This weekend marks one of the most historic events in our generation. This year the days of the week even coincide chronologically with what happened in 1964. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday February 7, 8, and 9 was a weekend like the world had never known, as the Beatles prepared to make their legendary debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.
On February 7, the Beatles flew to America, unaware of the full magnitude of their fame. They knew their records were selling well here. They knew they had a string of number one songs. But it wasn’t until they got off the plane at New York JFK Airport to a deafening, frenzied crowd of thousands of screaming teenagers that they caught a glimpse of the enormity of their popularity.
Just getting to their hotel was sheer mayhem. Hordes of fans swarmed them everywhere they went. Reporters, curious and skeptical at first, eventually bought in to their quick wit and charm. These guys were funny! Therefore, they were fun to cover and made great copy. Just ten weeks after the assassination of President Kennedy, the nation was still in shock and mourning. This talented, comical, and good looking group was just what the country needed to begin the healing process.
Saturday, February 8 brought a day of photo ops and sightseeing. Unfortunately, George was nursing a sore throat and fever, and missed some of the fun. He was able to recover enough for the rehearsal that evening and a night on the town. Again, everywhere they went became a logistical nightmare as they were swarmed with shrieking fans and demanding press at every turn.
Their high rise hotel was the ultimate in comfort, with ten rooms and more amenities than they had ever seen or could have ever imagined, complete with a beautiful view over Central Park. But they could go nowhere. They were in fact, prisoners in their luxury.
On Sunday, February 9 at 2:30 the Beatles held a dress rehearsal at the Ed Sullivan Theater before a live audience and got a peek at just how massive this night would be. There were over 50,000 requests for tickets in a theater holding 457 people as thousands lined the streets with hopes of getting a glimpse of their heroes.
Then, it was time for the “Big Shew” as Ed Sullivan called it. This stoic, 62 year old (my age today!) showman was not particularly attractive or talented, but he had a gift for spotting talent. With the Beatles, he hit the jackpot. When Paul counted off the first tune, and the band kicked into “All My Loving”, followed by five more songs that night, there was no turning back.
In all, over 74 million people tuned in to the Ed Sullivan Show, to the tune of over 60% of American homes. It was said even the crime rate dropped during that hour between 8 and 9pm. Millions formed bands the next day. Dozens of rock stars whose names you know today would go on to make their own mark in rock history, and would point back to February 9, 1964 as the date that marked the turning point in their musical lives.
It was official. 56 years ago this weekend…
The world became Beatlemaniacs.