Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan

As a child, I was raised on the Ed Sullivan Show and it was because of his many Black guests and artists that I realized that I was Black. With only the "Amos and Andy" representation on national television, which I could not relate to and my being light-skin, I thought I was white even though my family represented many cultures and races. Programmed to believe that Black folks did not have nor deserve a presence in this country, Ed Sullivan did something about it. "Leave It To Beaver" was not my brother. "Donna Reed Show" was not my mother. To be brave enough in spite of the naysayers, he accomplished what many were afraid to. Music heals and music, much like a buffet, offered us a variety of complex emotions to just plain feel good vibes. It's all documented in this documentary. I only wish Ed was alive to see this. Thumbs up to this production and its crew.

Even though I've heard Ed Sullivan's name for as long as I can remember, when I became aware of this documentary I realized I knew almost nothing about him. After an hour and twenty minutes, I still don't know a lot.

The producers chose to focus almost exclusively on Mr. Sullivan's contribution to tearing down racial barriers in the US. I didn't realize that he had done as much, or had been so resolute about it, so that was indeed enlightening.

But we're talking about a man who introduced The Beatles to the US, and played a big part in Elvis Presley's growing popularity as well. And these are just the two things I knew about him going into the documentary-- I'm sure there are more.

But we didn't get to hear about those. The Beatles and Elvis were given their requisite minute (or less) of screen time, and then it was back to more commentary about racial strife in the country during the time The Ed Sullivan Show was on the air.

If the title of this effort accurately reflected its content, I would call it a good documentary. But I went into it expecting to learn more about the man and his show, and in the end all I learned was how committed he was to ending racial inequality.

From this documentary, it's clear that was very important to him. But that's obviously that's not all the man was about. Sadly, we didn't get to learn about the other aspects of his life from this presentation.

I'm glad I watched it, but I wouldn't watch it again. I came away wishing I knew more about him than was shown here, and to me that makes this effort a somewhat disappointing watch.

This documentary should definitely be a 10/10! It never ceases to amaze me to see how the power of GOOD music can bring people together...a nation together! Thanks to Mr. Sullivan, the nation experienced the power of music of various genres by Black Americans, loved by people of all races and backgrounds. Beautiful!

I wasn't around for The Ed Sullivan Show, but I always heard his name being tied to the Beatles and Elvis. What surprised me was how much he did for Black artists at a time when they didn't have many chances to be seen. He made sure groups like The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and so many others got the spotlight they deserved. He had a particular eye for talent.

I also learned that he grew up in Harlem and faced discrimination as an Irish-American, which may have helped shape his perspective and his drive in the entertainment world. As someone who didn't know much about this part of music history, the film was really eye opening. Honestly, I wish we had something like his show today.

How television's first presenter, Ed Sullivan, changed the very fabric of the USA by having Black musicians appear on his high rating show, opening doors nationwide for these artists during a time of segregation and injustice. There are great performances from James Brown, The Supremes, Jackie Wilson, plus a very young, Stevie Wonder, and even a much younger Michael Jackson with his older siblings. Every great music artist from the fifties and sixties made an impact on one of the greatest variety show. A well structured and uplifting documentary on an influential humanitarian who saw all humans as equal, and never took a step back...