‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ YouTube Channel Spotlights Jazz In April 2021

The Ed Sullivan Show’s official YouTube channel continues to feature full segments from across the entertainment spectrum, focusing on jazz appreciation throughout April. The Ed Sullivan Show channel celebrates appearances by Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington with Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Louis Armstrong, and Woody Herman And His Orchestra, plus playlists for Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Jazz Music with Dave Brubeck Quartet, Gene Krupa, Nat King Cole Trio and more.

Established by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 2021 marks the 20th year of Jazz Appreciation Month, which celebrates the cultural and historic impact of jazz music. The Ed Sullivan Show brought jazz music to millions of American television viewers and has been acknowledged for its pioneering jazz appearances by the Library of Congress, which described the popular show as “a landmark television program, and unquestionably one of the most important chronicles of mid-20th century popular culture.” The Ed Sullivan Show was frequently international in scope, including Jazz performers who enjoyed worldwide acclaim.

Jazz appreciation on The Ed Sullivan Show YouTube channel kicks off today with Benny Goodman (“I Want To Be Happy”) and Louis Armstrong (“When It’s Sleepy Time Down South”). On Friday, rarities such as W.C. Handy’s 1949 performance of “St. Louis Blues,” Lionel Hampton (“How High The Moon”) and a rousing segment by Turk Murphy & Dixieland Brass Band performing “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home” make their premiere. The weekend continues on Saturday with Louis Armstrong (“On The Sunny Side Of The Street”), Pete Fountain (“Tiger Rag”), Count Basie with Joe Williams (“Roll ‘Em Pete”), Gene Krupa (“Sing, Sing, Sing”) and Glenn Miller Orchestra/Ray McKinley (“In The Mood”). On Sunday, April 4, look for Erroll Garner (“Misty”) and Louis Armstrong (“Muskrat Ramble”).

The Ed Sullivan Show YouTube channel also features Louis Armstrong’s many appearances, including a 1956 performance of “Basin Street Blues.” Additional jazz segments include Harry James Band (“Lester Leaps In”), Woody Herman And His Orchestra (“Caldonia”) and, closing the month, performances by Louis Armstrong with Duke Ellington.

Throughout its historic 23-year primetime run (1948-1971), The Ed Sullivan Show brought the hottest performances from around the world and introduced emerging talent to America’s living rooms every Sunday night. The show featured some of the earliest or first televised performances of music superstars including Stevie Wonder, The Band, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Jackson 5, The Mamas and The Papas, The Supremes, and The Rolling Stones.

Among the voluminous gems in this vast catalog are iconic clips most of which have not been seen in decades. UMe uploads new videos daily, including scores of rarities available digitally for the first time, to The Ed Sullivan Show’s official YouTube channel and Ed Sullivan’s official website both newly updated.