Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Keith McCord reporting It's called rock and roll's biggest TV moment, and it happened 40 years ago today.
The Beatles took America by storm, performing for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show.
A just-released DVD called, "The Beatles First U.S. Visit", chronicles their every move.
From the airport, the cab ride, even hanging around their hotel room watching news reports about themselves.
What was it about three guitar players and a drummer from Liverpool that fascinated so many people? Even they didn't know then...
Question: "What does your music do to people?"
Ringo: "Pleases them I think. Must be. They're buying it."
Question: "Why does it excite them so much?"
Ringo: "We don't know, really."
But 40 years ago, the Ed Sullivan show made them famous.
More than 70 million people watched the TV program in the U-S-- a record for the time. It was one of those events, where fans remember exactly where they were when they witnessed this piece of music history.
And, fans back then, are still fans today.
Phil Willden of Sandy has turned his basement into a "Beatle Room". Posters, photos, light switches.. even those Russian-carved dolls.
It's all Beatles all the time down here!
When you go see Rusty Anderson, there's no doubt she's a fan. Her car has a personalized license plate; On the back window, the Fab Four are etched onto the glass!
Her living room is filled with Beatle stuff. She too has been a collector for years.
"There's books, there's watches, there's movies, there's more movies, more books..."
Rusty Anderson and Phil Whillden are like so many Beatle fans, who say even though it's been 40-years-- they remember the first TV performance like it was yesterday!
And fun to reminisce about even today.
Phil Willden/ Beatle Fan: "Yeah, there's an element of nostalgia to it. And I certainly don't need to sing the praises of the Beatles. They stand on their own merits. Yeah, it was a happy time of my life."
How much did the Beatles make that night? Ed Sullivan paid them $3,500!
