Garrett Morris on Performing for Ed Sullivan and Changing TV History

A few clips from the latest two hour episode of OBM.The fellas gather for another wide-ranging conversation that starts with technical difficulties (as usual) and evolves into discussions about the institution of marriage, bear attacks, hidden Black history in Europe, New Orleans culture, and the legendary music venues that shaped the city’s nightlife. Earl goes off on marriage, Tucker schools everyone on bear sizes, Garrett drops knowledge about the Moors, and the crew takes a nostalgic trip through New Orleans’ iconic entertainment districts.In The Full EpisodeEarl’s Marriage ManifestoEarl launches into an extended meditation on the financial mathematics of marriage, insurance costs, and why hiring a maid would’ve been cheaper than getting married in 1968. The guys egg him on with their own perspectives on domestic life, creating one of the episode’s most spirited debates.Bear Science with TuckerTucker shares a graphic comparing different bear species and their terrifying claws—from black bears to the massive Kodiak brown bear. This leads to discussions of bear attacks, people doing stupid things around wildlife, and why Black folks generally have better survival instincts.Things Black People Don’t DoThe crew catalogs dangerous activities that Black people historically avoid: climbing Mount Everest, falling off cruise ships, getting eaten by bears, falling off cliffs. A darkly humorous conversation that touches on the Middle Passage and historical survival instincts.The Moors & Hidden HistoryGarrett and Earl discuss the 700-year Moorish occupation of Spain and how Black people have been erased from European history in Hollywood films. The conversation covers everything from Spanish music’s African influences to Beethoven’s ancestry and the word “Spaniard” as the original term for mixed-race people.Trump, Puerto Rico & Political IgnoranceHarold recounts Trump’s statement about meeting “the president of Puerto Rico”—revealing he didn’t know Puerto Rico is part of the United States. The guys discuss Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance and historical parallels to when Southern states blacked out Nat King Cole’s TV show.Ed Sullivan’s LegacyDiscussion of the new Netflix documentary “Sunday Best” about Ed Sullivan’s groundbreaking decision to feature Black entertainers on his show despite criticism. Garrett shares that he appeared on the show as a child performer.New Orleans Music History Deep DiveThe conversation turns to legendary New Orleans venues: Mason’s Las Vegas Strip (five clubs, a motel, and coffee shop all in one complex), Club Alhambra, and the musicians who played there including Ellis Marsalis, Ernie K-Doe, and Big Daddy Kojak. Terence reads the fascinating history of these establishments, including Mason’s downfall for using stolen school board commodities.Neighborhood StoriesHarold shares memories of growing up in the Calliope projects, his first job delivering papers, the Gallo Theater, Alexis Fried Chicken, and witnessing his first sexual encounter at age 12 while stacking Sunday papers. Terence shares his paper route disasters in Pontchartrain Park.Sneak peek - The complete conversation releases soon for premium members and supporters.These aren’t your typical podcast conversations. Picture cultural archaeology performed through razor-sharp humor, lived experience, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from veteran storytellers who’ve seen it all. Every episode challenges what you think you know about history, culture, and truth.As always, expect humor, honesty, and the kind of unfiltered perspectives that only come from decades of lived experience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tribalconnections.substack.com