It was 61 years ago today...

I was around 12 or 13 and watching with my parents and some friends of the family. Most of their reactions are along the lines of 'Maybe Ed will pay 'em enough to get haircuts!'. I liked 'em OK, but didn't really become a big fan until around 1966 when they were getting weird. 

I saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in ’64. I was about to have my 12th birthday on the 16th. Not only that, but I do remember seeing Elvis Presley on his first appearance on Ed Sullivan in 1957. Both times with my parents watching. B&W TV!

My mother commented both times! With Elvis it was about his gyrating as he sang. With the Beatles she didn't like their haircuts! My father said nothing! And seversl years later Ed Sullivan had on the Jefferson Airplane. Grace Slick wore blackface makeup as she sang Lather! Their second song was Crown of Creation.

Older brothers and many I've spoken to over the years mention 3 events-

Elvis, the Fab Four and Stones.

I can only imagine listening/seeing any of them like the rest of the world for the 1st time. 

I'm not aware of any new music events that happened in the last 4-5 decades that can compare?

Oh well, the world has Beyonce, Hip Hop and the rest. Carry on.

For a guy who appeared to be so stiff, Ed Sullivan was one hip cat.  We all owe him a big debt for inviting so many cutting edge bands onto his show.  And what a Really Big Show it was.  Thanks Ed.