“Ladies and Gentlemen, The Beatles”
That introduction given by Ed Sullivan that February night so long ago swept America, and the world into a place that we would never come back. Looking back, I now see that as that moment of the 60’s when all the old was replaced by all the new. John Kennedy’s assassination, a made for television event would certainly not be the last major event of that decade, had come only several weeks earlier. The nation was still reeling from that dark period of uncertainty. The traditional holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years were celebrated but certainly didn’t feel the same that year. In our hearts we all hoped that 1964 would be less stressful.
My sister and I begged our Dad to let us watch Ed Sullivan that night. Normally it would be a very boring show of puppets, strange acts that we had no clue about, or singers who were boring. So when Mr. Sullivan announced that night that it would be, a really great show, he was so right. Dad’s taste in music ran from big band, and swing, to country, and yes, even polkas. You see when you grow up in a family of Eastern European descent, you know the polka, dance the polka but not necessarily love the polka.
“What is this rock and rock stuff Johnny? Seems as ridiculous to be as that Elvis the pelvis guy with all that gyration he does. Now Guy Lombardo and Count Basie, well, that was music buddy boy. Who are these beetles? Sounds like some sort of pests,” Dad would say.
Pests, no more like musical gods well from England. Mom cast the deciding vote as we were all parked in front of our black and white television. I started my mental countdown to eight o’clock as I stared at the clock and thought if I was that slow I’d keep my hands in front of my face too.
Finally the show started with the trade mark Sullivan pronouncement, “Tonight we have a really great show, blah blah, and from England, The Beatles.”
“Yes, that’s what I want to hear so let’s get them on,” I thought.
Well, of course they, being the big draw for the night were going to be the first act, but first we endured minutes of commercials. Then finally the cameras cut to Ed on center stage as he started the introduction.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, The B e a t l e s,” as he enunciated each letter distinctly.
The live studio audience composed of screaming girls went wild as the band struck the first chord of “All My Loving”, followed by two other songs, bowing after each one. Later, to close out the show, they played again. The haircuts, and the jackets, and shoes were just too cool.
“Wow. Where can you get those clothes,” I thought.
Well forget the haircut as Dad makes sure mine was always closely cropped. It was like watching a movie that you never quite get it all the first time. The whole experience was overwhelming to say the least.
Hmm, Paul plays left handed that’s different, and John is the oldest, and Ringo is the youngest. What about George, what’s his claim to fame? In time we all knew something about them, or did we?
I think what I remember best about that night is just a tidal wave of emotion that swept over us.
They spoke to all of the 1950’s baby boomers in ways Elvis and so many others couldn’t. Their songs were short, had great lyrics, and catchy hooks. The British invasion was on, and many bands followed, some good, some not so good but none of them having quite that impact of the Beatles.
I play the old Beatle songs from time to time, and it takes me back to people and places long gone. Of ideals and beliefs long since replaced by skepticism and reality. The one thing that has always remained with me is that fresh breath of air that rose out of television that February night.
Members of…
John Dominis
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