Ed Sullivan Couldn’t Stand This Singer, He Made It Obvious

Ed Sullivan, an iconic figure in American television history, was the host of The Ed Sullivan Show a groundbreaking variety show that aired from 1948 to 1971. Throughout its run, Sullivan became known for showcasing a diverse range of performers and guests, from musicians to comedians, actors, and more. However, like any show host, Sullivan had his preferences and individuals he did not particularly favor, leading to a few notable bans and strained relationships with certain guests.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Elvis Presley
01:46 - Buddy Holly
03:20 - The Doors
05:12 - Bo Diddley
06:20 - Bob Dylan
07:31 - Sam Cooke
08:11 - Outro

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According to an article from The Vintage News titled "The Ed Sullivan Show: The Banned Celebrities," there were a handful of celebrities who were not welcomed on Sullivan's show. One such individual was Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, who faced resistance from Sullivan due to his perceived rebellious image and the controversy surrounding his provocative performances. Sullivan eventually invited Presley on his show, leading to one of the most iconic appearances in television history.

Another guest who faced Sullivan's reluctance was Buddy Holly, an influential rock and roll musician. Sullivan had reservations about Holly's band's unconventional appearance, but Holly's undeniable talent and rising popularity ultimately led to him being featured on the show.

Despite these instances of hesitancy and bans, it's important to recognize that Ed Sullivan was known for promoting and showcasing a diverse array of talent, particularly during a time when racial and cultural prejudices were prevalent. He provided a platform for many African-American and international acts, breaking down barriers and contributing to the integration of popular culture.

While Ed Sullivan did have reservations and bans on certain guests, his show played a significant role in shaping the landscape of American entertainment by featuring a wide spectrum of performers and breaking down racial and cultural barriers during a crucial period in history.
FactsVerse presents: Ed Sullivan Couldn’t Stand This Singer, He Made it Obvious

Ed Sullivan Couldn’t Stand This Singer, He Made It Obvious

[royscott]

Showing Gary Busey (playing Buddy) instead of the real Buddy Holly is misleading and confusing to younger people who don’t really know Buddy Holly. Come on, that’s just lazy.

[christopherblack]

We always visited my Grandparents on Sundays. I would always watch a Chuck Connors western series but this particular Sunday my Mom and Dad and Grandparents came in from dinner and said there was a musical group that was causing a lot of fuss and they were going to be on the on the Ed Sullivan show so they wanted to see what the fuss was about. So we switched channels and they made it through about half a song and told me I could switch back to my Western. They left the room but the channel never changed. I couldn't believe what I just had seen and heard. The Beatles had just altered my life forever and the better. I was mesmerized!

[tonyvincent]

Why is there a picture of Ann Margaret standing next to Ed instead of one of the guys with whom Sullivan clashed?

[Slipmahoney]

Ed Sullivan stood next to Elvis and said what truly fine and respectful young man he was….it was honest praise!! It’s on you tube, see for yourself.

[pokethebear]

The Ed Sullivan Show was not a late-night program. It was in prime time.

[MHFROX]

At 10 yrs old I had just gotten my first guitar for my birthday. On a Sunday night, the Rolling Stones were on the Sullivan show. When my dad saw them, he told me if that was the kind of music I wanted to play, he'd make firewood out of my new guitar. So, I answered correctly..."Oh no sir! I don't wanna play THAT stuff!" Some 50+ yrs later, I still play and think of dear old Dad (rest his soul) any time I play 'Stones'! (My mom always said the Beach Boys were the group she disliked the least...and rest her soul, as well.)

[davidrudolph]

Funny story I'd like to share. My grandmother was watching the Ed Sullivan show one evening and he presented his slate of acts that included some animals. Well, my grandmother couldn't wait to see a nice animal show on Ed Sullivan! Finally, the moment arrived and behold, the animals appeared---but not quite the kind of animals my grandmother expected. Yes, it was a great performance and an outstanding act---all compliments of Eric Burdon and The Animals! True story. My siblings and I laugh about it to this very day! Talk about generation gaps...😄

[stephenguppy]

It doesn't matter if Sullivan liked his acts or not. He knew what made a good show and that is all that is important here.

[vickyabramowitz]

As a teen, it amazed me that a totally square guy with an awkward personality like Ed Sullivan could book the coolest singers and musicians on his variety show.

[rickeuler]

Sullivan was shrewd and perceptive enough to not allow his personal prejudices to get in the way of good ratings. Thus, he not only booked the rock musicians but occasionally (as was almost the case with Bob Dylan) allowed the performance of controversial songs. I remember Creedence Clearwater Revival performing the draft protest song "Fortunate Son" on Sullivan's show.

[bonnitaclaus]

Ed Sullivan’s show was a must every week. As closest can be, the entire family would watch. When I said is closest gonna be, at least one of my parents watch, at least part of it. Both were extremely busy and had a little spare time, but they made an effort to catch some of it Sullivan. At my grandmothers house everything stopped to watch Ed Sullivan. I guess you could say I saw them all, but I do not remember them all.

[alanosterman]

Remember the plate spinners, the guy on the 10 foot unicycle, the guy doing shadow images with his hands, comics like Jackie Vernon, Alan King and Myron Cohen, Topo Gigio the little mouse, Lamb Chop... and the list goes on and on ?

[parakeet]

The Ed Sullivan Show was on during prime time. He was known to have musical acts from all genres for his audience. In order to remain current, he had to book these different acts.

[truthorconsequences]

I was 9 years old when I watched the live performance of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I knew my parents were wrong when they said the Beatles would just be a flash in the pan!!! 🍳 📸 😅😊

[heronimousbrapson]

I've often felt that it was strange that Ed Sullivan was associated with the entertainment industry at all. He always had the demeanor of an accountant or a high school science teacher.

[pilotusa]

What I do remember about the Ed Sullivan Show was that it was NOT, as you stated at the opening of the video, a "late night" show. It was "prime time" for the entirety of its run and, if I recall correctly, it was every Sunday evening at 8 pm.

[terereynolds]

Every Sunday night my 3 younger brothers and I would sit in the living room with our popcorn, soda and our grandparents and watched Ed Sullivan, I sure miss those days. There were only 2 songs by The Doors that I actually liked, People are strange and Riders on the Storm. My grandpa used to say, if you make it on Ed Sullivan's show, you know you've hit the big time.

[ozrob]

Let's be honest...Sullivan needed these guests for ratings just as much as they needed him for career advancement.

[robbpowell]

Considering he 'hated' Elvis, he sure had him back a lot, and gave him a solid endorsement

[thinman]

Ed Sullivan was a family watch show. Lots of different kinds of acts -- musicians, magicians, dancers, you name it. Why he was the arbiter of success back in the day is unfathomable. Ed Sullivan had the personality of a toll booth operator.