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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: musicians on TV

Jon Batiste performing on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on CBS on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. Jon Batiste and Stay Human served as house band on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' from 2015 to 2022.
Jon Batiste performing on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on CBS on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. Jon Batiste and Stay Human served as house band on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' from 2015 to 2022.Scott Kowalchyk/CBS

by Jill Riley

February 16, 2024

Back on February 16, 1975, Cher started her own weekly music-and-comedy television program on CBS. Cher had previously co-presented The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour with her former husband, Sonny Bono, for three seasons spanning 1971 to 1974. On her new, self-titled TV program, Cher's show featured at least one woman guest each week.

Cher possesses a wealth of talent, but she is not the only musician who has had a significant presence on television. There are a number of artists like Cher who have hosted their own variety programs. More recently, many musicians are or have been regulars on other programs, serving as house musicians, music directors, cast members, talent judges or other contributors.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear by musicians who have had a significant presence on television?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Squeeze – Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)
Sonny and Cher – The Beat Goes On
Jon Batiste – I NEED YOU
Johnny Cash – I Walk The Line
Elvis Costello and The Roots – Walk Us Uptown
John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads