"Music Scene" (1969) TV series 1969-1970

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

22 September 1969 (USA)

Genre:

Music

Cast

David Steinberg	...	Himself - Host (14 episodes, 1969-1970)
Chris Bokeno	...	Herself - Host (6 episodes, 1969)
Larry Hankin	...	Himself - Host (6 episodes, 1969)
Paul Reid Roman	...	Himself - Host (6 episodes, 1969)
Christopher Ross	...	Himself - Host (6 episodes, 1969)
Lily Tomlin	...	Herself - Host (6 episodes, 1969)

Runtime:

45 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White (early episodes) | Color (later episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

USA:TV-G

Company:

Harris/Fritz Productions

Trivia:

The show began with six co-hosts (David Steinberg, Chris Bokeno, Larry Hankin, Paul Reid Roman, Christopher Ross and Lily Tomlin) who would also do comedic skits between musical numbers. This format lasted for 6 episodes. Beginning with the first episode in November, David Steinberg became the sole host with different special guest hosts. Unfortunately, this format change did not bring new viewers, and the show was canceled less than three months later.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Reflections of Evil (2002)

An Updated Version of Shindig

This was one of the more interesting attempts to put rock and roll on prime time. In fact, the first episode featured performances by both the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, however the Beatles appearance was nothing more than a promotional film. However, this was a show that not only featured rock and roll, but it even featured "old fogies" like Moms Mabley, Pete Seeger and Della Reese. Also, this was the fist show to showcase the talents of a young David Steinberg and a young Lily Tomlin. Too bad that it had a couple of things that helped to ensure its short run. One is the fact that it ran not only opposite "Gunsmoke", but it also ran opposite "Rowan and Martin's Laugh In". Ironically, Lily Tomlin would achieve her first big success on "Laugh-In". Another thing that helped seal its fate was its unusual running time. Usually, most shows run a half an hour to an hour. However, this show ran for 45 minutes, which probably worked against it. Too bad though. With all those factors running against it it wound up killing what could have been a great show.