Elvis Presley’s initial appearance on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ remembered 64 years later
Elvis Presley made his first of three appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, but it wasn't without controversy.
Presley's performances were considered too sexual, as he tilted his pelvis and Sullivan himself said that The King isn't "his cup of tea".
For his debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Presley performed “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Hound Dog” and “Ready Teddy.”
The cameras attempted to censor Presley's dancing, but the crowds of screaming girls went off for the King of Rock N Roll.
The performance garnered 60 million views or 82.6 percent of TV viewers at the time, which was no easy feat.
Despite his initial hesitation, Sullivan didn’t regret having Presley appear on his show. He later told the audience that Presley was “a real decent, fine boy,” Graceland.com reported.
“We want to say that we’ve never had a pleasanter experience with a big name than we’ve had with you,” Sullivan added.