Bo Diddley on the Ed Sullivan Show Nov 20, 1955 (introduced by Dr. Jive)

This is for you, Bob SnakeShaker!

Legend says that Bo and the band were backstage on the Ed Sullivan Show rehearsing to "16 Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford. Ed Sullivan heard them and wanted them to play that song on his show. Well, Bo had a number 1 song out: "Bo Diddley", and he wanted to play it. I guess Bo was gonna play both songs but Mr. Sullivan only wanted to hear 1 song from him-"16 Tons"! Whatever happen, Bo plays his hit song instead and then backstage, Ed Sullivan goes berserk! It is said that he told Bo that Bo was the 1st "colored boy"(do you think those were that the words?) to double-cross him! There may have been more words but Bo got pissed and was about to punch out Ed Sullivan had it not been for Bo's manager! Keep in mind Bo used to be a teenage Golden Gloves Boxer. Bo said in a later interview that his manager said "But Bo, this is Ed Sullivan!" Bo said: "I told him I didn’t care who he was, that I was gonna bust (Sullivan’s) lip if he said another word. That guy was a control freak.”
Anyway, according to Bo, he was cheated out some of his purse that night by Ed Sullivan. Bo was banned for life from appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show-but Bo was already becoming an even bigger sensation across the world!
R&B, Rock & Roll were still fairly new as you can see Mr. Sullivan struggle with the name of Dr. Jive's Rhythm and Blues Reveue. Dr. Jive had a radio show that played in Harlem, NY in the 1950's; it featured Jazz, Blues. R & B, Soul, and yes Rock and Roll. Bo is the 1st act; Google "Dr Jive" video's to see the rest of the acts-pay special attention to the LAST ACT! Enjoy!