50s TV Specials Starring Legendary Performers

The arrival, acceptance, and then dominance of television in the 1950s was phenomenal. Commercial television broadcasting, initiated in 1947 in the United States, signaled that a new medium would influence popular music. The fifties, often called the 'golden age of television,' presented live drama, live comedy, live music, and live variety offerings to an eager audience.

Music programs were a staple of television programming in the 1950s. CBS had Perry Como, Jane Froman, and Jo Stafford, ABC had Guy Mitchell and Pat Boone, while NBC had Dinah Shore, Eddie Fisher, and Tony Martin. Later in the fifties, local and national news programs expanded and began to dominate the early evening schedule and the music shows were extended to a half-hour, moved to prime time, and garnered even larger audiences. By the mid-fifties, top rated musical/variety shows were hosted by popular vocalists.

In addition to the weekly television series featuring popular singers, the networks created one-time musical specials starring the legendary performers of the decade. These exciting, top-notch productions garnered huge ratings for the television networks.

9 LEGENDARY PERFORMERS STARRING IN NETWORK SPECIALS IN THE 50s

The Bing Crosby Show
(CBS) January 3, 1954
Bing Crosby's first variety special featured guest star Jack Benny.

The Judy Garland Show
(CBS) September 24, 1955
Judy Garland made her TV debut on this 'Ford Star Jubilee' musical variety special.

The Maurice Chevalier Show
(NBC) December 4, 1955
Maurice Chevalier's variety special with Marcel Marceau, Jeannie Carson, Pat Carroll.

The Victor Borge Show
(CBS) December 11, 1956
A one-man show by the Danish pianist/humorist.

Ginger Rogers
(CBS) October 15, 1958
Film star Ginger Rogers' variety special with Ray Bolger and the Ritz Brothers.

An Evening with Fred Astaire
(NBC) October 17, 1958
Fred Astaire's first variety special, choreographed by Hermes Pan, featured guest Barrrie Chase.

Magic with Mary Martin / Music with Mary Martin
(NBC) Mar. 29, 1959
Two Mary Martin Easter Sunday specials-one in the afternoon, a second in prime time.

The Gene Kelly Show
(CBS) April 24, 1959
Gene Kelly's music/dance special with Liza Minnelli (then age 13) and Carl Sandburg.

Tonight with Belafonte
(CBS) December 10, 1959
Music variety special with popular singer Harry Belafonte.

More information on 1950s television, singers, and songs can be found at the content-rich website: 50sPopMusic.com and in the definitive reference book "Remembering 1950s EASY-POP Songs and Singers" by Daniel Niemeyer.