The Very Best of The Ed Sullivan Show (CBS, 1991)

"For almost 25 years, CBS broadcast a show live every Sunday night that showcased the greatest talents in television history." - Carol Burnett

*Portions of this program have been edited out due to copyright claims.* This includes performances from The Beatles, Louis Armstrong, Red Skelton, James Brown, and Barbara Streisand

_All content shared on this YouTube Channel is subject to copyright law and is intended solely for educational and research purposes._

[sharondavis]

I'm 86 now and remember all this it makes me cry when i see how the country has changed & not for the better.

[terereynolds]

My 3 younger brothers and I were raised by our grandparents, every Sunday night my grandma and I would make Jiffy-Pop popcorn and we'd all gather in the living room and watch Ed Sullivan, grandpa would call out to my aunt saying the bugs are on Ed tonight, he couldn't remember the Beatles, so he called them the bugs lol, in 1964 I was 6 so I really didn't know what all the fuss about, to me they were just 4 singing. I have all the DVDs of his shows, when my grandkids are here from Oklahoma, they'll ask if we can watch some of them, it's just like when I was a little girl again, my granddaughter (she's 12) and I make popcorn and we watch Ed together, I can't describe how I feel when we're watching it together. I think Nat King Cole was the first black person to actually have his own TV show, we used to watch him. It's sad to think that without Ed Sullivan, many of these acts might not have made it at all, he was an amazing man.

[YARNBARF]

At 70 years old, I watched Ed every Sunday and saw the Beatles first live performance.
Old black and white television, and this is bringing back such great memories!!

[jaydouglas]

Oh, those were the days! The television set, a bulky box of magic, was the centerpiece of our living room, and around it, we gathered—the whole family, extended relatives, and sometimes even neighbors. It was more than just a piece of technology; it was a communal hearth where we shared moments of joy, laughter, and sometimes tears.

I remember the anticipation that built up throughout the day, the scent of a Sunday roast lingering in the air, as we all awaited the evening’s highlight: The Ed Sullivan Show. It was an unwritten rule, a sacred ritual, that no matter where you were or what you were doing, as the clock neared the showtime, you made your way home. The streets would empty, as if by some silent agreement, everyone retreated to their homes, not wanting to miss a second of the spectacle.

The show was a tapestry of the nation’s talents, a variety show like no other, where every act was a window into another world. I recall how we’d sit, eyes glued to the screen, as performers from across the globe graced the stage. Each act was a topic of conversation, a spark for debate, or a trigger for a hearty laugh. The room was alive with commentary, critiques, and applause. It was as if those on the screen could hear our cheers and feel our admiration.

At that time everyone I knew was alive. Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors. I can recall what everyone said and felt about what we were watching. It's hard to hold back the tears at how much I miss everyone that now, live only in my memory.

And oh, what memories! Each performance is etched in my mind, a mosaic of the past. I can still hear the collective gasp as a magician pulled off an impossible feat, the collective awe at a singer’s high note, and the collective chuckle at a comedian’s punchline. These were not just shows; they were shared experiences that bonded us, a common thread weaving through the fabric of our lives.

It’s a stark contrast to today’s fragmented viewing, where screens are plenty but shared moments are few. Social media, meant to connect, often feels like it divides, each of us in our own little bubble. I long for the warmth of those Sundays, the togetherness, the feeling of being part of something bigger—a community, a country, a shared dream.

We’ve gained much since those times, but at what cost? The simplicity of joy, the purity of communal laughter, the unity of shared tears—these are the treasures we seem to have misplaced along the way. As I reminisce, I can’t help but feel a twinge of loss for that golden era of television, which was, in truth, the golden era of togetherness.

[carollong]

This wonderful, trip down ED SULLIVAN MEMORY LANE, has saved my life.
I am 80 yrs.old. My SOUL THANKS EACH & EVERYONE, & EVERYTHING.
I have out lived all most everyone.

