Hmmm.   Controversy was taboo?   Well, the show presented the Tarriers - and at the time it marked the first interacial group performing on network television. They allowed the Chad Mitchell Trio to sing some of their topical songs, including John Birch Society.   While Dylan wasn't there to sing it, I believe the show also offered the first network television airing of "Blowing in the Wind".

While there was a lot of "commercial" folk music mixed in, the program offered artists like Leon Bibb, Miriam Makeba, Josh White Jr., Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Bonnie Dobson, Judy Collins, the New Lost City Ramblers (with Mike Seeger) and many others. For some, it was their first and perhaps only network television exposure. If it wasn't for the silly blacklist, which even Pete Seeger was against, perhaps folk music would have been more popular on television.   Sure networks make stupid decisions, but don't we all?