As we begin to end a year filled with amazing performances, anniversaries, history, and nostalgia, we wanted to highlight the Top 10 video releases from The Ed Sullivan Show in 2024. Not only did these clips blow fans away, but it brought them back to a simpler time when their favorite artists were making their way up the entertainment ranks. We hope you enjoy these performances and can’t wait to bring you more amazing videos in the New Year.
See our Top 50 Videos of 2024 playlist for the full list.
On May 26, 1957, Jayne Mansfield made her debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing alongside a quartet of violinists who accompanied her rendition of “Concerto No. 6 in A Minor.” This marked her onscreen violin debut, a hobby she had nurtured since childhood. During the introduction, Ed Sullivan mentioned that Mansfield’s mother had enrolled her in violin lessons as a child. That same year, she starred in the Broadway show Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?, a major success that helped solidify her reputation as a versatile actress capable of transitioning between film, theater, and television.
On January 27, 1963, The Kim Sisters made their 6th appearance on the show. They opened the episode with a banjo medley of songs including “Five Foot Two Eyes Of Blue”, “Baby Face”, and “Bye Bye Blues”. That same year they made four more Ed Sullivan Show appearances while also performing in Las Vegas along with their charting songs, making them one of the most successful and influential acts of the early 1960s.
On May 30, 1965, The Animals made their third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show alongside an amazing lineup of artists including Wayne Newton, Connie Francis, Anthony Newley, Jackie Vernon, Carol Lawrence, and many others. That episode, The Animals performed “Bright Lights, Big City” and “Bring It On Home To Me” inside of a zoo set implying that they were in fact The Animals. That same year, the group released their album The Animals on Tour in 1965, which featured several hits and live performances.
On August 14, 1966, The Animals made their 6th and final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. The band performed Sam Cooke’s “Shake”, bringing their own rock-and-roll energy to the soul classic. The group also performed their own original, “Don’t Bring Me Down”, which was a significant track in their discography and exemplified their blues-rock style during the mid-60s. The Animals appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show not only played a big part in the British Invasion but it cemented themselves as a crowd favorite among the rock ‘n’ roll greats.
On February 2, 1964, Sammy Davis Jr. took to The Ed Sullivan Show stage alongside Ella Fitzgerald. Before coming together on stage they each performed medleys individually, with Fitzgerald singing a beautiful medley of love songs and Sammy performing a medley of songs from the Broadway hit, West Side Story. At the end of the show, Ed Sullivan gave a very well rounded introduction to the duo before they performed a rendition of “S’Wonderful” from the show, Funny Girl.
On October 8, 1961, Maureen O’Hara showcased her vocal talent with a stunning rendition of “Hello Young Lovers,” the classic song from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. Best known for her extensive acting career, O’Hara often portrayed passionate yet sensible heroines in Westerns, adventure films, and cult classics like the original Parent Trap. The popularity of this video offered a glimpse into her lesser-known but remarkable range of talents.
On May 26, 1963, Eydie Gormé delivered a stunning performance of the bossa nova classic “One Note Samba” on The Ed Sullivan Show. She opened her rendition with a challenging high E-flat above high C, a feat that any professional vocalist knows is no easy task. Known for her velvety voice, and sophisticated style, Gormé infused the song with her signature charm and a touch of playful scat singing. As a celebrated solo artist and one-half of the iconic duo with her husband, Steve Lawrence, it’s no surprise that this performance resonated with audiences.
This clip of Paul Anka became one of our top-performing videos of the year. His fun performance of “Dance On Little Girl” on December 17, 1961, continues to capture the attention of today’s fans, perhaps because Anka still remains active in the industry touring around the world. With a career that has spanned over 60 years, from teen idol to seasoned performer, Anka continues to showcase his timeless talent and appeal.
This clip of Freddie and the Dreamers became one of our top-performing videos of the year. Their quirky and comedic performance of “You Were Made For Me” on The Ed Sullivan Show on April 25, 1965, continues to delight audiences to this day. As key figures in the British Invasion, Freddie and the Dreamers were known not only for their pop hits but also for their charismatic personalities and comedic charm, creating unforgettable memories and a lasting legacy of music and fun.
This clip of the Chad Mitchell Trio became one of our top-performing videos of the year. Their harmonious rendition of “Blowing in the Wind” on The Ed Sullivan Show on March 17, 1963, aired just before the song climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It makes you wonder if their performance on Ed’s stage helped boost the song’s popularity. This early version was one of the first many listeners heard, introducing them to a track that would become one of the most covered folk songs in history.