The Beatles
In November 1956, a sixteen-year-old John Lennon formed a skiffle group with friends from Quarry Bank High School in Liverpool. They called themselves the Quarrymen, named after their school song "Quarry men old before our birth". Fifteen-year-old Paul McCartney met Lennon on the 6th of July 1957 and joined as rhythm guitarist shortly after. In February 1958, McCartney invited his friend George Harrison to watch the band. Harrison auditioned for Lennon, impressing him with his playing, but Lennon initially thought Harrison was too young. After a month's persistence, during a second meeting arranged by McCartney, Harrison performed the lead guitar part of the instrumental song "Raunchy" on the upper deck of a Liverpool bus. They enlisted him as lead guitarist. By January 1959, Lennon's Quarry Bank friends had left the group and he began his studies at the Liverpool College of Art. The three guitarists billed themselves as Johnny and the Moondogs while playing rock and roll whenever they could find a drummer. They also performed as the Rainbows because all members wore different colored shirts and could not afford any others. Stuart Sutcliffe, an art school friend who sold one of his paintings to buy a bass guitar, joined in January 1960. He suggested changing the band's name to Beatals as a tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets. They used this name until May when they became the Silver Beetles. By early July, they refashioned themselves as the Silver Beatles and by mid-August simply the Beatles. Allan Williams, their unofficial manager, arranged a residency for them in Hamburg. They auditioned and hired drummer Pete Best in mid-August 1960. The five-piece band departed Liverpool four days later, contracted to club owner Bruno Koschmider for what would be a four-month residency. They pulled into Hamburg at dusk on the 17th of August, the time when the red-light area comes to life with flashing neon lights screaming out entertainment offers. Koschmider converted strip clubs in the Reeperbahn district of St. Pauli into music venues and initially placed the Beatles at the Indra Club. After closing Indra due to noise complaints, he moved them to the Kaiserkeller in October. When he learned they had been performing at the rival Top Ten Club in breach of their contract, he gave them one month's termination notice and reported underage Harrison, who had obtained permission to stay in Hamburg by lying to German authorities about his age. Authorities arranged for Harrison's deportation in late November. One week later, Koschmider had McCartney and Best arrested for arson after they set fire to a condom in a concrete corridor; authorities deported them. Lennon returned to Liverpool in early December while Sutcliffe remained in Hamburg until late February with his German fiancée Astrid Kirchherr. During the next two years, the Beatles were resident for periods in Hamburg where they used Preludin both recreationally and to maintain energy through all-night performances. In 1961 during their second Hamburg engagement, Kirchherr cut Sutcliffe's hair in the "exi" style later adopted by other Beatles. Sutcliffe decided to leave the band early that year and resume art studies in Germany. McCartney took over bass duties. Producer Bert Kaempfert contracted what was now a four-piece group until June 1962 and used them as Tony Sheridan's backing band on recordings for Polydor Records. Credited to "Tony Sheridan & the Beat Brothers", the single "My Bonnie" recorded in June 1961 reached number 32 on the Musikmarkt chart. Epstein courted the band over the next couple of months and appointed him manager in January 1962. Throughout early and mid-1962, Epstein sought to free the Beatles from contractual obligations to Bert Kaempfert Productions. He negotiated an one-month early release in exchange for one last recording session in Hamburg. On return to Germany in April, distraught Kirchherr met them at airport with news of Sutcliffe's death previous day from brain haemorrhage. Epstein began negotiations with record labels for a recording contract. To secure UK record contract, Epstein negotiated early end to band's contract with Polydor in exchange for more recordings backing Tony Sheridan. After New Year's Day audition, Decca Records rejected band saying guitar groups are on way out. Three months later producer George Martin signed Beatles to EMI's Parlophone label. Martin's first recording session with Beatles took place at EMI Recording Studios in London on the 6th of June 1962. He immediately complained to Epstein about Best's drumming and suggested using session drummer in his place. Already contemplating Best's dismissal, Beatles replaced him in mid-August with Ringo Starr who left Rory Storm and the Hurricanes to join them. A the 4th of September session yielded recording of "Love Me Do" featuring Starr on drums but dissatisfied Martin hired drummer Andy White for third session week later producing recordings of "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me" and "P.S. I Love You". Martin initially selected Starr version of "Love Me Do" for band's first single though subsequent re-pressings featured White version with Starr on tambourine. Released in early October, "Love Me Do" peaked at number 17 on Record Retailer chart.
