The Big Beat (TV program)

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
  1. Altman, Billy (2001). Brooklyn: A State of Mind. Workman Publishing Company. p. 160. ISBN 978-0761116356.
  2. "May 4, 1957…America's First Prime Time Rock n Roll Show Debuts". eyesofageneration.com. May 4, 2016.
  3. 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.
  4. Sagolla, Lisa Jo (September 12, 2011). Rock 'n' Roll Dances of the 1950s. Performing Arts. p. 74. ISBN 978-0313365560.
  5. "Moondog's Final Sign Off". WSJ. 20 January 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
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