enjoy the entertainment Ed chose to offer them. Sullivan became a much beloved TV personality who the public related to for his everyman qualities and his down to earth style. Over time, Ed became a key arbiter of American taste and popular culture. SOFA Entertainment is the copyright holder of over 1,000 hours of original Ed Sullivan programs as well as approximately 100 hours of “new” programming created in the form of television specials, home-video programs and cable shows for networks such as CBS, Vh-1, TV Land and PBS. New programming is constantly being created for distribution on DVDs as well as on this website.

The show is featured on CBS.com, TV.com and Hulu.com and The Ed Sullivan Channel on YouTube . We are currently in the process of adding 2,000 audio clips as well as 500 video clips for downloading on iTunes. For licensing Ed Sullivan Show material for biographies, documentaries or commercials contact Mary Sherwood at mary.sherwood@sofaent.com or (310) 276-9522. The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series 1948–1971) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error Toast of the Town (original title) TV-G | The classic prime time variety show most famous for its vaudeville acts and rock music performances.

Stars: a list of 24 titles created 27 Nov 2010 a list of 893 titles created 12 Jan 2013 a list of 27 titles created 28 Jun 2014 a list of 31 titles created 11 months ago a list of 33 titles created 10 months ago Title: The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–1971) 7.8/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 5 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards » Videos Dean Martin hosts with several different celebrities that have several sketches of improv that breaks down comedy, race, and sex all at of the same time. Stars: Dean Martin, Sandahl Bergman, Dom DeLuise The Smothers Brothers host a comedy variety that would become notorious for its topical satirical humor. Stars: Tom Smothers, Dick Smothers, Pat Paulsen The original rapid fire sketch comedy show.

Stars: Dan Rowan, Dick Martin, Ruth Buzzi One of the many variety shows available in the 1970s (along with Sonny and Cher, Captain and Tennille, Donny and Marie, etc). Hosted by black comic Flip Wilson, this show featured skits, ... See full summary » Stars: Flip Wilson, Tim Conway, George Carlin The misadventures of a nun who can fly and her convent and neighbours. Stars: Sally Field, Marge Redmond, Madeleine Sherwood The misadventures of a misfit PT Boat crew during World War II. Stars: Ernest Borgnine, Joe Flynn, Tim Conway An anthology comedy series featuring a line up of different celebrity guest stars appearing in anywhere from one, two, three, and four short stories or vignettes within an hour about versions of love and romance. Stars: Stuart Margolin, Barbara Minkus, William Callaway Ann Marie is a struggling actress living in New York City. In between trying to find jobs acting and modeling she has time for her boyfriend, Don Hollinger, and her dad, Lew Marie.

Stars: Marlo Thomas, Ted Bessell, Lew Parker The wacky misadventures of a forever scheming woman, her reluctant best friend and her cantankerous boss. Stars: Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon, Vivian Vance The misadventures of the family staff of The Shady Rest Hotel and their neighbors of Hooterville. Stars: Edgar Buchanan, Linda Henning, Bea Benaderet The misadventures of a struggling rock band. Stars: Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork Long-running weekly show that spotlighted legendary comedian and beloved TV clown, Red Skelton. Each show featured comedy skits, gags and vignettes starring Skelton and guest performers. Stars: Red Skelton, David Rose and His Orchestra, Art Gilmore Edit Storyline Ed Sullivan's show was straight out of old vaudeville; brief acts of every description, from slapstick comedy to operatic arias. At least once, he showed a film, the only known film of Anna Pavlova (doing her Swan Dance). The Muppets' first TV appearance was on Ed Sullivan.

