The night Atlanta became part of SNL history
April 9, 1977, marked a historic moment in Atlanta politics and television entertainment. On that night, Georgia state senator Julian Bond made history as the first Black political figure to host Saturday Night Live (SNL). The show was only in its second season, and Bond’s appearance proved that politics could meet humor in unexpected ways.
Bond, known for his commitment to civil rights and social justice, shared the stage with comedic legends, including Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and John Belushi.
While Bond’s public image had often been reserved, his appearance on SNL revealed a lighter, more playful side to the politician. He held his own showcasing a quick wit and comedic timing that surprised many of his viewers.
“I’d say people thought he was very reserved and very cerebral, but he was very, very silly,” said Michael Julian Bond, his son and current member of the Atlanta City Council. “It was tremendously funny.”
For Michael and his siblings, watching their father on SNL was an experience like no other. Although they were accustomed to seeing him on television, his appearance on the show felt truly special. It coincides with Michael’s 10th birthday, and he recalls his mixed feelings when his father decided not to take the family to New York for the live show taping.
“He just said, ‘No, I’m not taking you to New York,’” Michael laughed. “I was a little crestfallen by that, but we really enjoyed it when it actually happened. It was exciting for us because we liked the show.”
At that time, Atlanta was experiencing a wave of national recognition. Just two years earlier, Mayor Maynard Jackson had participated in a high-profile charity boxing match with the legendary Muhammad Ali, an event that Julian Bond officiated. The city’s rising national prominence made Bond’s SNL appearance all the more fitting, adding to Atlanta’s growing cultural influence.
Bond’s appearance on SNL was a testament to his unique place in American politics and a reflection of the country’s cultural shift during that period. It marked a time when entertainment, politics, and social movements converged, and Bond’s appearance demonstrated that humor and political activism could successfully coexist.
Alongside Bond, the episode featured a vibrant performance by a hot new band from Atlanta — Brick. This group, blending disco and jazz, brought a fresh, dynamic energy to the Big Apple. Brick was thrilled to be invited to perform, with band member Jimmy Brown recalling how his parents flew in to watch the show.
“We got that particular call, and they said, ‘We want you to be on Saturday Night Live.’ I said, ‘What? Oh man!’” Brown reminisced. “I flew my mom and dad up from Savannah to be there, and it was a great thing to meet John Belushi and the rest of the cast. Playing live in front of those people, everybody was just jamming. It was a wonderful experience.”
As Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th anniversary, Bond and Brown reflect with awe on the significance of that night and the legacy of what was, for many, a night that proved humor, politics, and music could be an unstoppable force.
That Saturday night in 1977 wasn’t just about breaking barriers. It perfectly demonstrated how Atlanta — once a city known for its place in the civil rights movement — had emerged as a hub for entertainment, culture, and creativity. As the years pass, it’s clear that this iconic moment on Saturday Night Live continues to connect with generations of people in Atlanta, celebrating the intersection of politics, comedy, music, and the city’s renowned culture.
