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BY THE NUMBERS: The Beatles On ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’

One of the biggest events in TV history took place 54 years ago today. After landing at New York’s JFK Airport two days prior, The Beatles made their American television…

The Beatles on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’: By the Numbers

American television host Ed Sullivan smiles while standing with British rock group the Beatles on the set of his television variety series, New York, February 9, 1964. Left to right: Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Sullivan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)

Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images

One of the biggest events in TV history took place 54 years ago today.

After landing at New York’s JFK Airport two days prior, The Beatles made their American television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, and music was never the same.

In honor of this iconic moment in pop culture history, here are some important statistics every music lover should know:

Date of performance: February 9, 1964
Distance from Heathrow Airport to JFK Airport: 3,446 miles
People who tuned in to watch: 73 million
Percentage of American households that tuned in: 45.3%
Songs played: 5 (“All My Loving,” “Till There Was You,” “She Loves You,” “I Saw Her Standing There” and “I Want To Hold Your Hand.”)
Moments in TV history that matches The Beatles On ‘Sullivan’: 0

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights