In 1965, when CBS aired “It’s What’s Happening, Baby,” 20 million TV viewers, mostly teens, watched one of the most spectacular rock n’ roll shows ever, and it’s airing again, tomorrow night, Sat March 6, on PBS.
The original 90-minutes special was commissioned by the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity to combat poverty and encourage youth across America to seek summer employment while out of school; CBS picked up production costs, and top NYC DJ Murray the K, dubbed the 5th Beatle, was MC.
The roster is a “Who’s Who” of rock, pop and soul history: The Supremes, Dionne Warwick, Ray Charles, The Righteous Brothers, The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Rivers, Herman’s Hermits, The Temptations, The Ronettes, Martha and The Vandellas, Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Four Tops, and more.
Tomorrow night. Check your local PBS station for times.