Watched the entire episodes on which the Beatles appeared recently, and if that was typical, Ed Sullivan just wasn't that good.. mumbling, non-sequiters, etc., it's as if he had not planned what he was going to say. He would never stand a chance if he were on today.
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Sullivan was NOT a performer. He was a long-time newspaper columnist who sometimes hosted live stage shows. Some CBS executive saw one of these shows and thought he'd be good doing it on TV. Sullivan got in on the ground floor of commercial TV and was able to perfect a format. I can name many people from TV's past who'd never get past You Tube nowadays, if only because they weren't glib and/or telegenic. Abe Burrows, Clifton Fadiman, Fulton J. Sheen, Kuda Bux, et al.
"May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?"
Funny thing is he never got any better. You would think after a few years he would get the hang of it. But, no. He was just as awkward in his 1001st episode as he was on the 1st.
George Carlin: It's all bullsh-t and it's bad for ya.
I think that after a while that awkwardness became his charm. People joked about it and accepted the way he was.
Say what you will about the man..... He did know how to put on a Really Big Shoe. (Show for those who don't get Shoe. )
"Fasten your seat belts!
It's going to be a bumpy night!"
he gets the yoko award for the most overrated person in show business, he was not photogenic , he couldnt interview,he couldnt even pronouce the names of the acts very well.he also never discovered any talent all these acts were already popular.
share" ... also never discovered any talent"
Maybe but ask anyone who appeared on his show about what happened to their careers after appearing on his show. They were made household names overnight. People here should stop bothering to diminish Sullivans 'contribution' to the industry (show biz). Back in the day, if you got a call that Ed wanted you to appear on his show, you knew it was your ticket to the big time.
I'm from his era and was charmed by his presentation.
I didn't care that he never produced any acts. Merely presented them.
Like a Ford dealer never produced any Fords. Just sold them.
Anyone trying to minimize a man whose shoe ran from '48 to '71 is bound to fail. Ed's success will beat him to death.
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