Video: 'Bo Diddley - Ed Sullivan Show 1955'

(Sunday, November 20, 1955, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — Bo Diddley performed “Bo Diddley” on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City.

Video: 'Bo Diddley "Bo Diddley" on The Ed Sullivan Show'

Diddley had been asked to sing Tennessee Ernie Ford’s hit “Sixteen Tons,” which he agreed. But while the show was on air, he changed his mind and sang his eponymous single “Bo Diddley.”

Video: 'Willis "Gator" Jackson - The Ed Sullivan Show (November 20th, 1955)'

Diddley’s performance was part of a revue of rhythm & blues acts introduced by Tommy “Dr. Jive” Smalls, a New York disc jockey, which also included Willis “Gater Tail” Jackson & his Band.

Video: 'Cesare Siepi "'Na voce, 'na chitarra e 'o poco 'e luna" on The Ed Sullivan Show'

Caesari Siepe of the Met opera also performed on the live telecast, singing “‘Na voce, ‘na chitarra e ‘o poco ‘e luna” and “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.”

Video: 'Cesare Siepi "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" on The Ed Sullivan Show'