On the Ed Sullivan Show – 1950

Stan Kenton Orchestra

Kenton and his big band with Maynard Ferguson and Shelly Manne

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The Stan Kenton Orchestra made its television debut on the Ed Sullivan show of Dec. 3, 1950.

It is a measure of the band’s popularity (and Sullivan’s interest in big band music) that the orchestra had an opportunity to play three songs.

First Sullivan and Stan Kenton (who wears a snazzy outfit) chat a bit and then the Kenton Orchestra performs an uptempo “Lover” (with drummer Shelly Manne being prominent), a showcase for the remarkable high-note trumpet work of the 22-year old Maynard Ferguson (a piece called “Maynard Ferguson”), and an explosive “Viva Prado” featuring drummer Shelly Manne.

Along the way there are also brief spots for tenor-saxophonist Bob Cooper and altoist Bud Shank.

-Scott Yanow

 

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