When did the Beatles sign a recording contract with EMI's Parlophone label?
The Beatles signed a recording contract with EMI's Parlophone label in May 1962. George Martin ran that label and initially doubted their songwriting abilities.
Questions about Please Please Me
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What date was the Please Please Me album recorded at EMI Studios?
The album was recorded on the 11th of February 1963 when the band arrived at EMI Studios. John Lennon suffered from a bad cold during the session but treated his throat with lozenges throughout the day.
Who replaced Pete Best as drummer for the Please Please Me sessions?
Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best after Martin insisted on using a session musician due to negative reactions to Best's drumming. Starr performed behind the kit starting from the September 4 recording of Love Me Do.
On what date was the Please Please Me album released in the UK?
Parlophone released Please Please Me in the UK on the 22nd of March 1963. A stereo version followed later on April 26 while mono remained dominant.
How many weeks did the Please Please Me album stay at number one on UK charts?
Please Please Me hit number one on UK album charts in May 1963 and stayed there for thirty weeks before being replaced by With the Beatles. The record remained inside the top ten for sixty-two consecutive weeks until April 2013.