Friday Night Fun: 43rd Anniversary of the Beatles First Appearance on Ed Sullivan

My first vivid memory as a child is watching JFK’s funeral on television. The next one occurred less than three months later when the Beatles appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Of course, I wasn’t alone that night. It is estimated that 73 million Americans watched the show that evening, exactly 43 years ago, representing 45 percent of the population at that time.

Pretty astounding.

Any way, without further ado, here is the video of that amazing night (h/t Hot Air). I hope it puts a tear in your eye, and as big a smile on your face as it does me. Watching this, I feel four years old again, without a care in the world, and nothing but a limitless future ahead of me.

How 'bout you?

*****Update: For a little trivia, February 9, 1964 was not the first time the Beatles appeared on American television. Jack Parr had shown a clip of them a few weeks before. Video here.

*****Update II: From the following week on Ed Sullivan I believe. Video here.

*****Update III: The Beatles' first concert in America was days later in Washington, D.C. Videos here, here and here.

*****Update IV: Interview with Murray the K the night the Beatles arrived in America. Video here.