The Big Beat is an American music and dance television program broadcast on the ABC Network in 1957. [1] It was hosted by Alan Freed, and subsequently by Richard Hayes. The program debuted on May 4, 1957, four months before American Bandstand, making it the United States' "first nationally-televised rock 'n roll dance show". [2]
The show was broadcast on Fridays from 10 to 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Guest stars included Connie Francis, the Everly Brothers, Don Rondo, Andy Williams, Chuck Berry, Bobby Darin, Fats Domino, Clyde McPhatter, Gogi Grant, and Jerry Lee Lewis. [3]
The fourth episode caused an uproar 1957 when it showed Frankie Lymon, a black teen star, dancing with a white woman. [1] Two more episodes were aired [4] but the show was suddenly cancelled. A local version continued on WNEW-TV New York.
The Wall Street Journal summarized the end of the program as follows. "Four episodes into “The Big Beat,” Freed’s prime-time TV music series on ABC, the show was canceled after black singer Frankie Lymon was seen on TV dancing with a white audience member". [5]
References
- ^ a b Altman, Billy (2001). Brooklyn: A State of Mind. Workman Publishing Company. p. 160. ISBN 978-0761116356.
- ^ "May 4, 1957…America's First Prime Time Rock n Roll Show Debuts". eyesofageneration.com. May 4, 2016.
- ^ Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (1999). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present (7th ed.). New York: The Ballentine Publishing Group. p. 97. ISBN 0-345-42923-0.
- ^ Sagolla, Lisa Jo (September 12, 2011). Rock 'n' Roll Dances of the 1950s. Performing Arts. p. 74. ISBN 978-0313365560.
- ^ "Moondog's Final Sign Off". WSJ. 20 January 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.