I never had this as a child, but it was fun to watch. The world was a much better place when Andy was around.
We had Howdy Doody, a somewhat different approach to children's programing. I was born in 1952 and I can't remember not watching Howdy as a kid. I don't think any musical inspiration came out of that show, but I do believe that Princess Sumerfall Winterspring was my first female fantasy.