On the 11th of February 1963, Beatles recorded ten songs during single studio session for debut LP Please Please Me. It supplemented four tracks already released on first two singles. Martin considered recording LP live at Cavern Club but after deciding building acoustics inadequate elected simulate live album with minimal production in single marathon session at Abbey Road. After moderate success of "Love Me Do", single "Please Please Me" released January 1963 two months ahead of album reached number one every UK chart except Record Retailer where it peaked at number two. AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote decades after release album still sounds fresh precisely because of intense origins. Lennon said little thought went into composition at time; he and McCartney just writing songs à la Everly Brothers, à la Buddy Holly pop songs with no more thought than creating sound while words almost irrelevant. Released March 1963, Please Please Me first of eleven consecutive Beatles albums released United Kingdom to reach number one. Band's third single "From Me to You" came out April beginning almost unbroken string seventeen British number-one singles including all but one eighteen they released next six years. Issued August fourth single "She Loves You" achieved fastest sales any record UK up that time selling three-quarters million copies under four weeks. Became first single sell million copies remaining biggest-selling record UK until 1978. Success brought increased media exposure which Beatles responded irreverent comical attitude defying expectations pop musicians time inspiring even more interest. Band toured UK three times first half year: four-week tour began February Beatles' first nationwide preceded three-week tours March May-June. As popularity spread frenzied adulation group took hold. On the 13th of October Beatles starred Sunday Night London Palladium UK top variety show. Performance televised live watched 15 million viewers. One national paper headlines following days coined term Beatlemania describe riotous enthusiasm screaming fans greeted band it stuck. Although not billed as tour leaders Beatles overshadowed American acts Tommy Roe and Chris Montez during February engagements assumed top billing by audience demand something no British act previously accomplished touring with artists from US. Similar situation arose during May-June tour Roy Orbison. In late October Beatles began five-day tour Sweden first time abroad since final Hamburg engagement December 1962. Return to UK the 31st of October several hundred screaming fans greeted heavy rain Heathrow Airport. Around 50 to 100 journalists photographers representatives BBC joined airport reception first of more than 100 such events. Next day band began fourth tour Britain within nine months scheduled six weeks. Mid-November Beatlemania intensified police resorted using high-pressure water hoses control crowd before concert Plymouth. On the 4th of November played front Queen Mother Princess Margaret during Royal Variety Performance Prince of Wales Theatre. Please Please Me maintained top position Record Retailer chart 30 weeks displaced follow-up With the Beatles EMI released the 22nd of November record advance orders 270,000 copies. LP topped half-million albums sold one week. Recorded July October With the Beatles made better use studio production techniques predecessor. Held top spot 21 weeks chart life 40 weeks. Erlewine described LP sequel highest order betters original. Reversal then standard practice EMI released album ahead impending single "I Want to Hold Your Hand" song excluded maximise single sales. Album caught attention music critic William Mann The Times suggested Lennon McCartney outstanding English composers 1963. Newspaper published series articles Mann offered detailed analyses music lending respectability. With the Beatles became second album UK chart history sell million copies figure previously reached only 1958 South Pacific soundtrack. When writing sleeve notes album band's press officer Tony Barrow used superlative fabulous foursome media widely adopted Fab Four. Capitol Records hindered Beatles releases United States more than year initially declining issue music including first three singles. Concurrent negotiations independent US label Vee-Jay led release some not all songs 1963. Vee-Jay finished preparation album Introducing... The Beatles comprising most songs Parlophone Please Please Me management shake-up led album not being released. After emerged label did not report royalties sales licence Vee-Jay signed EMI voided. New licence granted Swan label single "She Loves You" record received airplay Tidewater area Virginia Gene Loving radio station WGH featured Rate-a-Record segment American Bandstand failed catch nationally. Epstein brought demo copy "I Want to Hold Your Hand" Capitol Brown Meggs who signed band arranged $40,000 US marketing campaign. American