Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – July 12, 2026
Before becoming a legendary television host, Ed Sullivan began his career as a sportswriter and sports editor for several New York newspapers, including the New York Graphic and the New York Daily News.
Throughout the 23-year run of his Sunday night variety show, Sullivan welcomed many legendary sports icons. His guests included Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, and Willie Mays, often bringing them on stage to give demonstrations or share career highlights.-
Four times during the late 50s, Sullivan honored an elite tennis player who, in addition to being applauded for her tennis prowess, blessed Sullivan’s audience with her talents as a songstress.
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Our featured singer’s television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, coincided with her rising fame after making history as the first African American to win the Wimbledon singles title – 69 years ago in 1957. She also won the title again the following year along with the U.S. Nationals (the precursor to the U.S. Open). Her name was Althea Gibson.
At a time when racism and prejudice were widespread in sports and in society, Gibson was often compared to Jackie Robinson. “Her road to success was a challenging one,” said tennis pro Billie Jean King “but I never saw her back down.”
“I am honored to have followed in such great footsteps,” wrote Venus Williams. “Her accomplishments set the stage for my success, and through players like me and Serena and many others to come, her legacy will live on.”
In 1964, at the age of 37, Gibson also became the first Black player to compete in the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
During her 1957 appearance on the Sullivan show, she notably sang “Tennis Star,” and in her subsequent 1958 and 1959 appearances, she performed a variety of songs such as “So Much To Live For,” and “I Should Care.”
Her last performance was on August 23, 1959. Promoting her new album “Althea Gibson Sings,” she gave a stirring rendition of “When You’re Smiling” and it’s this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
YouTube listing of the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgD8SUWT51I
This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.
