“On this day 36 years ago, SNL broadcast its first episode ever!! In hindsight it’s easy to see that that first show, which was hosted by George Carlin, with music by Janis Ian and Billy Preston, a performance by Andy Kaufman and a cast that included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner, was the start of something special.” From The Saturday Night Live Website
It is amazing to think that there was a time before SNL. I remember in high school when at parties we would all gather around the TV to watch the latest episode. They were all new back then, so there were no repeats.
I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the great musicians that have performed on SNL. Of course there are so many this will only be a very small sample.
Here is the full list on Rate Your Music from A-Z.
Adele, Aerosmith, Akon, Adam Ant and Marc Anthony are some listed under “A”.
Terrence Trent Darby, Death Cab For Cutie, Miles Davis, Dixie Chicks and Bob Dylan under ”D”.
Janet Jackson, Joe Jackson, Mick Jagger, Jamiroquai, Jan’s Addiction and Jewel under “J”.
Billy Idol, India.Arie, Chris Isaak and Janis Ian (who performed on the first show!) from “I”.
Sade, Scissor Sisters, Gil Scot-Heron, Seal, Tupac Shakur and Taylor Swift from the letter “S”.
Faith No More, Bryan Ferry, Aretha Franklin and Nelly Furtado from the “F” list.
U2, UB40, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Usher from the land of “U”.
Willie Nelson, Nirvana, No Doubt and Gary Numan from the “N” category.
This is just a small sample that is not totally random (if you can figure out my rhyme and reason).
Thirty-six years of artists risking embarrassment and screw-ups performing live into tvland on a major network. When this ‘experiment’ first started, it was considered very cutting-edge, controversial and completely alternative, especially from NBC. I still remember the controversy stirred by Sinead O’Connor on SL, which was originally titled NBC’s Saturday Night. So many years and performers. A professional full-time DJ pays homage to a group of very talented writers, actors and musicians.
What was your favorite SNL musical performance?