If you were glued to the TV on Sunday nights in the ’60s, you probably remember Eydie Gorme’s showstopping performance of “One Note Samba” on The Ed Sullivan Show. This clip from May 26, 1963 captures Eydie at the height of her powers, putting her impressive pipes on full display.
Eydie shimmers in a glitzy gown as she scats and belts her way through this bossa nova classic. Her voice soars effortlessly to an E-flat above high C – a note that would make most coloratura sopranos break a sweat. But Eydie makes it seem easy, never losing her poise or precision.
The jazzy arrangement is the perfect showcase for Eydie’s vocal dexterity. She navigates the syncopated rhythms and tongue-twisting lyrics with playful ease, injecting each line with personality. Her scatting is especially impressive, proving she could use her voice like a finely tuned instrument.
At the time, Eydie and her husband Steve Lawrence were regulars on variety shows and nightclub stages from coast to coast. They were the definition of showbiz royalty, beloved for their talent, glamour and chemistry both on and off stage. Seeing Eydie command the Sullivan stage solo in this number, it’s easy to understand her appeal.
While “One Note Samba” wasn’t a chart hit for Eydie, it became a signature song in her repertoire, and a fan-favorite that has stood the test of time. Composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim, the tune was still a fairly new addition to the American songbook in ’63. But Eydie put her indelible stamp on it with this performance, captured forever on black-and-white videotape.
So set aside six minutes today and let the incomparable Eydie Gorme dazzle you with her “One Note Samba” virtuosity in this classic TV moment.
