CBS Photography 1964
Today is definitely an important day in pop music history. Jessica Letkemann from Billboard celebrates 50 years since The Beatles first performance in America.
“An astounding 73 million Americans watched The Beatles rock “The Ed Sullivan Show” for the first time exactly 50 years ago today on February 9, 1964. The historic moment signaled the true beginning of Beatlemania in the U.S., and it effectively introduced the soon to be legendary Liverpudlian band to America.”
Read more here.
Do you think anything will every top these iconic performances from The Beatles that took place 50 years ago today? Do you have any special connections to this band that took the world by storm?
Missing Amelia Records 
Music in that time period was in its golden era of commodification. There were far less artists in the spotlight that maintained success like the Beatles did back in that time period. Today there are so many artists, and with such ease of access to their music, its easy to move on to something better or newer. I doubt we will ever see anything like Beatlemania, something that spans decades and shapes culture in such a broad way.
I definitely agree. I don’t think any fan base will ever have the longevity of the Beatles.
73 million viewers back in 1964 was a staggering number even by today’s standards is something special. I don’t think the craze like beetle mania will ever be repeated.
bjt
The Beatles were a truly gifted band: their music spanned many genres and had a wonderful depth and breadth lyric-wise. It’s not likely we’ll see a similar band in our lifetime. The word “unique” (overused, and rarely a fitting adjective) is an apt description of the fab five.
This day is my sweet daughters 10th birthday. I’m so happy to have this special day for the Beatles, a special day for me. The Beatles was a very influential band for so many covering many generes of music. Funny tidbit Slayer, Henry Rollins and Iggy Pop were all influenced by this wonderful band. If it wasn’t for this band a lot of music wouldn’t be possible. Even tho there were others during this time to make similar music yes even before them, the Beatles really put “rock and roll” in the every day home.
Wow! What a birthday to have! I hope she had a great day!
It’s truly amazing how one band could have been so influential to basically every aspect of music. They had/have a whole art form wrapped around their finger!