2023 is destined to be remembered as a standout year for The Ed Sullivan Show. From commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the show to unveiling extraordinary performances, this year unfolded with a series of delightful surprises. As we approach the end of 2023, we’re eager to share some of our most captivating videos from this remarkable year. While we’re excited to unveil what’s in store for 2024, take a moment to enjoy and delve a little deeper into some of our top clips of this year.
The Seekers – Georgy Girl
On May 21, 1967, The Seekers made their second appearance on the Sullivan show by hitting the road to Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada. Expo 67 is historically referred to as the most successful World’s Fair of the 20th century. The Seekers opened up this episode with their Number #2 Billboard hit “Georgy Girl”. Other performers from the Expo 67 episode include Peter Gennaro, Petula Clark, Alan King, and Ronald Turini.
Ann-Margret – Bye Bye Birdie & Baby Won’t You Please Come Home
Earlier this year, in April 2023, The Ed Sullivan Show initiated a Bye Bye Birdie campaign to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1963 film. Among all the performances showcased, Ann-Margret’s appearance stood out. On May 19, 1963, Ann-Margret made her debut on the show, delivering captivating renditions of “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home”. Portraying the character of Kim MacAfee in the film adaptation, Ann-Margret brought the soundtrack to life on the Sullivan stage just one month after the film’s release.
The Ladybugs – When I Saw Him Standing There
On March 22, 1964, the fictional band, The Ladybugs, graced the Sullivan stage for their one and only appearance. The group performed a version of The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There”. The Ladybugs were a fictional band that was created for the TV series, Petticoat Junction. The episode they appeared on was also titled “The Ladybugs” and aired on Tuesday, March 24, 1964, just two days after their Ed Sullivan Show debut.
The Kessler Twins – The Best Is Yet To Come
On March 29, 1964, The Kessler Twins made their way to New York City for their second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. The twins sang “The Best Is Yet To Come” (famously sung by Frank Sinatra), and “Oh How To Be Lovely.” The Kessler Twins made a total of 16 appearances on the show and were known for their energetic and synchronized dance routines, as well as their harmonious vocal performances. The twins’ charming and charismatic presence made them a hit with audiences, contributing to their success and popularity during their many visits to The Ed Sullivan Show.
Tiny Tim & The Enchanted Forest – Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)
On January 11, 1970, Tiny Tim made his second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, accompanied by his band, The Enchanted Forest, and Miss Vickie. During the performance, he showcased his artistic range, portraying an Elvis-like style while singing “Earth Angel” with The Enchanted Forest. Originally a hit for the Penguins and the Crew Cuts in 1955, “Earth Angel” gained further acclaim when featured in the movie Back to the Future. Just one month after this memorable appearance, Tiny Tim and Miss Vickie tied the knot on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, attracting an impressive audience of about 40 million viewers.
The Harmonica Madcaps – Harmonica Madness
On April 29, 1962, the Harmonica Madcaps (later changed to Jerry Murad’s Harmonicats, made their first and only appearance on the Sullivan Show. The duo consisted of Jerry Murad and Don Les, who performed a comedic sketch that included different sound bits and harmonica tricks that included playing miniature harmonicas on their fingers via harmonica gloves.
Vikki Carr – It Must Be Him
On December 31, 1967, Vikki Carr made her debut on The Ed Sullivan Show during a special New Year’s Eve episode. She performed her most famous song, “It Must Be Him,” as well as “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.” “It Must Be Him” achieved chart success, reaching Number #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, Number #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and Number #2 on the UK Singles chart. Following her performance, Ed walked over and wished her a “very Happy New Year”.
The Turtles – She’s My Girl
On November 12, 1967, The Turtles made their second and final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. During this appearance, they performed a shorter version of “Happy Together” and “She’s My Girl,” the latter of which reached Number #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The record was written by lead singer Howard Kaylan and bassist Mark Volman who together later became known as the rock comedy duo “Flo & Eddie.”
Cast Of Hair – Aquarius & Let The Sunshine In
On March 30, 1969, the original Broadway cast of Hair joined The Ed Sullivan Show lineup for a medley of the musical’s opening and closing songs, “Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In.” Forty years later, in 2009, the cast of Hair at the time returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater to recreate the 1969 performance. In a statement, Hair co-creator James Rado said the following about the 1969 appearance: “The network wouldn’t let us do anything involving nudity, but they did allow us to use smoke effects and gave us the run of the theater. I don’t think Mr. Sullivan knew what to think of us, but he seemed to truly enjoy the exuberance of the young cast. It was an exciting night, and boy, did it generate a long line at the box office the following morning!”
The Young Rascals – A Girl Like You
On June 4, 1967, The Young Rascals made their second of three appearances on the Sullivan show. They performed their classics, “A Girl Like You” and “Groovin’.” “A Girl Like You” reached Number #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. During this episode, The Young Rascals shared the stage with Harry James, Topo Gigio, Rodney Dangerfield, Paul Anka, and Nancy Ames.
We hope you learned a thing or two about some of these historic performances. Similar to 2023, we know 2024 will be filled with surprises and more amazing performances to be unveiled. From everyone at The Ed Sullivan Show, we’d like to wish you all a Happy Holiday season.
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