Jimmy Lloyd, a singer from Trinidad, makes his first appearance on 'Six-Five Special' on November 30th 1957.
Six-Five Special burst onto the television on Saturday evening, 16 February 1957. It was the first programme to fill the silent space in the schedules between six and seven - known as the toddler's truce – a time when parents could put their children to bed. Six-Five Special appealed to a young audience, and the Radio Times promised "plenty of music, in the modern manner, with rock’n’roll, skiffle groups, traditional jazz, featuring top music groups and soloists". The show was originally scheduled for just six weeks, but its success led to a two year run.
By simply showing the youthful studio audience dancing and reacting to the music, Six-Five Special was a major development in music television. It was produced by Jack Good with Josephine Douglas, who presented it with Pete Murray. Good's attempts to create an atmosphere of excitement were hampered by the inclusion of other items in the programme; the first show featured boxing and film star Lisa Gastoni. However - in its time - Six-Five Special featured early appearances by the likes of Cliff Richard, Marty Wilde and Adam Faith.
Six-Five Special provided the template for many succeeding music shows, notably Top of The Pops. Good himself left the BBC – frustrated at the restrictions placed on his ideas – and went on to create Oh Boy! On the BBC, Six-Five Special contributed to the idea of Saturday evening as a night of great viewing for the whole family.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971