Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive into a little bit of TV history! We're talking about Saturday Night Live, that legendary comedy show that's been making us snort-laugh into our popcorn for decades.
But today, we're not focused on the sketches (though, let's be honest, those are pure gold). Nope, we're on a mission to uncover the identity of the very first musical guest to grace that hallowed stage!
The Big Reveal (It's More Complex Than You Think!)
So, who was it? Was it some hair-band rocker with enough hairspray to keep a small country afloat? Or maybe a disco queen dazzling the audience with her bell-bottoms and killer vocals?
Well, the answer is a little more… nuanced. It’s not just one person, but two!
The Dynamic Duo: Billy Preston & Janis Ian
That's right, folks! The honor of being SNL's inaugural musical guests is shared by the incredibly talented Billy Preston and the soulful Janis Ian. Pretty cool, huh?
Can you imagine the pressure? Opening night for what would become a TV institution? Those two were truly trailblazers. They probably had butterflies the size of small pigeons!
Billy Preston was a total keyboard wizard, plain and simple. He was known for his infectious energy and for playing with *The Beatles*!
Imagine casually jamming with *The Beatles* and then casually opening for *SNL*. Talk about a resume booster!
Janis Ian, on the other hand, brought her powerful voice and poignant songwriting to the mix. She was a folk icon, and her presence added a touch of gravitas to the show's debut.
So, there you have it: not one, but two amazing artists kicking off *SNL's* musical legacy! But wait, there's a twist!
The Plot Thickens!
Here's where it gets a little more complicated: Some folks might argue that Andy Kaufman deserves an honorary mention.
I know, I know, Andy Kaufman wasn’t known for his singing. But, he did perform a few numbers on that first show.
He lip-synced to *Mighty Mouse* and did his Foreign Man character. So you might include him if you're feeling generous!
The Verdict: Celebrate Everyone!
Ultimately, who you consider the "first" musical guest might depend on your own interpretation. Are we strictly talking about musicians who *primarily* sing or play instruments? Or can we include a performance artist who incorporated music into his act?
Regardless, it's a fun little piece of trivia to impress your friends with. So, the next time you're watching *SNL*, remember Billy Preston and Janis Ian.
Raise a glass (or a slice of pizza) to the OG musical guests of *Saturday Night Live*! They helped set the stage for countless musical performances to come!