chart success began disc jockey Carroll James AM radio station WWDC Washington DC obtained copy British single "I Want to Hold Your Hand" mid-December 1963 began playing on-air. Taped copies song soon circulated among other radio stations throughout US caused increase demand leading Capitol bring forward release "I Want to Hold Your Hand" three weeks. Issued the 26th of December with band previously scheduled debut there just weeks away "I Want to Hold Your Hand" sold million copies becoming number-one hit US mid-January. In wake Vee-Jay released Introducing... The Beatles along Capitol debut album Meet the Beatles! while Swan reactivated production "She Loves You". Odeon label EMI subsidiary pressed Beatles LPs shipped distributed abroad. After Beatles US trip MGM Records released single "My Bonnie" backed Saints US the 27th of January 1964 Beatles single Atco followed issuing recordings Beatles made Germany Tony Sheridan 1961 1962. On the 7th of February 1964 Beatles departed Heathrow estimated 4,000 fans waving screaming aircraft took off. Upon landing New York John F. Kennedy Airport uproarious crowd estimated 3,000 greeted them. Gave first live US television performance two days later Ed Sullivan Show watched approximately 73 million viewers over 23 million households 34 percent American population. Biographer Jonathan Gould writes according Nielsen rating service largest audience ever recorded American television. Next morning Beatles awoke largely negative critical consensus US day later first US concert Beatlemania erupted Washington Coliseum. Back New York following day Beatles met strong reception during two shows Carnegie Hall. Band flew Florida appeared Ed Sullivan Show second time again before 70 million viewers returning UK the 22nd of February. First visit United States took place nation still mourning assassination President John F. Kennedy previous November. Commentators often suggest many particularly young Beatles performances reignited sense excitement possibility momentarily faded wake assassination helped pave way revolutionary social changes come later decade. Hairstyle unusually long era mocked many adults became emblem rebellion burgeoning youth culture. Group's popularity generated unprecedented interest British music many other UK acts subsequently made American debuts successfully touring next three years termed British Invasion. Beatles success US opened door successive string British beat groups pop acts such Dave Clark Five Animals Herman's Hermits Petula Clark Kinks Rolling Stones achieve success America.
According to Gould Beatles fourth studio LP Beatles for Sale evidenced growing conflict commercial pressures global success creative ambitions. Had intended album recorded August October 1964 continue format established A Hard Day's Night unlike first two LPs contained only original songs. Nearly exhausted backlog songs previous album given challenges constant international touring posed songwriting efforts Lennon admitted Material's becoming hell problem. Result six covers extensive repertoire chosen complete album. Released early December eight original compositions stood out demonstrating growing maturity Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership. Early 1965 following dinner Lennon Harrison wives Harrison dentist John Riley secretly added LSD coffee. Lennon described experience just terrifying fantastic pretty stunned month or two. He Harrison subsequently became regular users drug joined Starr least one occasion. Harrison use psychedelic drugs encouraged path meditation Hinduism. Commented For me like flash. First time had acid just opened something head inside realised lot things. Didn't learn already knew happened key open door reveal thoughts yogis Himalayas Ravi music. McCartney initially reluctant try eventually late 1966. Became first Beatle discuss LSD publicly declaring magazine interview opened eyes made better more honest more tolerant member society. Controversy erupted June 1965 Queen Elizabeth II appointed four Beatles Members Order British Empire MBE after Prime Minister Harold Wilson nominated award. Protest honour primarily bestowed military veterans civic leaders some conservative MBE recipients returned insignia. July Beatles second film Help! released again directed Lester. Described mainly relentless spoof Bond inspired mixed response both reviewers band. McCartney said Help! great wasn't our film sort guest stars fun basically idea film bit wrong. Soundtrack dominated Lennon wrote sang lead most songs including two singles "Help!" "Ticket to Ride". Help! album group fifth studio LP mirrored A Hard Day's Night featuring soundtrack songs side one additional songs same sessions side two. LP contained all original material save two covers Act Naturally Dizzy Miss Lizzy last covers band include album until Let It Be brief rendition traditional Liverpool folk song Maggie Mae. Band expanded use vocal