#OTD Bob Dylan was scheduled to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show on May 12, 1963, but walked out before his appearance. He intended to sing "Talkin' John Birch Paranoid Blues," a satirical song criticizing the John Birch Society's extreme anti-communist views. Though Dylan had rehearsed the song and Sullivan initially approved it, CBS executives decided the lyrics were too controversial and demanded Dylan perform a different song. Rather than compromise his artistic integrity, the young and defiant Dylan politely declined to go on the show and left the studio. His refusal to censor himself made national headlines and solidified his reputation as an uncompromising artist.