62 Years Ago Today: Iconic Rock Band Debuted on American Television
It was 62 years ago today that one of the most decorated bands of all time debuted on American television.
June 2 is a monumental date in history and for multiple industries. It was on this day, 73 years ago, that Westminster Abbey held the coronation of Elizabeth II as the Queen of the United Kingdom.
On this day in 1989, Dead Poets Society hit the big screens. And 24 years ago today? Approximately 3.7 million people tuned in to watch "The Target," the series premiere of HBO's The Wire.
Today also marks the 62-year anniversary of a career-changing moment for the Rolling Stones, who arrived in the United States for the first time together on June 1, 1964.
One day after landing at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, the Rolling Stones appeared on The Les Crane Show. The significance? This was their first appearance on American television, as Radio Wilder noted:
"The Stones' first television appearance stateside was a June 2nd interview on The Les Crane Show," Radio Wilder wrote. "Crane joked about Brian Jones' 'Prince Valiant' hairdo, and pressed the comparison between them and The Beatles by continuing referring to the Stones' as 'that other British group.' After two days of New York press the band flew to Los Angeles for their notorious American TV debut performance on Dean Martin's Hollywood Palace."
From there, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones firmly placed themselves on the music map in the United States.
Rolling Stones Began Their First Tour in the United States on June 5
The Rolling Stones had traveled overseas to begin their first tour in America, having just wrapped up their second British tour in March. They held 11 concerts from June 5-20, starting with a show at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, California.
Today in Rock History
— Rock History Live! (@KTrain939913) June 1, 2026
June 2, 1964
The Rolling Stones made their American television debut on The Les Crane Show, a local New York City program. This appearance occurred just a day after their arrival in the United States for their first U.S. tour. During the interview, host Les… pic.twitter.com/lemdY2tCVi
The tour concluded with a performance at Carnegie Hall on June 20.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 6:07 AM.