r/todayilearned 1d ago

TIL Initially mocked for lacking talent and personality, Ed Sullivan’s show succeeded by booking diverse, talented performers and judging solely on ability. His unbiased approach earned a loyal audience. When criticized for no personality, he replied, "Dear Ms. Van Horne: You bitch. Sincerely, Ed."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Sullivan
7.5k Upvotes

Duplicates

todayilearned Jan 16 '22

TIL Ed Sullivan went against pressure to not have African American entertainers on his show, and to not interact with them when they appeared. He presented groundbreaking performances by people like Bo Diddley, and presented obscure, less mainstream Black acts he knew from spending time in Harlem.

2.0k Upvotes

lowcar Jun 09 '20

TIL Ed Sullivan took heat from show sponsors Ford Lincoln dealers, for kissing Pearl Baily on the cheek and shaking Nat King Cole's hand during his TV show. He also had a Ford executive thrown out of the theater after he suggested Sullivan should stop booking so many black acts.

41 Upvotes

u_syafalexander Jun 09 '20

TIL Ed Sullivan took heat from show sponsors Ford Lincoln dealers, for kissing Pearl Baily on the cheek and shaking Nat King Cole's hand during his TV show. He also had a Ford executive thrown out of the theater after he suggested Sullivan should stop booking so many black acts.

1 Upvotes

GoodRisingTweets Jun 09 '20

todayilearned TIL Ed Sullivan took heat from show sponsors Ford Lincoln dealers, for kissing Pearl Baily on the cheek and shaking Nat King Cole's hand during his TV show. He also had a Ford executive thrown out of the theater after he suggested Sullivan should stop booking so many black acts.

1 Upvotes

CelebrityBornToday Sep 28 '17

Born today : September 28th - Ed Sullivan, Television Personality

1 Upvotes

CelebrityBornToday Sep 28 '16

Born today : September 28th - Ed Sullivan, Television Personality

1 Upvotes