Biography:One of the most popular and influential television hosts in American history, Sullivan is remembered primarily as the man who introduced several seminal acts to an American audience, including The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five and The Jackson 5 on The Ed Sullivan Show which ran from 1948 to 1971.
His February 9, 1964 show, on which The Beatles made their American television debut at the apogee of Beatlemania, was at that point the most watched episode in American television history.
1932-03-29Jack Benny debuts on radio, on Ed Sullivan's New York interview program
1948-06-20 "Toast of the Town" variety show hosted by Ed Sullivan premieres on CBS-TV; performers include the comedy team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and Broadway composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II previewing the score to "South Pacific"
1957-12-01 Seminal rock band Buddy Holly & The Crickets make their "Ed Sullivan Show" debut, performing "That'll Be The Day" and "Peggy Sue"; singer Sam Cooke also performs after getting bumped due to time constraints on November 3rd - he sings "You Send Me" and “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons”
1963-05-12Bob Dylan walks out of "The Ed Sullivan Show" over a dispute about his song choice
1963-10-31 Ed Sullivan witnesses Beatlemania firsthand at London's Heathrow Airport as the Beatles are greeted by their fans upon returning from Sweden
1963-11-11Brian Epstein and Ed Sullivan sign a 3 show contract for appearances by The Beatles
1964-02-09 1st appearance of the Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show", live from New York; broadcast draws 73.7 million television viewers
1964-02-16 The Beatles' 2nd appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show", live from Deauville Hotel in Miami, Florida; broadcast draws about 70 million television viewers
1964-02-23 The Beatles' 3rd appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show", featuring 3 performances taped on February 9, prior to their live debut
1964-05-24 The Beatles' 4th appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show", features an interview and pre-recorded performance of "You Can't Do That"
1964-10-25The Rolling Stones make their 1st appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"; they perform a cover of Chuck Berry's “Around & Around,” and their own hit "Time Is On My Side"
1964-12-27 1st appearance of The Supremes on "The Ed Sullivan Show", singing "Come See About Me"
1965-08-14 Beatles tape an appearance for "The Ed Sullivan Show"
1966-06-12 Dave Clark Five sets record as they appear for 12th time on "The Ed Sullivan Show"
1966-09-11 Rolling Stones 4th appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"; perform 3 songs, including "Paint It Black"
1966-11-13 American comedian Flip Wilson makes his debut appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"; he returns 10 times
1967-01-15 Rolling Stones appear for the fifth time on the Ed Sullivan Show, reluctantly agree to alter lyrics of "Let's Spend The Night Together"
1967-02-12 Promotional films (music videos) for the Beatles' forthcoming single "Penny Lane" & "Strawberry Fields" debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in the US
1967-09-17 American rock band "The Doors" appear for 1st and last time on "The Ed Sullivan Show"; singer Jim Morrison reneges on promise to change a lyric, prompting producers to offer no further invitations
1967-12-10 CBS officially renames CBS-TV Studio 50 in New York (built in 1927 as Hammerstein's Theatre), as "The Ed Sullivan Theater" in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his program
1968-03-17Bee Gees make their US TV debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" performing "To Love Somebody" and "Words"
1969-11-30 American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond makes his only appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show", singing "Sweet Caroline" and "Holly, Holy"
1969-12-14 Jackson Five make their 1st appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"
1969-12-21Diana Ross' final TV appearance as a Supreme on "The Ed Sullivan Show", performing “Someday We’ll Be Together", after which Sullivan announced her upcoming departure from the group
1971-03-28 Last original edition of "The Ed Sullivan Show" broadcasts on CBS-TV
1971-06-06 Final broadcast of "The Ed Sullivan Show" (a repeat from 7 February) on CBS-TV
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