In an effort to showcase The Ed Sullivan Show in the highest possible quality, we have remastered many of the most notable performances in High Definition. We’re bringing you the best quality performances we have to offer culled from our vast archives. We hope you enjoy seeing these stars in even greater detail and remember to be on the lookout for newly posted performances every week!
The Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
On December 14, 1969, The Jackson 5 made their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. During their iconic first appearance they played Stand, Who’s Loving You, and I Want You Back. Following their performance Ed was awed by Michael’s enormous talent and clearly took a liking to him, commenting to the audience in the studio and at home, “The little fella in front is incredible!”
The Lovin’ Spoonful – Do You Believe In Magic
On March 19, 1967, The Lovin’ Spoonful made their second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Before they started playing, Ed instructed the studio audience to closely watch the monitors for “the scenic effects.” As the group performed their mega hit Do You Believe in Magic the set transformed magically thanks to innovative special effects. To viewers at home the band members disappeared and reappeared in different locations each time the word “magic” was sung.
On September 27, 1964, The Beach Boys made their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. Taking to the stage, designed with hot rods, bright lights, and a slew of screaming girls, the band performed their smash hit, I Get Around, that topped the music charts at Number #1 for 13 consecutive weeks, and another fan favorite, Wendy.
The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin’
On September 24, 1967, The Mamas & The Papas joined Ed for their third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. When on stage, the group sat down with Ed and presented him with his own set of hippie love beads before performing their set of global hits California Dreamin’, Monday, Monday and I Call Your Name.
On March 17, 1968, the Bee Gees debuted on The Ed Sullivan Show. They performed their hits Words and To Love Somebody. Although this was the group’s only performance on Sullivan it ranks among the most popular appearances with viewers today!
Buddy Holly and The Crickets – Peggy Sue
Buddy Holly and The Crickets first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on December 1, 1957. The group dressed for the occasion wearing bow ties and sports coats with Buddy sporting his trademark horn-rimmed glasses. That night they played That’ll Be The Day and Peggy Sue. Peggy Sue made its way to #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Ike and Tina Turner Revue – Proud Mary
On January 11, 1970, the unstoppable Ike and Tina Turner ruled the Sullivan stage. Tina came out in a short, gold fringed dress, while backup singers, The Ikettes, wore hot pink dresses. The group performed Bold Soul Sister and Proud Mary (originally made popular by Creedence Clearwater Revival). This high energy performance is a classic!
The Temptations & Diana Ross and The Supremes – Medley
On November 19, 1967, a memorable television event featured two of Motown’s biggest acts – The Supremes and The Temptations on The Ed Sullivan Show. The Supremes sang The Temptations’ hits Get Ready and I’m Losing You, while The Temptations performed The Supremes’ hits Stop! In The Name of Love, and Baby Love. The success of this musical pairing inspired NBC to give them two primetime specials.
The Searchers – Needles And Pins
As a leading band of the British Invasion, The Searchers made their first and only appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on April 5, 1964. The group performed their two huge hits to the screams of the teenagers in the audience – Needles And Pins and Ain’t That Just Like Me.
The Jackson 5 – Who’s Loving You
The Jackson 5 performed Who’s Loving You during their December 1969 debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. They made a lasting impact that night- winning over Ed Sullivan, the studio audience and everyone watching across the country. Overnight the Jacksons became a family to watch!