Stiff and expressionless, with a peculiar voice and a talent for mispronunciation, Sullivan was at least as recognizable as Cronkite to early 60's viewers. Written by Molly Malloy <mailcall@intersource.com> 20 June 1948 (USA) See more » Also Known As: The Ed Sullivan Show See more » Filming Locations: Did You Know? Trivia [Bob Hope has walked in on Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby singing' Road to Morocco'] Bing: What's the problem? Bob : [pointing at Frank] You're singing our song with him. Frank : I said I was sorry. Bob : After all, Dean wouldn't do this to Jerry. Bing: Bob, I'll tell you what happened. I didn't know you were in town. I heard, or I figured at least, that you'd gone for a ride on the Russian moon. Frank : [indicating Bob] Ladies and Gentlemen, here's the first man to entertain the troops in Outer Space. Perhaps the most important variety show of the 1950s and 1960s.

14 December 2004 | by TxMike (Houston, Tx, USA, Earth) – See all my reviews It was officially called "Toast of the Town", but to most of us it was simply "The Ed Sullivan Show." If I recall correctly, it came on Sunday nights, in glorious black and white. We always looked forward to seeing his show. Sullivan himself was not much to look at, in fact it is safe to say most would consider him 'funny looking.' Nor did he have a particularly good speaking voice. One of his catch phrases, 'we're going to have a really big show' came out 'a really big shoe.' That's the way he pronounced words. But regardless of his personal lack of charisma, Ed Sullivan knew how to bring in the big stars. One of them was Elvis Presley before he became wildly popular. In fact, being on the Ed Sullivan show was perhaps the biggest springboard to his success. But there was a problem with Elvis, his hips moved just too much, were considered far too suggestive for this family program, so the TV cameras showed Elvis only above the waist.

Ed Sullivan also got the Beatles in the early 1960s, when they were still relatively unknown in the USA. I don't know if he was the first, but his show certainly went a long way towards introducing America to this group from England. And the rest, as they say, is 'history'!! 2 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes Ed Sullivan Show, The (AKA Toast of the Town) DVD news: Watch Elvis' Introduction To The World In This Special DVD From The Ed Sullivan Show ! | TVShowsOnDVD.com Ed Sullivan Show, The (AKA Toast of the Town) - Watch Elvis' Introduction To The World In This Special DVD From The Ed Sullivan Show ! Posted by David Lambert 7/31/2006 The Ed Sullivan Show (originally called "The Toast of the Town" for the first seven seasons, before the name change for the rest of its 23 years on the air) is a legendary program in the annals of television history. One of the landmark events during the course of the show was the introduction of Elvis Presley, the future King of Rock And Roll.

The Encyclopedia of Television, published by the Museum of Broadcast Communications, talks about that event: ...Sullivan's deal with Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, created national headlines. The sexual energy of Presley's first appearance on 9 September 1956 jolted the staid, Eisenhower conformism of Sullivan's audience. By his third and final appearance, Elvis was shot only from the waist up, but Sullivan learned how to capture a new audience for his show... Image Entertainment will bring you all three of those performances on the November 21st release of The Ed Sullivan Show - Elvis Presley. This will cost $29.99 SRP, and besides all 3 episodes featuring Elvis Presley, there will be a number of Elvis extras as well! A rare home movie capturing a very early Elvis performance, shot on April 24, 1955, at Magnolia Gardens near Houston, Texas Elvis and Ed remembered Elvis is on his way!

Ed Sullivan Show clips Special Elvis moments, including appearances by Colonel Tom Parker Home movies of Elvis and Priscilla, Elvis and his friends cutting up on a film set and some of the first shots of daughter Lisa Marie Here is the cover art for what is sure to be a very popular release, followed by Image Entertainment's description of the release, with all the details of Elvis' performances on each of his three appearances: Pin It Share the excitement of Elvis Presley's earthshattering introduction to the nation in these three unforgettable episodes from The Ed Sullivan Show, now on DVD for the first time ever, and experience for yourself why Elvis became the legendary King of Rock and Roll! Appearing on the show Sept. 9, 1956, Elvis sent shock waves through a repressed nation with his soulful singing, wild hip gyrations and raw energy, attracting a record-breaking TV audience of more than 60 million people. Presley returned on Oct.

