Ep 16. Kovacs On Music-airdate: May 22, 1959 (NBC)

Ernie Kovacs season 1 episode 16 is titled "Kovacs On Music" and it was first aired on May 22, 1959, on NBC. The episode is a musical comedy show where the host, Ernie Kovacs, brings his comedic and musical talents to a series of sketches and skits centered around music. The show features a variety of musical styles, ranging from jazz and rock and roll to classical, as Kovacs and his guests explore the world of music.

Throughout the episode, Kovacs performs his trademark comedic sketches and parodies, often using music as a vehicle for his humor. One segment of the show, for example, features Kovacs as a conductor trying to lead a group of unruly musicians, only to be met with chaos and hilarity. Another segment sees Kovacs performing a comedic duet with guest star Edie Adams, singing a song about the pitfalls and challenges of modern romance.

In addition to his own comedy, Kovacs is also joined by numerous guests throughout the episode, each of whom brings their own musical styles and talents to the show. One such guest is pianist and bandleader Billy Taylor, who performs a lively jazz number with Kovacs on vocals. Other musical guests include the Red Onion Jazz Band, who play a traditional Dixieland tune, as well as actress and singer Dorothy Collins, who sings a popular ballad from the era.

In one particularly memorable sketch, Kovacs and his guests perform a satirical take on the popular TV game show "Name That Tune," where contestants are challenged to guess the name of a song after hearing only a few seconds of music. In Kovacs' version of the game, the contestants are played increasingly absurd and unrecognizable snippets of music, throwing the game into chaos and leading to more of Kovacs' trademark humor and improvisation.

Throughout the episode, Kovacs also offers commentary on the state of modern music, often poking fun at the latest trends and musicians of the day. One segment of the show, for example, sees Kovacs playing a parody of a teenage rock and roll fan, complete with exaggerated slang and a love of all things "cool." Another segment has Kovacs poking fun at the then-popular genre of "exotica" music, complete with a comedic portrayal of a native tribe dancing to a bizarre and nonsensical tune.

Overall, Ernie Kovacs season 1 episode 16 is a raucous and entertaining romp through the world of music, as seen through the eyes of one of television's most beloved and innovative comedians. With its eclectic mix of comedy, music, and satire, the episode stands as a testament to Kovacs' unique vision and enduring legacy as a pioneer of American television.