overdubs Help! incorporated classical instruments some arrangements including string quartet pop ballad Yesterday. Composed sung McCartney none other Beatles perform recording Yesterday inspired most cover versions any song ever written. With Help! Beatles became first rock group nominated Grammy Award Album Year. Group third US tour opened performance world-record crowd 55,600 New York Shea Stadium the 15th of August perhaps most famous all Beatles concerts Lewisohn description. Further nine successful concerts followed other American cities. Show Atlanta gave one first live performances ever make use foldback system on-stage monitor speakers. Towards end tour met Elvis Presley foundational musical influence band invited home Beverly Hills. Presley later said band example trend anti-Americanism drug abuse. September 1965 launch American Saturday-morning cartoon series The Beatles echoed A Hard Day's Night slapstick antics over two-year original run. Series first weekly television series feature animated versions real living people. Mid-October Beatles entered recording studio first time making album extended period without major commitments. Until time according George Martin made albums rather like collection singles now really beginning think albums bit art own. Released December Rubber Soul hailed critics major step forward maturity complexity band music. Thematic reach beginning expand embraced deeper aspects romance philosophy development NEMS executive Peter Brown attributed band members now habitual use marijuana. Lennon referred Rubber Soul pot album Starr said Grass really influential lot changes especially writers. Because writing different material playing differently. After Help! foray classical music flutes strings Harrison introduction sitar Norwegian Wood This Bird Has Flown marked further progression outside traditional boundaries popular music. Lyrics grew more artful fans began study deeper meaning. While some Rubber Souls songs product Lennon-McCartney collaborative songwriting album also included distinct compositions each though continued share official credit. In My Life which each later claimed lead authorship considered highlight entire Lennon-McCartney catalogue. Harrison called Rubber Soul favourite album Starr referred departure record. McCartney said had cute period now time expand. Recording engineer Norman Smith later stated studio sessions revealed signs growing conflict within group clash John Paul becoming obvious far Paul concerned George could do right. Capitol Records from December 1963 when began issuing Beatles recordings US market exercised complete control format compiling distinct US albums band recordings issuing songs choosing June 1966 Capitol LP Yesterday Today caused uproar cover portrayed grinning Beatles dressed butcher's overalls accompanied raw meat mutilated plastic baby dolls. According Beatles biographer Bill Harry incorrectly suggested meant satirical response way Capitol butchered US versions band albums. Thousands copies LP new cover pasted original unpeeled first-state copy fetched $10,500 December 2005 auction. England meanwhile Harrison met sitar maestro Ravi Shankar agreed train instrument. Beatles toured Japan month after Yesterday and Today furore facing death threats Japanese Conservatives due Beatles unknowingly performing Budokan Stadium designated place revere Japan war dead. When toured Philippines few days later Beatles unintentionally snubbed nation first lady Imelda Marcos expected attend breakfast reception Presidential Palace. Presented invitation Epstein politely declined band members behalf never policy accept such official invitations. Soon found Marcos regime accustomed taking no answer. Resulting riots endangered group escaped country difficulty. Immediately afterwards band members visited India first time. Almost soon returned home faced fierce backlash US religious social conservatives Ku Klux Klan comment Lennon made March interview British reporter Maureen Cleave. Christianity will go vanish shrink needn't argue right proved Jesus alright disciples thick ordinary twisting ruins it comments went virtually unnoticed England when US teenage fan magazine Datebook printed five months sparked controversy Christians America conservative Bible Belt region. Vatican issued protest bans Beatles records imposed Spanish Dutch stations South Africa national broadcasting service. Epstein accused Datebook taken Lennon words context. Press conference Lennon pointed out If said television more popular than Jesus might got away claimed referring how other people viewed success prompting reporters concluded Want apologise make happy okay sorry. Released August 1966 week before Beatles final tour Revolver marked another artistic step forward group. Album featured sophisticated songwriting studio experimentation greatly expanded repertoire musical styles ranging innovative classical string arrangements psychedelia. Abandoning