28, 1956, continuing to provoke ecstatic screams with hits such as "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" and "Hound Dog." In fact, these exhilarating performances were so explosive that Elvis was filmed above the waist during his final Sullivan show appearance on January 6, 1957. 5 things to know about Beatlemania - CNN.com 5 things to know about Beatlemania By Todd Leopold, CNN Updated 3:43 PM ET, Mon August 25, 2014 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – The Beatles arrived in the United States 50 years ago and embarked on a history-making path of pop culture dominance. Check out coverage of "The Sixties: The British Invasion," a look at how the Fab Four's influence persists. Click through the gallery for more images of the Beatles' first American tour.

Hide Caption 1 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – The Beatles arrive in New York on February 7, 1964. The band from Liverpool, England, already had the No. 1 U.S. single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," but its U.S. visit confirmed that "Beatlemania" had made its way across the pond. Hide Caption 2 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – The band waves to cameras at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Hide Caption 3 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – Beatles fans are restrained by police at the airport. Hide Caption 4 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – Three of The Beatles -- from left, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and John Lennon -- wave from a horse-drawn carriage in New York's Central Park on February 8, 1964. George Harrison was off resting a sore throat.

Hide Caption 5 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – Television host Ed Sullivan, center, stands with The Beatles on February 9, 1964, during a rehearsal for the band's appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." The iconic television appearance remains one of the highest-rated nonsports programs of all time. Nielsen estimated that 45% of the country watched the show -- more than 73 million people then. Hide Caption 6 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – A car belonging to The Beatles is besieged by fans in New York on February 10, 1964. Hide Caption 7 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – The Beatles have their pictures taken as they sit on a train taking them from New York to Washington on February 11, 1964.

Hide Caption 8 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – The Beatles perform on stage at the Washington Coliseum on February 11, 1964. It was their first U.S. concert. Hide Caption 9 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – Fans run to catch a glimpse of The Beatles while the band was in New York. Hide Caption 10 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – Fans cheer for The Beatles and hold signs of encouragement during the band's concert at Carnegie Hall on February 12, 1964, in New York. Hide Caption 11 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – From left, McCartney, Lennon and Harrison share a microphone as they sing a song at Carnegie Hall. Hide Caption 12 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – Ecstatic fans await The Beatles outside the Plaza Hotel, where the band was staying in New York during its tour.

Hide Caption 13 of 15 Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – Lines form down the street from the Deauville Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, as fans wait to see The Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on February 16, 1964. It was a week after the band's first appearance on the show. Hide Caption Photos: America falls in love with the Beatles America falls in love with the Beatles – The Beatles enjoy Miami Beach. Hide Caption Photos: Beatlemania 50 years on Photos: Beatlemania 50 years on 50 years on, the effects of 'Beatlemania' – Rita Stamp was one of many young people around the world who were caught up in "Beatlemania" when the famous band first visited the United States in February 1964. Stamp, now 67, will never forget finding this photo of the Beatles (complete with facsimile autograph by George Harrison) in a pack of bubble gum.

"This photo is my earliest memory of the Beatles because, at least, I was able to see what they looked like and that gave me the ability to connect with their music." Hide Caption Throwback Thursday: ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ | Daily Bruin Throwback Thursday: ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ It was the 1950s; a newer phenomenon called rock ‘n’ roll was sweeping the country, and television was starting to take its throne. It was inevitable: Video did indeed kill the radio star, and one show drove the dagger. Originally titled “Toast of the Town,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” hosted by entertainment journalist Ed Sullivan, started off as a big-budget variety show, showcasing acts across the spectrum from music stars to opera singers and acrobats. And every Sunday for almost 23 years, it was what its original title promised: a lavish, Hollywood-at-its-height star-maker that turned up-and-comers into household names on the grandest stage on television. It’s hard to imagine the influence “The Ed Sullivan Show” wielded in mid-century America. Today, the television variety show is dead, gone the way of disco balls and jukeboxes.

