June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

Oldest known surviving broadcast content, in any format or transcription, of a TOAST OF THE TOWN opening and closing and comic stand-up routine, extant only in the Archival Television Audio, Inc. archive. 

In 1948 there existed only 600,000 TV sets in America. Practically all television broadcasts were aired LIVE including TOAST OF THE TOWN which would not kinescope their shows until December 5, 1948. 

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive beginning with broadcasts December 5, 12, and 19, 1948.

 The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

The guests archived in this earliest known TALK OF THE TOWN air check are Toni Kelly, with chorus on a boardwalk, in Atlantic City, and a 12 minute stand-up comedy routine by Jan Murray.

Variety reviewed this broadcast stating,

“JAN MURRAY WAS ON FOR A FULL 12 MINUTES OF THE HOUR-LONG SHOW WITH SOME VERY FUNNY BITS WHICH HAD THE STUDIO AUDIENCE YUCKING AS MUCH AS THE HOME AUDIENCE MUST HAVE LAUGHED. 
AS WITH MOST NITERY EMCEES, THE STRAIN TO AVOID BLUISH PATTER WAS EASILY APPARENT BUT MURRAY CARRIED IT OFF OKAY. 
WITH THE RIVAL “TEXACO STAR THEATRE” ON NBC-TV ON THE PROWL FOR SUITABLE EMCEES, MURRAY’S A CINCH TO GET A BID, AND FOR MORE PAY, TOO.” 

NOTE: It was Milton Berle who got the nod, first to appear (audition) June 8, 1948, succeeded by other temporary hosts including Harry Richman, Georgie Price, Henny Youngman, Morey Amsterdam, Jack Carter and Peter Donald who all rotated in the Host's Spot, during the Summer of 1948, but NOT Jan Murray.
The final choice by NBC to become permanent host of THE TEXICO STAR THEATER was Milton Berle, beginning September 21, 1948...and the rest is history!).  

Also, remarkably preserved in this TV Audio Air Check is the entire 2 minute opening and closing of this 6th "TALK OF THE TOWN" Broadcast. 
                                                                      

 June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

Oldest known surviving COMPLETE broadcast of a TOAST OF THE TOWN with opening and closing. 

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

The broadcast begins with announcer Bern Bennett stating guests, and introducing Ed Sullivan. A Balinese dance troop performs. Ed Sullivan (host), Ray Bloch and His Orchestra, The De Marco Sisters sing a melody of songs, Jody Gilbert (tap dancer), double talk artist Al Kelly, Jerry Bergen, Jimmy Smith (xylophone). Ed has guests in his audience stand up for a bow, including Francis Marion, Sue Ryan, Monica Lewis who appeared on the premiere TOAST OF THE TOWN eight weeks prior on June 20, 1948, Harry Hirschfield, who claims to be the first person ever on television, chats with Ed and does a comic monologue, and Peggy Lee sings, "It's Magic," "I Can't Give You Anything but Love Baby." She speaks with Sullivan. From the Liberty Music Store a comedy bit and musical finale with the entire cast.   

NOTE: This broadcast was transcribed from a 16" Electronic Transmission disc, less than a year since the advent and use of Kinescope technology, commercially introduced, September 15, 1947, developed by KODAK, NBC, and Dumont Networks. 

Sound of this TOAST OF THE TOWN transfer varies at times and there are sections were "noise" from the ET transfer to 1/4" reel to reel tape is heard. However, over all, sound is very good and quite listenable. A rare example of a COMPLETE ONE HOUR "lost" television broadcast, circa 1948, surviving only as audio.
                                            

    To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the General Foods Corporation has taken over the NBC and CBS networks from 8:00 to 9:30 P.M. to present highlights from the musical productions of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, 2nd.  The shows to be represented in this review of eleven years of musical-comedy achievement are: Oklahoma, Carousel, Allegro, South Pacific, The King and I, and Me and Juliet. 

   Clarence Francis, chairman of General Foods, opens the program which is hosted by Mary Martin. The first musical number, "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," sung by Gordon MacRae, comes from "Oklahoma!", Rodgers and Hammerstein's first musical collaboration together. Jack Benny then appears in a sketch in which he recalls buying a ticket to "Carousel" for only six dollars and sixty cents. Then John Raitt sings "You're a Queer One, Julie Jordan," and is joined by Jan Clayton in singing "If I Loved You"; both songs are from "Carousel." After Martin sings "It Might as Well Be Spring," from the score to the movie "State Fair," Edgar Bergen and his dummy, Charlie McCarthy, introduce Bill Hayes and Janice Rule in "You Are Never Away," from the musical "Allegro." The following segment is an excerpt from Groucho Marx's "You Bet Your Life" television series, in which he interviews Rodgers and Hammerstein. Then Martin and Ezio Pinza perform "Some Enchanted Evening," and Martin sings "A Wonderful Guy." Both pieces are from the musical "South Pacific." Ed Sullivan then introduces excerpts from "The King and I," which feature Patricia Morison singing "Getting to Know You," with dancing by Michiko, as well as Yul Brynner performing "A Puzzlement." Jack Benny returns to showcase Tony Martin in "The Big Black Giant" and Rosemary Clooney in "No Other Love"; both pieces are from "Me and Juliet." The program ends with MacRae and Florence Henderson performing a duet from "Oklahoma!" titled "People Will Say We're in Love."       