customary group photograph Aubrey Beardsley-inspired cover designed Klaus Voormann friend band since Hamburg days monochrome collage line drawing caricature group. Album preceded single Paperback Writer backed Rain. Short promotional films made songs described cultural historian Saul Austerlitz among first true music videos aired Ed Sullivan Show Top of Pops June. Among experimental songs Revolver Tomorrow Never Knows lyrics Lennon drew Timothy Leary Psychedelic Experience Manual Based Tibetan Book Dead creation involved eight tape decks distributed EMI building each staffed engineer band member randomly varied movement tape loop Martin created composite recording sampling incoming data. McCartney Eleanor Rigby made prominent use string octet Gould describes true hybrid conforming recognisable style genre song. Harrison emergence songwriter reflected three compositions appearing record. Among Taxman opened album marked first example Beatles making political statement through music.
From late May to mid-October 1968 group recorded what became The Beatles double LP commonly known White Album virtually featureless cover. During time relations between members grew openly divisive. Starr quit two weeks leaving bandmates record "Back in U.S.S.R." "Dear Prudence" trio McCartney filling drums. Lennon lost interest collaborating McCartney whose contribution Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da scorned granny music shit. Tensions further aggravated Lennon romantic preoccupation avant-garde artist Yoko Ono insisted bringing sessions despite group well-established understanding girlfriends not allowed studio. McCartney recalled album wasn't pleasant make. He Lennon identified sessions start band break-up. With record band executed wider range musical styles broke recent tradition incorporating several musical styles one song keeping piece music consistently faithful select genre. During sessions group upgraded eight-track tape console easier layer tracks piecemeal while members often recorded independently each other affording album reputation collection solo recordings rather unified group effort. Describing double album Lennon later said Every track individual track isn't any Beatle music John band Paul band George band. Sessions also produced Beatles longest song yet Hey Jude released August non-album single Revolution. Issued November White Album band first Apple Records album release though EMI continued own recordings. Record attracted more than 2 million advance orders selling nearly 4 million copies US little over month tracks dominated playlists American radio stations. Lyrical content focus much analysis counterculture. Despite popularity reviewers largely confused album content failed inspire level critical writing Sgt Pepper. Capitol Records from December 1963 when began issuing Beatles recordings US market exercised complete control format compiling distinct US albums band recordings issuing songs choosing June 1966 Capitol LP Yesterday Today caused uproar cover portrayed grinning Beatles dressed butcher's overalls accompanied raw meat mutilated plastic baby dolls. According Beatles biographer Bill Harry incorrectly suggested meant satirical response way Capitol butchered US versions band albums. Thousands copies LP new cover pasted original unpeeled first-state copy fetched $10,500 December 2005 auction. England meanwhile Harrison met sitar maestro Ravi Shankar agreed train instrument. Beatles toured Japan month after Yesterday and Today furore facing death threats Japanese Conservatives due Beatles unknowingly performing Budokan Stadium designated place revere Japan war dead. When toured Philippines few days later Beatles unintentionally snubbed nation first lady Imelda Marcos expected attend breakfast reception Presidential Palace. Presented invitation Epstein politely declined band members behalf never policy accept such official invitations. Soon found Marcos regime accustomed taking no answer. Resulting riots endangered group escaped country difficulty. Immediately afterwards band members visited India first time. Almost soon returned home faced fierce backlash US religious social conservatives Ku Klux Klan comment Lennon made March interview British reporter Maureen Cleave. Christianity will go vanish shrink needn't argue right proved Jesus alright disciples thick ordinary twisting ruins it comments went virtually unnoticed England when US teenage fan magazine Datebook printed five months sparked controversy Christians America conservative Bible Belt region. Vatican issued protest bans Beatles records imposed Spanish Dutch stations South Africa national broadcasting service. Epstein accused Datebook taken Lennon words context. Press conference Lennon pointed out If said television more popular than Jesus might got away claimed referring how other people viewed success prompting reporters concluded Want apologise make happy okay sorry.