But for millions of Americans, Sunday night was their window into the art world, both fine and popular. For about an hour, they were right there among screaming teenagers in front of the newest, shaggy-haired British sensation one moment, and enjoying an intimate opera the next. The variety show was their primitive YouTube. And at the heart of it all was the late Ed Sullivan, who passed away 40 years ago on Oct. 13. Standing stiff and hulking, Sullivan was hardly what you’d expect of a man who ruled television for a quarter century. He lacked the wit and grace of a typical host and was visibly uncomfortable in front of his guests. But there was an earnest enthusiasm around him: one that loved being the one to handpick and showcase talent to his country. Despite harsh criticism from all angles, each mispronounced name, each awkward misstep became his trademark as he won over the public’s affection. It was hardly perfect: Sullivan was known for his short temper and editorial rigor, which he unleashed upon younger artists whom he felt didn’t fit in with the values he stood for. But today, the show still remains a heavily screened, but potent window into some of the iconic moments in entertainment history.

—– The Beatles Perhaps the most iconic performance happened on Feb. 9, 1964 – one of the 80 days that changed the world , according to TIME magazine. Dressed in matching suits and mop-tops, a young British quartet known as The Beatles made their first national television appearance in front of 73 million people, still one of the largest viewing audiences in American television. Opening with “All My Loving” and “Till There Was You,” The Beatles took the stage immediately after Sullivan’s intro to a frenzied crowd. The stage was perfect for the young Liverpool band: John Lennon took the lead, pleading the audience to hold his hand with smooth, restrained vocals, as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison smiled and charmed their way through the performance. That night, The Beatles didn’t just put out their music, they put out an image: a group of heartthrobs that would grow and develop into more complex, experimental artists and shape the ’60s as we remember it. The Beatles performed two more times on the show, as their hit single “I Want to Hold Your Hand” rose to top the charts, and the British Invasion was underway.

Despite, or perhaps due to the wild frenzy they generated in the crowd, the Beatles won over Mr. Sullivan himself. “Their conduct not only as fine professional singers, but as a group of fine youngsters will leave an imprint on everyone over here who’s met them, and that goes for all of us on our show,” Sullivan said on their final performance. —- The Doors This time, the year was 1967, and a new Los Angeles band called The Doors was picking up steam with a brand of bluesy, psychedelic rock and the new hit single “Light My Fire.” Led by poet-vocalist and alumnus Jim Morrison, the band was already a few steps off the norm, heavily focusing on a darker side with moody lyrics and heavy instrumentation removed from traditional rock ‘n’ roll. Sullivan and his network were particularly excited about this band; unbeknownst to the group, Sullivan had planned to have them on the show six more times, a monumental opportunity for a rising band. But the network put one stipulation: Instead of the original lyric “Girl we couldn’t get much higher,” Morrison had to replace the word “higher” for its association with drug use.

Against an intricate background of layered, colored doors, the band stepped onstage, somber and intensely focused on their music, detached from all else. Caressing the mic in his hands, Morrison crooned the song exactly as written, choosing to keep the original line, sealing the performance as their final appearance on the show. Beyond just the shock value, the performance remains a classic sampling of The Doors. Keyboardist Ray Manzarek’s skills are on full display, as Morrison weaves together the heavy instrumentation with deeply resonant, haunting vocals. Despite Sullivan’s fury, The Doors managed to broadcast an image: one, unlike The Beatles, of rebellion, crafted from breaking free of the confines and censorship television had placed upon them. —- And for about 23 years, Sullivan and his show ruled television and changed it forever. Whereas the ’50s and ’60s brought a wave of social change that stormed youth and popular culture, “The Ed Sullivan Show” allowed the rest of the country to catch up. Young punk rockers and sex symbols were finally given space, but they had to share it with traditional stars on their decline and vaudeville acts.

