Filmed on The Ed Sullivan Show on April 16, 1961, Pearl Bailey sings I Can’t Give You Anything But Love. In addition to being a star of stage, screen, and nightclubs around the globe, Bailey was a regular guest and a favorite on Sullivan’s show, appearing 23 times in the show’s 23 years (1948 to 1971). Via EdSullivan.com:
Her charm was so irresistible, she was able to get the usually straight-laced Sullivan to let loose and have a little fun on stage with her.
She also won a Tony for her portrayal of Dolly Gallagher Levi in all-Black production of Hello, Dolly! in 1968, and was an entertainer with the USO for almost 50 years.
Via Wikipedia, “in the 100-most recorded songs from 1890 to 1954, “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby” (1928) is No. 24.” But who wrote it? “Mystery now surrounds the composition credits…”
Watch these Sullivan performances next:
• Love Me Or Leave Me performed by Nina Simone
• Billy Preston with Ray Charles: Agent Double O Soul (1967)
• Ella Fitzgerald with Duke Ellington: It Don’t Mean A Thing (1965)
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