The 10 Iconic Ed Sullivan Performances That Changed The Music

Before MTV and YouTube, fans had few options for catching live performances from their favorite artists, especially if they lived far from big city venues. Variety TV shows were the go-to source for such entertainment, blending comedy sketches, dramatic segments, dance, and musical acts into a vibrant spectacle.

Among these shows, The Ed Sullivan Show stood out as the ultimate platform for emerging and established stars alike. Airing from 1948 to 1971, Sullivan’s program was a launching pad for countless iconic performances that became etched in music history.

In fact, Sullivan was the stage for many groundbreaking moments, including the first rock song performed on national TV in 1955. Over the years, his show became synonymous with unforgettable musical moments that changed the landscape of popular music.

1. The Beatles, 1964

It’s no surprise they top the list. By 1964, the Beatles had taken over the UK but faced delays in the US due to a record label dispute. American fans were eager for their music, relying on bootlegged English records to satisfy their cravings.

When the Beatles finally appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964, excitement was at an all-time high. Performing in matching suits and their signature haircuts, they played hits like “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and “I Saw Her Standing There” to a record-breaking 73 million viewers.

The scene was electrifying. With one-third of America’s population tuning in, Beatlemania took hold, forever altering popular music. As Ed Sullivan put it, the excitement stirred by these four Liverpool lads was unprecedented.

2. Elvis Presley, 1956

Elvis Presley’s Ed Sullivan performance was nearly canceled. Earlier that year, Sullivan had called Elvis “unfit for family viewing” due to his provocative dance moves. But when Elvis began outshining Sullivan’s own show in the ratings, a deal was struck: $50,000 for three appearances.

Despite the hefty payment, Sullivan remained uneasy. He feared Elvis’s gyrations were too risqué for Sunday nights and demanded close-ups that avoided showing too much of the King’s infamous moves.

Even with these constraints, Elvis delivered powerful performances of “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog.” The show may have censored his dancing, but it solidified Elvis as the era’s biggest star.

3. James Brown, 1966

By 1966, James Brown was a dominant force on the R&B charts, but he was still striving for mainstream recognition. His appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was a pivotal moment for reaching a broader audience.

From the moment he hit the stage, Brown’s electrifying presence captivated viewers. Performing hits like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good),” he showcased his extraordinary energy and unique dance moves, including a moonwalk years before Michael Jackson.

The performance reached its peak with Brown’s iconic cape routine. As he collapsed in dramatic fashion, the audience was entranced, and Sullivan’s reaction captured it perfectly: “That really is excitement, isn’t it? Well, that’s an understatement if I’ve ever heard one.”

4. The Rolling Stones, 1967

When The Rolling Stones appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967, they were eager to promote their new single. Their previous performances had been a hit, so expectations were high.

However, the song “Let’s Spend the Night Together” was deemed too provocative for the mid-60s censors. In response, Sullivan requested a lyrical change to “Let’s Spend Some Time Together,” a less explicit alternative.

Despite the censorship, Mick Jagger delivered a memorable performance, complete with a dramatic eye roll that conveyed his frustration. This iconic moment turned their appearance into a bold statement against the restrictive norms of the time.

5. The Doors, 1968

The Doors burst onto the scene with a unique sound, dominated by electric organ and a charismatic, unconventional lead singer. By 1968, they had just scored a number one hit with “Light My Fire” and were ready to capitalize on their success with an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

However, minutes before they were set to perform, the band was told to change the lyric “Baby, we couldn’t get much higher” to avoid any suggestion of drug use. While The Rolling Stones had complied with similar demands in the past, Jim Morrison refused to alter the song.

Morrison’s defiance led to a lifetime ban from the show, but his stance became a powerful statement. As he put it, “Hey man, we just did the Sullivan Show.” The Doors’ appearance remains a bold moment in TV history.

6. The Beach Boys, 1968

By 1968, pop music had undergone a dramatic transformation. The vibrant summer of love and the psychedelic wave had reshaped the music scene, and the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” had set the tone for the era.

The Beach Boys’ 1968 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show showcased this shift. Unlike their 1964 performance, which featured their classic surf rock hits in black and white, this show highlighted their evolution.

Now promoting “Good Vibrations” from their groundbreaking album Pet Sounds, the band embraced psychedelic effects with green screens and vivid colors. Their performance reflected the profound changes in music and culture of the time.

7. The Jackson 5, 1969. 

In 1966, The Jackson 5 were still making their mark by performing at talent shows across the country. By late 1970, they had achieved a remarkable feat: all four of their first singles had hit number one on the charts.

Their transformation began with a standout appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1969. At just 11 years old, Michael Jackson and his brothers, with their perfectly synchronized dance moves and soulful voices, made a huge impression on viewers.

Michael, sporting a striking purple outfit and overflowing charisma, set the stage for the group’s future success. Their performance marked the beginning of a legendary career, showcasing one of the most musically gifted families in history.