The show was in many ways America’s mirror: reflecting not only the conservative traditionalists or the new-era progressives, but rather the millions of Americans who lay somewhere in the middle, trying to figure it all out. – Aalhad Patankar • Child Care Wanted Special offer 10% off for UCLA students from Serenity Nail Lounge, a luxury salon for hands and feet. Visit Serenity Nail Lounge located at 12209 Wilshire Blvd, LA, 90025. • Campus Happenings Room for rent with private bath. In quiet West LA neighborhood. At reduced rate of $400/month. In exchange for experienced caregiving for an elderly woman. Nursing student or physical therapist student preferred. Please call Bianca: 310-387-8281 • Room for Help Basketball / Monday, Thursday, all ages and skills. Click link for more info: • Recreational Activities Boutique bicoastal tutoring agency is SEEKING TUTORS for students in grades 6-12 in ALL SUBJECTS AND SATs!

Email [email protected] The Ed Sullivan Show airs for the very last time - Jun 06, 1971 - HISTORY.com The Ed Sullivan Show airs for the very last time Share this: The Ed Sullivan Show airs for the very last time Author The Ed Sullivan Show airs for the very last time URL Publisher A+E Networks Sunday nights, 8:00 pm, CBS. Ask almost any American born in the 1950s or earlier what television program ran in that timeslot on that network, and they’ll probably know the answer: The Ed Sullivan Show. For more than two decades, Sullivan’s variety show was the premiere television showcase for entertainers of all stripes, including borscht-belt comedians, plate-spinning vaudeville throwbacks and, most significantly, some of the biggest and most current names in rock and roll. Twenty-three years after its 1948 premiere, The Ed Sullivan Show had its final broadcast on this day in 1971.

In its first eight years of existence, there was no such thing as rock and roll to be featured on the program originally called Toast of the Town, yet even its first broadcast made music history when Broadway composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II gave the world its first taste of the score from their upcoming musical, South Pacific. Over the years, live performances of new and current Broadway shows were featured regularly on Ed Sullivan, including Julie Andrews singing “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” from My Fair Lady and Richard Burton singing “What Do The Simple Folk Do?” from Camelot. Classical and opera performers also made frequent appearances, but of course The Ed Sullivan Show is now remembered most for providing so many iconic moments in the history of televised rock and roll. Elvis Presley’s first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, in September 1956, was actually one of his most restrained and least thrilling. It was notable, however, given Ed Sullivan’s assertion earlier that year that he’d never allow “The King” on his show. By the time the Beatles rolled around, Sullivan was far more comfortable with the hysteria young Elvis had caused.

In fact, it was Ed Sullivan personally witnessing Beatlemania up close at London’s Heathrow airport in 1963 that led the Beatles being booked for their historic February 1964 American television debut. Through the rest of the 60s, The Ed Sullivan Show continued to host the day’s biggest rock acts: The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Doors, The Mamas and the Papas, Janis Joplin and more. Gladys Knight and the Pips were the musical guests on the final episode of The Ed Sullivan Show, which was cancelled shortly after its rerun broadcast on this day in 1971. Related Videos History of the Ed Sullivan Show | Ed Sullivan Show Show History HISTORY OF THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW The Ed Sullivan Show aired from 1948 until 1971 and changed the landscape of American television. Sullivan’s stage was home to iconic performances by groundbreaking artists from rock ‘n’ roll, comedy, novelty, pop music, politics, sports, opera and more.

There were historic rock ‘n’ roll performances by The Beatles , Elvis Presley , Rolling Stones and The Doors; sensational Motown acts by The Jackson 5 , Supremes and Temptations; hilarious stand-up comedy acts by Richard Pryor, Rodney Dangerfield , George Carlin and Carol Burnett; unforgettable Broadway performances by the stars of musicals like My Fair Lady and West Side Story. This list of who stepped on The Ed Sullivan Show stage goes on and on. You might be wondering — how did The Ed Sullivan Show become the home to the top talent and historical performances of its era? Often, talk show hosts are charming and competent on camera, yet maybe not the most business-savvy off-screen. Ed Sullivan was just the opposite—pasty in the bright lights, shifty in his stance, and notorious for bungling introductions and monologues. Ironically, that high discomfort factor helped develop the cult of Ed. There was just something novel about an awkward host, and like a fender bender on the side of the highway, people just couldn’t avert their gaze. Off camera, Sullivan was a brilliant tracker and arranger of talent.

