The Beatles
The Beatles became true legends.
Their music touched all our lives. The Beatles wanted more than just to
"Be Beatles", they wanted happiness. A happiness that they once had back
when they first became successful. John found happiness with his one true
love Yoko, his Plastic Ono Band, and son Sean; Paul found happiness with
Linda, his children, and Wings; George found happiness with his solo career,
Olivia, and his son Dhani; and Ringo found happiness with his solo career,
acting career, Barbara, and his sons. They will always be the greatest
rock 'n' roll band in history.
Inspired by the "skiffle
boom", a student at Quarry Bank School in Liverpool named John Lennon decided
to form a group in 1957 and laid the foundation of what was to become the
most famous rock bands of all time. The name John had first come up with
was "The Blackjacks".
John was inspired by "Heartbreak
Hotel" and became a fan of American rock 'n' roll music.
The Beatles had hired Brian
Epstein as their manager and he signed them up for an audition with Decca
Records. Their first single "Love Me Do" was issued on October 5, 1962,
and was a modest hit. 1963 and 1964 proved to be the most important years
in their careers. In 1963 the "Beatlemania" craze had started in Britain
and The Beatles were no longer support acts at concerts. Now they were
starring in the Royal Variety Show and the highest rating TV show "Sunday
Night At The London Palladium".
Their biggest year was 1964
when they conquered the biggest record market in the world - America. The
group became symbols. America was mourning the death of President John
F. Kennedy and The Beatles appeared on the scene to bring them fun and
excitement and end their mourning. They also brought back rock 'n' roll
to America. After Elvis had join the army, he lost much of his early rebelliousness.
Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry were rocked by scandals and their careers
suffered.
In 1966, The Beatles were
under heavy pressure from the press after John made a remark that The Beatles
were more popular than Jesus. John had to apologize and explain himself
several times.
During the sixties, The Beatles
not only became a musical phenomenon, they affected the styles and fashions
of the decade. They transformed the record industry as well.
After The White Album they
embarked on the "Let It Be" project. The idea was to see The Beatles jam,
rehearse and record a whole new album of songs.
