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  • Essay / A Nation That Was Shaken: How The Ed Sullivan Show...

    The power of television is strong and unavoidable. Television has the ability to draw people in and see the world from a perspective that one might think unimaginable. After the end of World War II in 1945, sales of electronic devices exploded and more and more families began to gather in front of the television in the evening to watch very famous television shows. Specifically, The Ed Sullivan Show was known for its plethora of celebrities and emerging artists. The popularity of the show allowed a small-town artist to become a huge success, especially Elvis Presley who was "something new under the sun" (Altschuler 30). Teenagers, however, viewed television as an escape and a look into the unknown and intriguing world of African American culture. Thanks to the extreme recognition of the Ed Sullivan Show, the power of the media and the fascination with African-American culture, Elvis Presley's success skyrocketed and made him one of the most famous artists in all-timer whose fame has become a source of inspiration for many. sales increased, as did entertainment. Edward Sullivan, also known as Ed, was hired to be the host of his own Sunday night variety show in 1948, originally named Toast of the Town, but was later changed to The Ed Sullivan Show. From the beginning of the series until its end in 1971, its popularity soared and people were drawn in every night to see what Ed Sullivan would do or say next. One of the many factors that contributed to the show's success was the abundance of different and unlikely guests. Sullivan has featured guests ranging from emerging artists to already famous Hollywood celebrities. Among his top guests were the Beatles, Walt Disney and Julie Andrews (Sundays with Sullivan). Not only... middle of paper... was another Elvis, and there will never be another person like him” (Klein 294). Elvis was unlike any other artist in the world. The success and music of this talented man will remain among the best in history. Elvis inspired an entire generation and globally transformed the way we see and listen to music today. John Lennon’s son, John Lennon Jr., even states, “Before Elvis, there was nothing” (Klein 291). However, without the help of the Ed Sullivan Show, Elvis' influence could not have spread across the country. Television still has this impact in today's society. New artists and emerging celebrities are discovered through the world of social and mass media. Today's generation relies on the power of mass media and social media to express their opinions, thoughts and creativity. Without it, this world would be stuck in a non-innovative and non-expressive culture..