A variety show always has variety, but nothing was as eclectic as the mish-mash that Sullivan put together, from puppet shows to opera, the show had it all. There were countless acts and performers who made their debuts—or their most famous TV outings—on his show. Ed Sullivan had his finger right on the pulse of what was hot and intriguing in the way of talent, even if he himself didn’t have a discernable pulse onstage. Ed knew how to book ‘em better than anyone. In 1948, CBS hired Sullivan to host its first variety show endeavor, a new format that combined vaudeville with television and was nicknamed “vaudeo.” The show was called The Toast of the Town. For his inaugural program, Sullivan assembled Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Rodgers and Hammerstein, a pianist, a ballerina, a troupe of crooning firemen and a boxing referee whose next gig was the Joe Louis-Jersey Joe Wolcott match. If you wanted to see the phrase ‘something for everyone’ incarnate, there it was. The critics were rough on Sullivan—they lambasted him for his wooden hosting style and the scattershot tone of his guest menageries. But the show did well anyway.

In 1955, its name changed to The Ed Sullivan Show, and the following year, it broke all of TV’s single night ratings counts when a young Elvis Presley swiveled that famous pelvis on Sullivan’s stage. June Taylor provided her six dancing “Toastettes,” Ray Bloch led his orchestra, and Sullivan was a Sunday night institution soon enough. Producer Marlo Lewis decided during rehearsals how long each act would last, what order the acts would appear in, and what, out of each performer’s cache of material, should be performed. A sampling of the people who made their American TV debuts on Sullivan’s show includes: Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Martin and Lewis, Dinah Shore, Albert Schweitzer, Irving Berlin, Fred Astaire and Jane Powell, Eddie Fisher, and most famously, The Beatles. Most Americans got their first exposure to The Beatles from the historic Ed Sullivan Show broadcast on February 9, 1964. That episode remains one of the most highly watched single shows in TV history. Following which, the “Beatlemania” phenomenon commenced, and the floodgates for other British bands coming to America were opened.

Since hip, cutting-edge musical acts were clearly treating him right, Sullivan responded by booking The Rolling Stones , The Doors, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan, though Dylan jumped ship when the network wouldn’t let him sing “Talkin’ John Birch Society Blues,” a song about an over-zealous Communist seeker. Not that this was Sullivan’s only problem with emerging rockers: The Stones were banned (temporarily, it turned out) after their rowdy first appearance, and the show’s director asked The Doors to leave out the line “girl we couldn’t get much higher” from “Light My Fire” (they agreed, sang it anyway, and likewise got banned). Sullivan’s celebrity guests sat in the audience, not backstage in a fancily-catered green room, and sometimes when the acts were introduced, they came right from the audience to the stage. Once in a while, with no prior planning, he’d invite them back up for additional performance. His interplay with mechanical Italian mouse Topo Gigio , and Señor Wences and his talking box (“S-all right?

S-all right!”) showed a soft side on camera, but once again, since the man was a dichotomy, don’t ever think he was all softie. The Ed Sullivan Show was the quintessential variety show. Whether it was Broadway for the parents, rock ‘n’ roll for the teenagers or Topo Gigio for the kids, the show had something for everyone. From 1948 to 1971, The Ed Sullivan Show was special in that it brought people and families together every Sunday evening. The Ed Sullivan Show was the longest-running variety show in TV history, and an undisputed institution. Towards the end of that long run, with the country divided by Vietnam and shifting value systems, Sullivan’s catchall format didn’t cross the demographic lines like it used to. Time slot rivals The Walt Disney Show and The F.B.I. were gaining momentum, and CBS, eager for youth-oriented programming and fearful that Sullivan was a vestige of older generations, canceled the show. No matter. Guts and diversity like that, which goes for the show and the man, tend to stick around in a person’s (and a country’s) consciousness.

