70 Years Ago, Elvis Presley Made His ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ Debut — But Neither Was in the Studio
Elvis Presley‘s first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show drew around 60 million viewers on September 9, 1956. It was a huge night for the singer, but the man whose name was on the show wasn’t there to introduce him. Elvis wasn’t in the program’s New York studio, either.
By then, Elvis had already performed on the Dorsey brothers’ Stage Show, The Milton Berle Show, and The Steve Allen Show. Ed Sullivan had initially refused to book him amid criticism of his dancing, but he reconsidered after Elvis’ July 1, 1956, appearance helped Allen beat Sullivan in the ratings. Sullivan and Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, agreed on $50,000 for three appearances.
Why weren’t Elvis and Ed Sullivan in the studio together?
About a month before Elvis was due to appear, Sullivan was seriously injured in a car accident. He was still recovering when the date arrived, so British actor Charles Laughton filled in as host.
Elvis, meanwhile, was in Hollywood working on his first movie, Love Me Tender. His part of the broadcast came from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, while Laughton hosted from New York. Laughton introduced him with the words, “And now, away to Hollywood to meet Elvis Presley!”
What did Elvis sing that night?
Elvis opened with “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Love Me Tender,” then returned later in the program for “Ready Teddy” and a brief version of “Hound Dog.” During his appearance, he also wished Sullivan a speedy recovery.
“Love Me Tender” had not yet been released, so the appearance also gave fans a preview of the title song from his upcoming movie. According to Graceland, the broadcast drew 82.6 percent of the television audience that night.
When did Elvis and Sullivan finally appear together?
Everett Collection
Elvis returned to the show on October 28, 1956, this time performing in New York with Sullivan back as host. His third and final appearance followed on January 6, 1957, which was the visit associated with the famous waist-up camera restriction. During his September debut, viewers could see his full figure, including the dance moves that had caused so much criticism. By the end of that final appearance, Sullivan had some kind words for the singer he had once refused to book. He called Elvis “a real decent, fine boy” and praised how pleasant it had been to have him on the program.
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