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 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[3] 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".[4]

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. Sagolla, Lisa Jo (September 12, 2011). Rock 'n' Roll Dances of the 1950s. Performing Arts. p. 74. ISBN 0313365563.
  4. "Moondog's Final Sign Off". WSJ. 20 January 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.

[[Category:Pop music television series]

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