Elvis Gyrates on Ed Sullivan's Show in 1956 By Jennifer Rosenberg Updated March 31, 2016. Experienced showmen such as Ed Sullivan weren't sure the world was ready for such wild moves as the slick Elvis Presley was offering, but when Elvis proved too popular not to book, Sullivan scheduled him. Elvis made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on September 9, 1956. Getting Booked Elvis Presley had already appeared on other national television shows (such as on Stage Show, The Milton Berle Show, and on the popular The Steve Allen Show ) when Ed Sullivan booked Elvis for three shows. Elvis' pelvic gyrations during his appearances on these other shows had caused much discussion and concern about the suitability of airing such provocative and sensual movements on television. Although at first Ed Sullivan said he would never want Elvis on his show, Sullivan changed his mind when The Steve Allen Show with Elvis as a guest had about twice as many viewers as Sullivan's show that night (they were competing for the same audience since they were in the same time slot).

continue reading below our video Test Your General Science Knowledge After negotiating with Elvis' manager, Ed Sullivan paid Elvis the huge sum of $50,000 for appearing on three of his shows: September 9, 1956, October 28, 1956, and then on January 6, 1957. Sullivan Didn't Host and Elvis Not Actually on Set For Elvis' first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday night at 8 p.m. on September 9, 1956, Ed Sullivan himself was not able to host since he had recently been in a very serious car accident that left him in the hospital. In his place, Oscar-winning actor Charles Laughton hosted the show. Elvis was also not on location in New York for the show since he was in Los Angeles for the filming of Love Me Tender. Laughton hosted from New York and then when it came time for Elvis' appearance, Laughton introduced him and then cut to the stage in Hollywood with Elvis. Elvis' Performance Elvis appeared on a stage with large, artistic guitars as decoration. Wearing a plaid jacket and holding his guitar, Elvis thanked Mr.

Laughton and the audience and then said, "This is probably the greatest honor that I've ever had in my life. There's not much I can say except that hope it makes you feel good and we want to thank you from the bottom of our heart." Elvis then sang, "Don't Be Cruel" with his four back-up singers (the Jordanaires) followed by "Love Me Tender," which was the not-yet-released title track from his new movie. During this second set, Elvis sang "Ready Teddy" and then ended with a portion of "Hound Dog." Throughout Elvis' entire performance, viewers could hear girls in the audience screaming - especially when Elvis did his special twitch or swung his hips or swiveled his legs. Elvis appeared to enjoy himself, frequently smiling or even laughing, which made him seem friendly, sweet, and hunky - depending on who was watching. Censored During Elvis' first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the cameras stayed mostly from the waist up during the first half of Elvis' appearance, but during the second time he appeared that night, the camera widened out and the TV audience was able to see Elvis' gyrations.

While many have felt that Elvis was censored by only showing him from the waist up on The Ed Sullivan Show, that really only happened during Elvis' third appearance, on January 6, 1957. For some still unknown reason (although there are a lot of rumors as to why), Sullivan allowed Elvis to only be shown from the waist up during that third and final show. It Was a Breakthrough Performance Elvis' appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was a major success. Over 60 million people, both young and old, watched the show and many people believe it helped bridge the generation gap for Elvis' acceptance into the mainstream. Ed Sullivan - IMDb IMDb 27 December 2016 11:44 PM, UTC NEWS Producer | Actor | Writer The beloved graven image of TV variety from 1948 to 1971 on CBS, Ed Sullivan originally made his name as a newspaper sportswriter, radio broadcaster and theater columnist for the New York Daily News. His column focused primarily on Broadway shows and juicy items about its stars. Hired in 1932 by the CBS network as a rival of radio commentator ...

See full bio » Born: a list of 27 images created 29 Oct 2014 a list of 21 people created 12 Apr 2015 a list of 4354 people created 20 Sep 2015 a list of 5864 people created 11 months ago a list of 34 images created 4 months ago Do you have a demo reel? Add it to your IMDbPage How much of Ed Sullivan's work have you seen? User Polls Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins. See more awards » Known For 2006 Elvis: The Ed Sullivan Shows (Video documentary) (producer - archive footage) The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series) (executive producer - 20 episodes, 1959 - 1967) (producer - 3 episodes, 1955 - 1964) 1940 Ma! He's Making Eyes at Me (story "Fashions For Sale") 1940 Alice in Movieland (Short) (from an original story by) 1933 Mr.

