The Beatles Come to America—And American TV

The Beatles (foreground) arriving at Kennedy Airport on February 7, 1964. Left to right, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

Sixty years ago this week, the Beatles flew across the Atlantic. When they touched down at New York’s Kennedy Airport, they were greeted by thousands of screaming fans. It was the first visit to the United States by the British singing sensation.

Two nights later, on February 9, 1964, an estimated 73 million Americans tuned into “The Ed Sullivan Show” to watch the Beatles perform. This is usually considered the group’s first appearance on American television.

The Beatles performing on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Drummer Ringo Starr is obscured behind John Lennon.

According to NBC News, the Beatles’ American television debut actually was almost three months earlier. On November 18, 1963, the network’s “Huntley-Brinkley Report” featured a four-minute story on the British lads. The reporter was a somewhat skeptical Edwin Newman. Although focusing on the crowds of young fans, the segment included a few snippets of the group in performance. Video footage is not available, but you can hear the report here.

Earlier in 1963, the popular “American Bandstand” played a song or two of the Beatles. The dancers on the set were lukewarm, and some laughed when they saw a picture of the long-haired quartet.

The story of the Beatles’ American debut is not in New York City Firsts, but the Beatles do appear in the book. On August 15, 1965, the group played at a sold-out Shea Stadium. It was the first rock concert in a stadium. Read about it and two other Shea concerts with members of the Beatles in New York City Firsts.