[kathleenmckeithen]

I'm 75 and watched the Ed Sullivan Show every Sunday night along with the rest of America. What stunned me in this whole review is that Richard Kiley could really sing. I have enjoyed him as an actor for many years but never knew he had a singing voice!k. Thank you for showing this great look back at greatness!

[samuelbenitez]

This was the greatest show ever with class instead of trash which sadly it is what we’ve come to today

[johnmoreland]

994 ..At 65 I seen most of these.. he broke the race barrier for a nation… granted I was just 8 years old.. sitting in front of our black n white t.v…but knew it made a change..bless you’all

[joanrhoton]

The Ed Sullivan Show was like family time at home, to sit together and enjoy watching his show. Fond memories fir me, I am 78 .😊❤

[richardpodnar]

The variety of entertainment presented was astounding. There truly was something for everybody because Ed Sullivan, in his infinite wisdom for spotting real talent and being attuned to trends, moved with changing times. His contribution is unequaled😊❤.

[Vicki]

I grew up with the Ed Sullivan show. I remember the night the Beatles came on. I miss those types of reality shows. That was entertainment. 😊

[pattih]

Most endearing show, it warmed my heart and stirred memories! Ed Sullivan always had a balanced mix of entertainment. He was an institution of television entertainment. I enjoyed going back in time! Wow, doesn’t seem as if it’s been that long, since this was a real thing; but it has, as I’m 72, and most of these performers have passed. Carol Burnett was the perfect host for this presentation, and another favorite icon! Thank you!🙏🧡✌️

[rosemaryus-ct]

what wonderful memories this brings back. black and white tv, dad in his armchair, mom on the couch, six kids crosslegged on the linoleum floor of a very tiny living room, each of us captivated with singing, dance, laughter and an endless variety of fascination. i loved watching this show. def saving this one to revisit. thank you so much.

[kingdoc]

Ed Sullivan was special. I could see that even as child, A Black child in 60s. I often thought: So many people owe a great thanks to him. How many have gone back or said over and over, Thank you Ed. For they really took off after appearing on the show. Glad to at least see this CBS Special of 1991 appreciating Ed directly from those who have. Well Done. This African American man says more needs to be done. More needs to be done by the exact spirit he put forth...
An abundance of Appreciation gestures by
African American entertainers,
White American entertainers
Chinese
British
Women
All come together ❤ united in purpose
Few people today understand the diversity importance of his show at that time of American history. I lived it. I know.

It's a Really Big Sheeeew!😅
Thank you Ed

[pattih]

Watching this, agin, brings good memories! The music, the times, and of course, Ed Sullivan! It was an “institution” across America! Thanks for the memories of my youth. Now 73, and need all the smiles I can have! God Bless everyone!
🙏🦋🙏🦋🙏

[mariarooney]

Those were the best years, times, music, ever. Thank you Ed Sullivan. ❤️

[GjpgrD]

I hope young people will watch this & learn how much they are missing with the demise of the variety show on TV. One act a week amongst the comedy of SNL doesn't cut it. This was the only place for those of us outside NYC who couldn't afford a trip to get a taste of the big Broadway shows. The latest hot bands & singers, the legendary artists, the popular comics, many genres of music, novelty acts you couldn't see outside Vegas... We really need a similar program for the modern era.

[EithneGallagher]

Dear Jay Douglass...How eloquently you expressed that period of life...I have vague memories of the Ed Sullivan Show as a small child, but no matter who I saw on different variety shows there was an intuitive sense...even as a 5 to 10 year old, that you were seeing the best of the best...true greatness ....and that it was a privilege to witness it....perhaps there are some who have forgotten the true greatness of these times...but I suspect that many are wistful...wishing they could go back to more genuine moments in life like these....you expressed it so well in your commentary!😊

[lhyork]

We didn’t realize how great we had it …❤

[Sarasdad]

Ed Sullivan is the only man who ever apologized on the air admitting his mistake by banning Jackie Mason. R.I.P. Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Mason.