Broadway (screenplay) / (story) Hide - The Ed Sullivan Show (1963) ... (performer: "I Love Paris") Hide 1991 The Magic of Bing Crosby (Video) (special thanks - as Dr. Sullivan) Hide 1950-1966 What's My Line? (TV Series) Himself - Mystery Guest 1966 The Beatles at Shea Stadium (TV Movie documentary) Himself 1964 Freedom Spectacular (TV Movie) Himself 1959 Disneyland '59 (TV Movie documentary) Himself 1959 General Electric Theater (TV Series) Himself 1957 This Is Your Life (TV Series documentary) Himself 1955 The $64,000 Question (TV Series) Substitute Host 1953 Person to Person (TV Series documentary) Himself - TV Show Host 1952 Olympic Fund Telethon (TV Special) Himself 1950 Texaco Star Theatre (TV Series) Himself - TV Emcee 2015 Hey Moe, Hey Dad!

(TV Series documentary) Himself 2014 A Football Life (TV Series) Himself 2014 The Sixties (TV Mini-Series documentary) Himself / Himself - Host of Toast of the Town 2014 Éternelle Jean Seberg (TV Movie documentary) Himself 2013 Morecambe & Wise: The Whole Story (TV Series documentary) Himself 2011 The Unforgettable Ernie Wise (TV Movie documentary) Himself 2009 De jaren stillekes (TV Series) Himself 2009 American Masters (TV Series documentary) Himself 2008 Pioneers of Television (TV Mini-Series documentary) Himself 2007 Hormigas blancas (TV Series) Himself 2007 Brando (TV Movie documentary) Himself 2005 Elvis by the Presleys (TV Movie documentary) Himself (uncredited) 2004 Broadway: The American Musical (TV Mini-Series documentary) Himself 2004 American Experience (TV Series documentary) Himself 2003 ESPN SportsCentury (TV Series documentary) Himself 2003 Magic and Mystery Tour (TV Mini-Series documentary) Himself 1994

-2003 Biography (TV Series documentary) Himself 2002 Life and Times (TV Series documentary) Himself 1999 ABC 2000: The Millennium (TV Movie documentary) Himself 1999 Heroes of Comedy (TV Series documentary) Himself 1996 Classic Stand-Up Comedy of Television (TV Special documentary) Himself 1995-1996 The Beatles Anthology (TV Mini-Series documentary) Himself 1995 Pioneers of Primetime (TV Movie documentary) Himself 1995 Ed Sullivan All-Star Comedy Special (TV Movie documentary) Himself 1990 Entertainment Tonight (TV Series) Himself - Episode #1.6 (1988) ...

Himself (Interview Sketch) 1987 Presley (TV Mini-Series documentary) Himself 1984-1985 Arena (TV Series documentary) Himself 1982 The Compleat Beatles (Video documentary) Himself (uncredited) 1977 When Television Was Young (TV Movie documentary) Himself Trailer: Appeared/narrated trailer for Guys and Dolls (1955). See more » Publicity Listings: 5 Print Biographies | 10 Portrayals | 1 Magazine Cover Photo | See more » Official Sites: Did You Know? Personal Quote: I've tried every way I know to smile into a camera, but I can't do it. See more » Trivia: Although Elvis Presley made his debut on Sullivan's show on September 9, 1956, Sullivan was not actually the host that evening. Less than a week earlier, Sullivan was involved in a near-fatal auto accident that knocked out all his teeth and broke his ribs. Nonetheless, he was watching from his hospital room when guest host Charles Laughton introduced Presley in New York, followed by Presley's ...

See more » Trademark: On camera, very nervous, never made eye contact, spoke barely above a whisper. Nickname:

Question: What was the Ed Sullivan Show originally called?
Answer: Toast of the Town