58 Years Ago: Elvis Presley Makes His First Appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show [VIDEO]

September 9, 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Watch the the iconic moment and take a look at some interesting facts about the momentous occasion.

• Ed Sullivan initially refused to book Elvis for his show calling his performances "unfit for family viewing."
• Elvis was booked on the Ed Sullivan Show after his appearance on the Steve Allen Show was so successful, for the first time ever, Allen had more viewers than Sullivan.
• The night Elvis appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, Charles Laughton was guest hosting the show and did the introduction.
• Even though the Ed Sullivan Show was taped in New York, Elvis performed his segments in California because he was filming the movie, "Love Me Tender" and sang the title track on the show.
• After the performance, there were one million advance orders for the single, 'Love Me Tender.'
• $50,000 was the amount Ed Sullivan paid Elvis for three performances on his show.
• 60 million viewers or 82.6 of the television audience watched the Ed Sullivan Show the night Elvis Presley performed.
• Besides 'Love Me Tender' Elvis also performed 'Don't Be Cruel.'

[Wikipedia]