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Elvis 1956 - September 9, First Ed Sullivan Show - by Paul Belard Reviewed by Nigel Patterson, June 2020
(Note: this book was edited by the reviewer prior to its publication)
The latest photo-book by Paul Belard showcases just one night in Elvis’ storied career, his first appearance on America’s top rating entertainment program, The Ed Sullivan Show (Toast of the Town) on September 9, 1956. It was an appearance that stunned TV viewers, with the sixty million Americans watching either spellbound or shocked, as a gyrating Elvis made a sensational debut on the country's most popular programme. Paul Belard writes that it ‘is the day that rock ‘n’ roll truly established itself as the ascendant and unstoppable musical force in America and the world’.
While Elvis’ third appearance on the Sullivan Show is more remembered, due to him being filmed “from the waist up”, it is his first appearance that broke television viewing records. As Paul Belard states,
Belard also observes, ‘...at the time of Elvis’ appearance critics viewed him as obscene and vulgar. And even during Elvis’ first appearance, the reaction of his female fans in the audience led to the cameraman finding tighter shots of Elvis on stage.
The vehemence intrinsic to the public controversy around Elvis in 1956 is reflected in another article, Ed Sullivan Challenged on ‘Good Taste’ for Elvis Presley TV Intrusion In Homes. Written by Monsignor John S. Kennedy, it includes:
The article also quotes New York Times columnist, Jack Gould, who opined:
Ed Sullivan was interviewed about Elvis’ appearance on his show and had a very different view:
As with other Belard photo-books, it is the visual element that dominates.
The majority of the images are black and white and number around 200. Most are sourced from AP/Museum of Television & Radio. Given they were filmed almost seven decades ago, several images are quite dark and this is arguably not helped by the black page border (a white border might be a better choice to improve the appearance of lower quality images). This issue is not evident with any of the colorised images, which have a strong visual resonance.
Overall, there is a visual feast on offer. Starting with the great front cover image, the highlights include:
p49: a full length shot of a “very cool” King of Rock ‘n Roll
p61: a seated Elvis surrounded by a bevy of his adoring female fans (you wonder just what he is thinking)
p73: a colorised image of the “Menace from Memphis” (the original b&w image taken from a Rave magazine article, “The 7 Sins of Elvis Presley” (arguing Elvis is evil!)
p79: an unusual live on stage image
p97: a darkened, lonely stage and a lonesome cowboy
p114: Elvis, in the make-up room, having his face “brushed”
p124: a great, well framed and clear image of Elvis and the Blue Moon Boys
p143: Elvis holding the curtain at the stage edge – is he about to jump into the audience?
p177: an overly colorised, but nevertheless, striking, cover image of the TV Radio Mirror edition featuring Elvis
The visual element is nicely complemented by an array of important and fascinating archival material. Among the historic items are:
Verdict: Elvis 1956 September 9 First Ed Sullivan Show is another strong release by Paul Belard. Elvis historians and researchers will especially appreciate the fine archival record it offers with hundreds of visuals and primary source material of one of the most significant events in the Elvis Presley story. The book is published in softcover (21.5 x 27.5 cms) by Linden Press (ISBN-13: 978-1733922111). The first edition, signed by the author, is limited to 50 copies. Contact the author to order: pbelard@hotmail.com
Review by Nigel Patterson. The Paul Belard Book List (highlighted books reviewed by EIN) Elvis The Gospel Singer Elvis Black and White to Technicolor Elvis March 1956 Elvis April 1956 Elvis May 1956 Elvis Las Vegas April - May 1956 Elvis December 1956 Elvis in Hawaii November 1957 Elvis September 1958 Germany Bound Elvis 1960 Seven Days in March Elvis 1960 March 7 to March 31
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