Watch The TV Debut Of The Rolling Stones
via The Rolling Stones/YouTube
On June 13, 1964, The Rolling Stones made their debut on American television. The iconic band performed on Hollywood Palace, a variety show on ABC, marking a key moment in their career and the British Invasion of the U.S. music scene.
Mocked but Unstoppable: The Stones Rocked Despite the Jokes
Hosted by comedian Dean Martin, the evening turned out to be memorable not just for the music, but for the way Martin playfully mocked the band, poking fun at their long hair and unconventional style.
Martin, known for his traditional tastes, didn’t hold back. Throughout the performance, he threw jabs at the band’s appearance and their wild, energetic approach to rock ‘n’ roll, showcasing his disdain for the British wave that was sweeping America at the time. Despite Martin’s teasing, The Rolling Stones powered through their performance, delivering two electrifying covers: Not Fade Away and I Just Want To Make Love To You. Their raw energy and edgy sound left an impression, and their appearance marked a turning point for their success in the U.S.
A New Era for The Stones in America
The Stones’ TV debut coincided with the release of their single Tell Me / I Just Want To Make Love To You in North America. Their first album, England’s Newest Hit Makers, which featured the track, also began climbing the U.S. charts, eventually reaching number 24. This performance helped boost the band’s popularity stateside, setting the stage for their later domination of the rock scene.
Interestingly, the band did not perform Tell Me, their first U.S. single, during this appearance. Instead, they opted for Around and Around and Time is On My Side, the latter of which became a hit. This decision showed the band’s confidence in their covers, and both songs drew their early appeal in the U.S. rock landscape.
This early footage of The Rolling Stones not only captures their rise to fame but also the playful tension between their rebellious style and more conservative media figures like Dean Martin. Despite the jokes, The Stones soon proved they were more than just a passing British fad.
Watch The Rolling Stones’ debut performance in the video below:
