On This Day in 1964: The Beach Boys’ Ed Sullivan Show Performance That Launched Them Into Superstardom

For any 20th-century musician, being on The Ed Sullivan Show was a rite of passage and the moment that made them a bonified music super-group. The Beatles, The Jackson 5, and Elvis Presley are just a few artists to became household names due to the show. Well, one more band to add to that list—the Beach Boys.

Making their Ed Sullivan Show appearance 60 years ago today, the Beach Boys were the headliners for the season premiere. The show not only solidified them as America’s hottest new boy band, but it also proved that their talent had unprecedented facets. Between their crystal-clear harmonies and uniformity, the Beach Boys cemented themselves as one of the biggest groups of the ’60s.

The Beach Boys’ Setlist

While on stage the band only needed to perform two songs to convince the world of their talent. Starting with their hit, “I Get Around,” the California trio introduced their iconic West Coast sound. Between the music, costumes, and stage setting the Beach Boys had the crowd going crazy. It was this tune that would lead to their early career to be encompassed by teenie boppers, surfing, and hotrods.

For their second song, the band slowed things down with “Wendy.” Even if it was one of the few songs in their professional repertoire at the time, the song was an appropriate selection thanks to the show’s audience—teenage girls. By playing this song it seems the Beach Boys solidified their target audience for their early career and consequently, became one of the most popular bands amongst ’60s teens.

The Following Success

Shortly after their appearance on the show, the Beach Boys would go on to become the founders of the surf rock genre. Which is a culmination of their West Coast sound mixed with traditional ’50s rock elements. Regardless, the Beach Boys’ success was far more expansive than their youthful days. Albums such as Pet Sounds and Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) became staples of the ’60s and ’70s. Furthermore, at the height of their careers, they were constantly battling for the top spot with The Beatles.

In all, the momentous moment that launched them into superstardom was their debut appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Even though their setlist was short, The Beach Boys’ introduced themselves to the world in an undeniably unique fashion. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the band’s introduction to the masses.

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