Although Let It Be Beatles final album release largely recorded before Abbey Road. Project impetus came idea Martin attributes McCartney suggested record album new material rehearse perform live audience very first time record film. Originally intended one-hour television programme called Beatles at Work event much album content came studio work beginning January 1969 many hours captured film director Michael Lindsay-Hogg. Martin said project not at all happy recording experience time relations between Beatles lowest ebb. Lennon described largely impromptu sessions hell most miserable Earth Harrison low all-time. Irritated McCartney Lennon walked days. Returning threatened leave band unless abandon talk live performance instead focused finishing new album initially titled Get Back using songs recorded TV special. Also demanded cease work Twickenham Film Studios where sessions begun relocate newly finished Apple Studio. Bandmates agreed decided salvage footage shot TV production use feature film. To alleviate tensions within band improve quality live sound Harrison invited keyboardist Billy Preston participate last nine days sessions. Preston received label billing Get Back single only musician ever receive acknowledgment official Beatles release. After rehearsals band could not agree location film concert rejecting several ideas including boat sea lunatic asylum Libyan desert Colosseum. Ultimately what would be final live performance filmed rooftop Apple Corps building 3 Savile Row London the 30th of January 1969. Five weeks later engineer Glyn Johns Lewisohn describes Get Back uncredited producer began work assembling album given free rein band washed hands entire project. New strains developed between band members regarding appointment financial adviser need evident without Epstein manage business affairs. Lennon Harrison Starr favoured Allen Klein managed Rolling Stones Sam Cooke; McCartney wanted Lee John Eastman father brother Linda Eastman whom McCartney married the 12th of March. Agreement reached so both Klein Eastmans temporarily appointed Klein Beatles business manager Eastmans lawyers. Further conflict ensued however financial opportunities lost. On the 8th of May Klein named sole manager band Eastmans previously dismissed Beatles lawyers. McCartney refused sign management contract Klein out-voted other Beatles. Martin stated surprised when McCartney asked produce another album Get Back sessions miserable experience thought end road all us. Primary recording sessions Abbey Road began July 2. Lennon rejected Martin proposed format continuously moving piece music wanted McCartney songs occupy separate sides album. Eventual format individually composed songs first side second consisting largely medley McCartney suggested compromise. Emerick noted replacement studio valve-based mixing console transistorised one yielded less punchy sound leaving group frustrated thinner tone lack impact contributing kinder gentler feel relative previous albums. On the 4th of July first solo single Beatle released Lennon Give Peace Chance credited Plastic Ono Band. Completion mixing I Want You She's So Heavy the 20th of August last occasion four Beatles together same studio. On the 8th of September while Starr hospital other band members met discuss recording new album considered different approach songwriting ending Lennon-McCartney pretence having four compositions apiece Lennon McCartney Harrison two from Starr lead single around Christmas. On the 20th of September Lennon announced departure rest group agreed withhold public announcement avoid undermining sales forthcoming album. Released the 26th of September Abbey Road sold four million copies within three months topped UK charts total seventeen weeks. Second track ballad Something issued single only Harrison composition appeared Beatles A-side. Abbey Road received mixed reviews though medley met general acclaim. Unterberger considers fitting swan song group containing some greatest harmonies heard any rock record. Musicologist author Ian MacDonald calls album erratic often hollow despite semblance unity coherence offered medley. Martin singled favourite Beatles album; Lennon said competent had no life it. For still unfinished Get Back album one last song Harrison I Me Mine recorded the 3rd of January 1970. Lennon Denmark time did not participate. March rejecting work Johns done project now retitled Let It Be Klein gave session tapes American producer Phil Spector recently produced Lennon solo single Instant Karma! In addition remixing material edited spliced overdubbed several recordings intended live. McCartney unhappy producer approach particularly dissatisfied lavish