The Beatles
The fabulous foursome, which originated in Liverpool, England caused an international phenomenon during the 1960s. The Beatles first appeared on the music scene with the debut of their first single, "Love me do", which was realeased in the United Kingdom on October 5, 1962. Their young look and playful attitude instantly attracted a large following of fans, especially young teenage girls. They were introduced to the international music arena on April 27, 1964, when "Love me do" was released in the United States. On May 30, the song hit Number 1 on the U.S. charts, where it stayed for one week. The Beatles were overnight superstars. By 1970, they had an amazing 27 Number 1 hits!
It all started however with a group of musicians in the late 1950s that called themselves "The Quarrymen." This band, formed by John Lennon and Pete Shotton, was what brought who would later become known as the Beatles together. In July 1957, Paul McCartney went to a Quarrymen's gig, and decided he wanted to try to impress them with a little performance of his own.The Quarrymen were impressed, but John Lennon was a little hesitant to allow Paul into the group, knowing that he would strengthen the group, but he would take away some of John's spotlight. In the end, Paul McCartney was admitted into the group, and on October 18, 1957 had his debut.
In 1958 a new member was introduced to the Quarrymen, after some persuasion from Paul. George Harrison, a young but very talented guitar player, had gone to the Liverpool Institute with Paul, where the two became friends based on their common interest in guitar playing. Soon after Paul's admittance to the group, he began pushing for George to be let in. John originally felt that he was too young, but after witnessing George's talent, he soon allowed him to become a member.
The Quarrymen lost some of its members in 1959. The group was now down to Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Ken Brown and Pete Best. They were having trouble getting gigs, and couldn't decide on a name. They went through The Nerk Twins, Johnny and the Moondogs, The Beetals and The Silver Beatles, before eventually settling with what the world came to know and love...The Beatles.
So when does Richard Starkey a.k.a. Ringo Starr come into the picture? He first met The Quarrymen in October of 1960 while they were playing in Hamburg, Germany. At that time, he was the drummer for a band called Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. On August 18, 1962, Ringo left the Hurricanes and joined the Beatles, because their drummer at the time, Pete Best, had a hard time keeping the correct tempos of music. Ringo did not share this problem, and fit the role perfectly. And so, on August 18, 1962, the Beatles were born!
By the mid 1960s BeatleMania was in full effect! The Beatles were everywhere. Everytime you turned on your radio, chances were good that there was a Beatles song playing somewhere. Everyone knew who they were, from Liverpool to New York City to Tokyo. The young, handsome men were breaking the hearts of young women everywhere. The Beatles went from being four average "mop tops" roaming the streets of Liverpool, to the most recognized musicians in the world! They could not go anywhere without a massive crowd of people following them. They stayed together until internal band problems split them up in 1970. Each of the bandmembers went on in pursuing various sorts of personal careers.
Today, the Beatles remain as arguably the most recognized rock and roll band of all time. Even if there are people who aren't fans of the Beatles, everyone knows who they are. They left a lasting impression on the music world, one that can still be felt today, and will be for years to come.
Thanks to adoran@cisunix.unh.edu for information provided. |
Beatles Album Covers
From Left to Right, Top to Bottom. Please, Please Me - Meet The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night - With The Beatles - Help! - Rubber Soul - Revolver - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - Magical Mystery Tour - The Beatles (The White Album) - Yellow Submarine - Abbey Road - Let It Be - Past Masters Vol I - Past Masters Vol II |
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