3 Underrated ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ Performances That Aren’t The Beatles

For over two decades, The Ed Sullivan Show captivated audiences on CBS, becoming synonymous with the music of the 1950s and 60s. While The Beatles’ 1965 performance—famously obscured by screaming fans—remains its most iconic moment, a wealth of other significant musical acts graced the stage. Beyond the headline-grabbing appearances, a closer look reveals performances that deserve renewed recognition.

The Doors

The Doors’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show is remembered for a moment of subtle rebellion. Before their performance, the band was asked to alter a lyric in their song “Light My Fire”—specifically, the line “Girl, we couldn’t get much higher”—due to its potential drug reference. The Doors proceeded to sing the original lyric anyway, resulting in a rebuke from Ed Sullivan, who reportedly told them they would “never do this show again.” Jim Morrison reportedly responded, “Hey man, we just did the ‘Sullivan Show’.”

Did You Know? The Doors’ defiance resulted in a ban from The Ed Sullivan Show after performing the controversial lyric.

Roberta Peters

Singer Roberta Peters appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show an astounding 65 times throughout the program’s run. Her incredible voice and status as the leading opera singer of her generation made her a frequent and popular guest. Identifying a single “best” performance from such a prolific run is nearly impossible, as each appearance was reportedly jaw-dropping.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley’s journey to The Ed Sullivan Show was initially met with resistance. In 1956, Ed Sullivan initially banned Presley from appearing due to concerns about his suggestive hip movements. However, Presley’s rising fame eventually made him unavoidable. He ultimately performed three times as a musical guest in 1957, with an estimated 83% of American television viewers tuning in to watch.

Expert Insight: The initial reluctance to feature Elvis Presley highlights the cultural tensions of the 1950s, where established entertainment norms clashed with the emerging energy of rock and roll. Sullivan’s eventual embrace of Presley demonstrates the power of popular demand and the evolving landscape of American television.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the most famous performance on The Ed Sullivan Show?

The most famous performance on The Ed Sullivan Show was The Beatles’ 1965 breakthrough set, remembered for the overwhelming audience reaction.

How many times did Roberta Peters perform on The Ed Sullivan Show?

Roberta Peters was invited to sing on The Ed Sullivan Show a total of 65 times.

Was Elvis Presley initially allowed to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show?

Ed Sullivan initially banned Elvis Presley from performing on his show in 1956, but later invited him to perform three times in 1957.

Considering the diverse range of artists who appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, what other performances from the era do you think deserve greater recognition?