orchestration Long Winding Road involved fourteen-voice choir 36-piece instrumental ensemble. McCartney demands alterations song reverted ignored publicly announced departure band the 10th of April week before release first self-titled solo album. On the 8th of May 1970 Let It Be released. Accompanying single Long Winding Road expected Beatles last released US not UK. Let It Be documentary film followed later month win 1970 Academy Award Best Original Song Score. Sunday Telegraph critic Penelope Gilliatt called very bad film touching breaking apart reassuring geometrically perfect once apparently ageless family siblings. Several reviewers stated some performances film sounded better analogous album tracks. Describing Let It Be only Beatles album occasion negative even hostile reviews Unterberger calls whole underrated singles good moments straight hard rock I've Got Feeling Dig a Pony folky Two Us John Paul harmonising together. McCartney filed suit dissolution Beatles contractual partnership the 31st of December 1970. Legal disputes continued long after break-up dissolution formalised the 29th of December 1974 when Lennon signed paperwork terminating partnership vacation family Walt Disney World Resort Florida.
Lennon McCartney Harrison Starr all released solo albums 1970. Solo records sometimes involved one more other members; Starr Ringo 1973 only album include compositions performances four ex-Beatles albeit separate songs. With Starr participation Harrison staged Concert for Bangladesh New York City August 1971. Other unreleased jam session 1974 later bootlegged A Toot Snore '74 Lennon McCartney never recorded together again. Two double-LP sets Beatles greatest hits compiled Klein 1962, 1966 1967, 1970 released 1973 first under Apple Records imprint. Commonly known Red Album Blue Album respectively each earned Multi-Platinum certification US Platinum certification UK. Between 1976 1982 EMI/Capitol released. Beatles best-selling music act all time estimated sales 600 million units worldwide. Most successful act history US Billboard charts most number-one singles U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart 20 hold record most number-one albums UK Albums Chart 15 most singles sold UK 21.9 million. Band received many accolades including eight Grammy Awards four Brit Awards Academy Award Best Original Song Score 1970 documentary film Let It Be fifteen Ivor Novello Awards. Inducted Rock and Roll Hall Fame first year eligibility 1988 principal member individually inducted between 1994 2015. 2004 2011 group topped Rolling Stones lists greatest artists history Time magazine named among 20th century 100 most important people. After group break-up 1970 all principal former members enjoyed success solo artists. While some partial reunions occurred next decade four members never reunited. Lennon murdered 1980 Harrison died lung cancer 2001 McCartney Starr remain musically active.
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Common questions
When did the Beatles form and what was their original name?
The Beatles formed in November 1956 as a skiffle group called the Quarrymen. John Lennon created the group with friends from Quarry Bank High School in Liverpool before Paul McCartney joined on the 6th of July 1957.
Who were the four members of the final Beatles lineup and when did they start performing together?
The final lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They began performing together after Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best in mid-August 1962 following a series of sessions at EMI Recording Studios in London.
What caused the breakup of the Beatles and when did it officially end?
Internal conflicts over management and creative differences led to the dissolution of the band. The partnership formally ended on the 29th of December 1974 when John Lennon signed paperwork terminating the agreement while vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort Florida.
How many albums did the Beatles release during their career and which one topped charts for seventeen weeks?
The Beatles released eleven studio albums that reached number one in the United Kingdom. Abbey Road topped UK charts for seventeen weeks and sold four million copies within three months of its September 1969 release.
When did the Beatles first visit the United States and how many viewers watched their Ed Sullivan Show performance?
The Beatles made their first US trip by departing Heathrow on the 7th of February 1964. Their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show was watched by approximately 73 million viewers across 23 million households representing 34 percent of the American population.