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest-running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955, to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

On this show, Ed Sullivan salutes the Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein play OKLAHOMA acknowledging its 12 anniversary. Hammerstein is interviewed by Ed Sullivan.                           

The guest is Yankee outfielder Enos (Country) Slaughter who is participating in the current 1956 World Series vs. the Brooklyn Dodgers.                        

The guest is Yankee outfielder Enos (Country) Slaughter who is participating in the current 1956 World Series vs. the Brooklyn Dodgers.                                     

Ed Sullivan's guest is Elvis Presley.                          

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

The guests are Louis Armstrong, Phil Silvers, Bing Crosby, and Julie Andrews.   

                                                   

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Guests include Sophie Tucker, Myron Cohen, Luella Parsons who presents the 1956 Modern Screen Award to Janet Leigh, Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Curtis, and Doris Day.                                    

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

On this show, Ed Sullivan congratulates Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson on his retirement from baseball, other guests include Sugar Ray Robinson, and Elvis Presley who sings,
"Hound Dog," (complete)
"Love Me Tender," (partial)
"Heartbreak Hotel," (partial)

Elvis Presley thanks all of his fans and introduces his biggest record, 
"Don't Be Cruel," (complete),
"Too Much," (partial)
"In My Arms To Take." (partial)                                              

    
HY GARDNER - Mon-Fri, weekdays, WRCA CH. 4 New York City 11:15-11:25pm, 11:20-11:30pm, 11:15-11:30pm September 10, 1956-January 25, 1957  

Preceding TONITE! Hy Gardner had a ten minute news/gossip series on WNBC TV. On this broadcast the news of the day included:

-Los Angeles police are expected to announce a solution to the Marie McDonald "who done it" case. Hy feels that the actress was kidnapped and that the incident was not a hoax.

-The board of directors for Lowe's Inc. include the former secretary of defense Louis Johnson, former secretary of the army Frank Pace, and former secretary of the navy, John Sullivan. Hy thinks that MGM must be getting ready to launch a new cycle of war movies.

-King Farouk is suing Elsa Maxwell for material she wrote about the former King of Egypt in her new book.

-Ironically, Ed Sullivan, publicity man, is promoting for Steve Allen Ingrid Bergman's next Sunday's appearance on The Steve Allen Show.       

The Ninth Annual Emmy Awards for the best in television for 1956 are presented from the NBC studios in Burbank, California. Personalities include Ed Sullivan, Phil Silvers, Carl Reiner, Robert Young, Jimmy Durante, Lloyd Nolan, Jack Palance, Claire Trevor, Peggy Lee, Perry Como, Dinah Shore, Danny Thomas, Sid Caesar, Nanette Fabray, Ralph Edwards, Loretta Young, and Peggy Wood, "Requiem For a Heavyweight, a presentation of "Playhouse 90," was voted the Emmy Award for best television presentation of 1956.

Desi Arnaz is the host. Dave Garroway concludes the program.                                                                

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Ed's guest is Fred Astaire.                          

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Sammy Davis Jr does an impression of Ed Sullivan, Walter Pidgeon enacts a scene from his current Broadway play and 10-year-old Robert Strom who recently won $192,000 on the $64,000 Question quiz show. 

                                                

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Host Ed Sullivan is joined by guests Lou Holtz and actor Clyde Beatty.                        

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Guests include Jack Paar, Theresa Brewer, Gary Cooper, and Louis Armstrong. 

NOTE: Jack Paar is introduced by Ed Sullivan who mentions that young comic Paar now has his own TV show. 
This was to be the sixth and final appearance by Jack Paar on The Ed Sullivan. Previous appearances:
May 20, 1956, June 24, 1956, Oct. 21, 1956, Dec. 16, 1956, 
April 28, 1957.                                   

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Ed Sullivan's guest is comedian Joe E. Lewis.                         

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest-running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955, to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Guests include Betty Grable, Jack Dempsey, and George Raft.                                               

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.   

