This day in 1956: Elvis Presley made his first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He sang four songs, including “Love Me Tender” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” shot only from the waist up (because of his naughty hip movements). Charles Laughton was hosting in place of Sullivan, who was recuperating from an auto accident.

Ed Sullivan, never a fan of controversy, had already refused an offer to hire Elvis for $5,000. Even as he professed to the press that Elvis was ‘not his cup of tea’, Ed Sullivan had already begun negotiations with Elvis’ agent, Colonel Tom Parker. His hesitation cost him heavily, however. He would end up agreeing to shell out $50,000 for three appearances, an unprecedented sum.

The September 9th show reached 82.6 percent of the TV audience.