From the birth of Rock and Roll until 1971, The Ed Sullivan Show was the spot for singers and bands that wanted control. The impact of the variety show was huge as a band had the ability to capture mainstream viewers. It was appointment TV on Sundays from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you name a band from that era, they either played the show or were bitter that their label couldn’t get them on the stage. Rock ‘N’ Roll Forever -Ed Sullivan’s Greatest Hits features performances from major musical acts of the era including Elvis, the Beatles and the Jackson Five.
Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas narrates this compilation. Things open with the Jackson 5 who were just getting started toward stardom during the end of Ed Sullivan’s run. Diana Ross is in the audience for Michael and his brother’s big performance. Bill Haley and his Comets give us the song that broke the genre with “Rock Around the Clock.” They had an accordion in the band. Things really get cranked up when Elvis Presley arrived on the stage. How big was it? Sixty million people tuned into the show. They have him doing “Don’t Be Cruel” when he couldn’t be filled from his waist down. The studio audience goes nuts for his gyrations. We just forward a decade for the arrival of The Doors when Jim Morrison wrapped in leather refused to change the lyrics to “Light My Fire.” The band is banned by Sullivan from appearing again. Ray Charles arrives with his large band and the Raylettes to give us “What’d I Say.” Jackie Wilson glows with “Lonely Teardrops.” He does smooth twirl that you’ll rewind. James Brown pleads “Please, Please, Please.” This includes the classic cape moment at the end. Roy Oribson with his trademark shades gives us “Pretty Woman.” I like that his band is standing on giant radio components.
The second huge moment for Ed Sullivan was the arrival of The Beatles on his show. They rivaled Elvis in the ratings for their three appearances at the studio. “I Saw Her Standing There” features Ed Sullivan introducing the 4 Mop Tops to America. Motown provides a brilliant team up of The Supremes and The Temptations performing “(I Know) I’m Losing You.” Diana Ross takes the lead. The Loving Spoonful brings the folk rock with “Do You Believe In Magic.” The producers get goofy by having the band disappear on stage. There’s also a dog that lets the audience give out a weird noise. The Mamas and the Papas turns the stage into a hippie house. Ed even wears love beads before they do “Monday, Monday.” Creedence Clearwater Revival” crank up “Fortunate Son.” Ed has his own groovy sideburns at that point. The Young Rascals dressed up as kids from the Little Rascals do “Good Lovin.” Janis Joplin makes her only appearance on the show for a soulful “Maybe.” Ed Sullivan wishes us all a goodnight at the end.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Forever -Ed Sullivan’s Greatest Hits is an exceptional collection of highlights from the show without having to sit through puppets and plate spinning. Ed had those people on a lot. Michelle Phillips’ short introductions are good in case you somehow have forgotten the Young Rascals and others. This is a fantastic collection for those wanting a piece of the landmark nights that Ed Sullivan once hosted.
The Video is 1.37:1 full frame. This was how the were broadcasted into your grandparents’ living room. The Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1. Although the bands were recorded in mono back when the show aired.
No bonus features.
Sofa Home Entertainment presents Rock ‘N’ Roll Forever -Ed Sullivan’s Greatest Hits. Starring Ed Sullian, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Michelle Phillips. Running Time: 51 minutes. Rating: Unrated. Release Date: June 9, 2026.