Guests include Maurice Chevalier, Joe Howard, W.C. Handy, and Rudolf Friml.                                          

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

Ed Sullivan introduces Victor Moore, on the day before his 82nd birthday. Moore reprises his Broadway Play lead song, "45 Minutes From Broadway," written for him by George M. Cohan. The musical premiered on January 1, 1906 at the New Amsterdam Theater. 

Moore also sings a song "When a Fellow's on the Level with a Girl That's on the Square" from his next Cohan production, "The Talk of New York, " He chats with Sullivan and states to him that every show he appeared in he was surrounded by a bevy of beautiful American girls. Ed Sullivan complies with his wishes and Victor Moore sings a third song with a bevy of beautiful girls.
  
Ray Bloch and the orchestra plays "Happy Birthday" to Victor Moore as the audience joins in. Ed Sullivan mentions to his audience that Victor Moore has received every honor on the American stage. He states, "He is a great man and a great performer."

NOTE: This television appearance by Victor Moore was to be his last public appearance on TV or on the  stage of in films. He passed away at age 86 on July 23, 1962. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  
                                                                                                                   

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

Ed's guest is Jack E. Leonard.                                                                             

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

                                                                

The New York City Friars Club honors Ed Sullivan for his ten years on television.

An excerpt audio air check of Friars Club members honoring Sullivan include Joe E. Lewis, Jack E. Leonard, Jack Carter, Morey Amsterdam, Walter Cronkite, and Wayne and Shuster.

NOTE: This broadcast was aired in the time slot normally seen as  The Ed Sullivan Show,  8-9pm Sunday evenings. 

This program is a video tape of a recent Friar's Club Testimonial Dinner staged by Nat Hiken. It was to be the first of many Friar's Club dinners to be televised under the over-all title "Man of the Hour.' In actuality it was the only one that was produced and broadcasts. 

                                                   

A galaxy of stars salute their own for the 1958-1959 TV season. Raymond Burr, Robert Young, Dennis Weaver, Barbara Hale, Art Carney, Dinah Shore, Tom Poston, Ann B. Davis, Phil Silvers, Don Hewitt, David Brinkley, Elaine May and Mike Nichols, Walter Brennan, Jack Benny, Donna Reed, Fred Astaire, Louis Nye, Dayton Allen, Don Knotts, Mickey Rooney, Judith Anderson, Dick Clark, Bob Hope, Ed Sullivan, Chet Huntley, and Vice President Richard M. Nixon.             

A continuation from entry # 13344. Further guests include Ann Southern, Mickey Rooney, Shirley Temple, Dame Judith Anderson, Dick Clark, Bob Hope, Ed Sullivan, and Chet Huntley.

Host: Raymond Burr.                                      

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

The guests include Jack Carter, James Cagney, and Robert Montgomery.                                                                            

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

Comedian Guy Marks imitates Gary Cooper and Humphrey Bogart.                                                                                                        

Excerpt            

This is the 12th Anniversary show. 

Salute To Hawaii. 

Last live episode until September 4th,1960.          

      This Ed Sullivan  Show is without introductions by Sullivan...abruptly edited, but complete performances and acts included.                     

Filmed in Chicago,this is the second in Sullivan's "See America" series.                  

Jerry Lewis makes his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show since 1948.            

There is a Western Saloon sketch with Sullivan playing "Dead Eye," from a clip of February 7th, 1961, when Sullivan guest-hosted on the Red Skelton Show. This Sullivan show was repeated by CBS on August 6th, 1961.         

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 

   Jack Paar speaks vehemently about Ed Sullivan continuously. He explains why Ed Sullivan refused to appear on The Tonight Show. Jack said that Ed wanted to use a teleprompter and to read a prepared statement. Jack said "any idiot can read a teleprompter" and continued to address other grievances about Sullivan. He ended his address calling Ed Sullivan a liar. 

NOTE: This broadcast is the only example of a JACK PAAR TONIGHT SHOW where Jack was a guest on his own show. Hugh Downs opens the 11:15pm opening segment as substitute host, and conducts the show for the first 15 minutes. Jack Paar is introduced at 11:30pm. He then speaks about Ed Sullivan continuously for 51 minutes, only interrupted for commercials. At 12:21am Jack finally finishes his emotional tirade, calling Ed Sullivan a liar!    
So angry was Paar that he left the show after his monologue, leaving Hugh Downs to finish the show. 

Archival Television Audio, Inc. has a portion of this memorable historic episode recorded on audio tape related to the never predictable host of The Tonight Show, Jack Paar.
THIS BROADCAST WAS THE HIGHEST RATED JACK PAAR TONIGHT SHOW aired during his for four and one half years as host.  

Occasional variations in sound quality.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 

For four years and eight months Jack Paar reigned supreme as host of the Tonight Show with a crew of regulars, but only two stayed with him for the entire run; announcer Hugh Downs and band leader Jose Melies, a former army buddy. Familiar faces who appeared many times with Jack included Dody Goodman, Betty Johnson, Elsa Maxwell, Alexander King, Genevieve, Jack Douglas; and wife Reiko, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Hans Conried, Peggy Cass, Cliff (Charley Weaver) Arquette, and Johnathan Winters. Hugh Downs substituted for Jack Paar 79 times, more than any other substitute host there were 20 different performers over the period of the series run. Joey Bishop substituted for Paar 31 times. Arlene Francis, 30 times, Jonathan Winters, 26 times, Orson Bean, 21 times and Johnny Carson 15 times. Altogether there were 243 broadcasts that had substitute hosts filling in for Paar during Jack Paar's TONIGHT SHOW tenure. The title of the late-night broadcast changed to THE JACK PAAR SHOW which took effect on February 3, 1958. The first videotaped broadcast aired on January 5, 1959. "Best of Paar " Re-runs began on July 10, 1959. The first color broadcast aired on September 19, 1960.  

Jack Paar comments on his feud with Ed Sullivan, bitterly attacks him as well as the press, calls Sullivan a "liar."                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Barry Gray was an American radio personality, often referred to as "the father of talk radio." His late-night New York City radio talk show was carried by WOR radio and then later by WMCA.

Barry Gray returned to WMCA in 1950, and stayed there for 39 years, refining the talk show format still utilized today. During the 1960s, he was in the odd position of having an 11 p.m.-1 a.m. late night talk show on a station otherwise dominated by Top 40 music and the youth-targeted "Good Guys" disc jockey campaign. But for teenagers who kept their radios on into the night, Gray's show was a window into the high-brow New York culture of the 1940s and 1950s.

We hear Jack Paar concluding his Tonight Show NBC TV broadcast stating that Ed Sullivan is a liar and he must suffer publicly for his actions. Paar mentions that he requests NBC not to delete what he has just said when his show, on Tape, is aired this evening. 

The final five minutes of The Barry Gray Show at 12:55am (March 14, 1961, WMCA Radio) is heard, two hours after Paar's Tonight Show has been broadcast. Ed Sullivan emphatically tells Gray, by phone,  that he is not a bully and that Paar can call him any name he desires. 
Barry Gray's in studio  guest Jackie Kannon states his impressions about the Paar/Sullivan feud.
 
                                                                           

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 

 More discussion by Jack Paar regarding his feud with Ed Sullivan.
                                                                                                                                                                                    

Salute to Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. Repeated on September 10th, 1961.                                                                

A musical tribute to Ed Sullivan on this 13th Anniversary show.                        

           June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

Guests: Joan Sutherland, Earl Grant.                                                                                                                    

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 
 
 Return from London England. Broadcast from New York.

In his monologue Jack Paar comments on Dorothy Kilgallen, Ed Sullivan, and William F. Buckley Jr. 

Jack interviews Charles Laughton.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

July 29, 1957- March 30,1962. 
 
  FINAL FIRST RUN TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JACK PAAR.

 During the four and half years Jack Paar hosed the Tonight Show he clocked approximately 24,000 hours of programming of which only less than .1% survives!!! No video tapes survive. No color episodes survive. Only an handful of black and white kinescopes are extant.

What does survive is only a total of 13 hours archived by Paley Center for Media, Library of Congress, and UCLA Film & Television, combined. 

The greatest number of surviving broadcast TV Audio Air Checks in the country, representing THE JACK PAAR TONIGHT SHOW, is archived by ARCHIVAL TELEVISION AUDIO, INC. (34 hours). 

Among Jack's many guests on this final first run broadcast are Jack E. Leonard who opens the show. He acts as host for the first 15 minutes..introduces, many celebrities in the audience including Tom Poston, Sam Levenson, Selma Diamond, Jack Haskell and Max Asnas of the Stage Delicatessen. Jose Melies plays all of the familiar theme songs associated with Jack Paar. Hugh Downs reads excerpts for Abel Green's column "Variety' about the show and Jack.  Alexander King, and Buddy Hackett are live guests. On film Hugh Downs introduces good bye salutations from George Burns, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Richad M. Nixon, Tallulah Bankhead, Joey Bishop, Robert Morley, Nipsey Russell, and Rev. Dr. Billy Graham. . In Jack's last monologue he reminisces about his feuds with Walter Winchell, Dorothy Kilgallen and Ed Sullivan.