On February 9, 1964 The Beatles made their American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. What song did The Beatles open with during their first set on the show?

On Sunday, February 9, 1964 over 73 million Americans watched The Beatles make their American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. Sullivan gave the following introduction:

"Now yesterday and today our theater's been jammed with newspapermen and hundreds of photographers from all over the nation, and these veterans agreed with me that the city never has the excitement stirred by these youngsters from Liverpool, who call themselves The Beatles. Now tonight, you're gonna twice be entertained by them. Right now, and again in the second half of our show. Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles. Let's bring them on."

Sullivan's last words were drowned out by the screaming fans in attendance at CBS Studio 50. The group came out and opened with "All My Loving."

The Beatles followed that hit with Paul McCartney taking the spotlight singing "Till There Was You." The Beatles then wrapped up the first set with "She Loves You." The show concluded with The Beatles singing two more of their hits during the second set, "I Saw Her Standing There" and "I Want To Hold Your Hand" to continuous screaming fans.

Of note, The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show just 77 days after President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. By then, the country was ready for some much needed diversion, and it came in the form of four young lads from Liverpool-their sound, their look, their energy and their charisma. They may have come at a time America needed them most!

More Info: edsullivan.com

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20 Comments

billyboy915

William Laughlin, Oops, *comparison, not compassion.

William Laughlin

jerry aj, The Beatles lasted only 6 1/2 years after their American TV debut on the Sullivan show. In that short time, they were one on the most prolific groups, producing 13 original albums between the end of 1963 and April 1970. Because they were so innovative, their music was constantly evolving and usually brilliant. George was usually boxed out by Lennon/McCartney, but was continually writing; so much so that after their breakup, he was able to release his masterpiece triple album, All Things Must Pass.

William Laughlin

Nicholas Miernicki, In the first weeks of 1964, the Beatles' “I Want To Hold Your Hand” raced up the US charts, giving the Liverpool band its first American hit single and helping to LAUNCH the British invasion. The Stones tried, but couldn't immediately replicate the Beatles' stateside success, lagging behind by more than a year. The decisive breakthrough for Mick, Keith and company came with the release of “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction” in June of 1965. For me, both groups are great and there is no compassion required. I like both apples and oranges.

lls

...shoulda gone with my memory...

Jay Tate

Watched it at the SigEp fraternity house at the University of Southern Mississippi with all my fraternity brothers, our girlfriends, and little sisters. We were glued to our one TV in the party room.

John W Shreve

Helen Constan, Not Petula Clark or Topo Giugiu?

John W Shreve

Nicholas Miernicki, We used to make fun of the Beatles because all the girls, I mean "birds," liked them. But when they got to maybe Rubber Soul, I thought they were great. But if I want to listen to oldies, it's the Stones.