The Musical Awakening of Steven Van Zandt
On February 9, 1964, The Beatles’ group appearance on <em>The Ed Sullivan Show</em> electrified the nation. Four months later, a young Steven Van Zandt had an “epiphany” while watching <em>The Hollywood Palace</em>, another variety show. That night, singer Dean Martin hosted—and then teased—The Rolling Stones, representing a generational shift. The past met the future, and it opened up new possibilities for an aspiring musician.
The Beatles’ performance on <em>The Ed Sullivan Show</em> and The Rolling Stones’ performance on <em>Hollywood Palace</em>
1964
Steven Van Zandt, musician (E Street Band), actor (The Sopranos), and founder of Rock & Roll Forever Foundation
steven-van-zandt
“Nowhere Man” in Lincoln, Nebraska
Sweet describes stumbling upon a 45 record that altered his perspective on The Beatles. More profoundly, it changed how he understood his place in the world.
"Nowhere Man" by The Beatles
Matthew Sweet, musician based in Omaha, Nebraska
matthew-sweet-nowhere-man