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62 Yrs. Ago Today: The Night North America Met The Beatles
It was Feb. 9th, 1964 and it seemed like the whole world was watching only one show that Sunday night. It was 62 years ago Monday that millions across North America tuned in for one massive cultural changing event - the Beatles first ever live appearance on this side of the world on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The hype was huge but if you were around then, you know that The Fab Four delivered, singing only five tunes, but triggering change across an entire generation and officially ushering in the British invasion. Nothing would quite be the same after that first appearance.
"An estimated 73 million people watched the broadcast live, roughly 40 percent of the American population at the time. For Ed Sullivan, it was a triumph. The episode gave him his highest ratings in seven years and cemented his show’s place as a cultural gatekeeper. For the music industry, it was a moment of clarity. Rock and roll was no longer a fringe youth interest. It was now mainstream, unavoidable, and profitable."
You can see four of the songs they played that night in the article below.
The Night North America Met The Beatles
Despite all the hype, it was not the Beatles first actual appearance on North American TV screens. They made their debut on film during the Jack Paar Show on Jan. 2, 1964. But it wasn't the same as having them there in person. And few really remember that first time. 
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Re: 62 Yrs. Ago Today: The Night North America Met The Beatles
Just noticed in that TV Guide listing that CBC's "Parade" had members of Chicago's Second City troupe on the show. Clearly, in 1964, they wouldn't have been names we know from the more famous SCTV, but it would have been interesting to see what it was like back then.
But I'm 100% sure I was watching the Beatles that night!
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Thread Starter- mace
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Re: 62 Yrs. Ago Today: The Night North America Met The Beatles
RadioActive wrote:
It was Feb. 9th, 1964 and it seemed like the whole world was watching only one show that Sunday night. It was 62 years ago Monday that millions across North America tuned in for one massive cultural changing event - the Beatles first ever live appearance on this side of the world on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The hype was huge but if you were around then, you know that The Fab Four delivered, singing only five tunes, but triggering change across an entire generation and officially ushering in the British invasion. Nothing would quite be the same after that first appearance.
"An estimated 73 million people watched the broadcast live, roughly 40 percent of the American population at the time. For Ed Sullivan, it was a triumph. The episode gave him his highest ratings in seven years and cemented his show’s place as a cultural gatekeeper. For the music industry, it was a moment of clarity. Rock and roll was no longer a fringe youth interest. It was now mainstream, unavoidable, and profitable."
You can see four of the songs they played that night in the article below.
The Night North America Met The Beatles
Despite all the hype, it was not the Beatles first actual appearance on North American TV screens. They made their debut on film during the Jack Paar Show on Jan. 2, 1964. But it wasn't the same as having them there in person. And few really remember that first time.
That looks like a Toronto Star tv listing. I assume the "12e" is WICU Erie. Interesting no NBC Rochester is listed.