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The Beatles were a British rock group in the 1960's. They revolutionized popular music. Rock historians recognized them as the most influential musical groups of all time.
In the mid 50's John Lennon met Paul McCartney, after John's band "The Quarry Men " performed at a church fair. Paul joined the band the next day. Paul's friend George Harrison joined the band, too. After finding a drummer, Pete Best. The Beatles spent three months in Hamburg, Germany playing in clubs.
In 1961, Brian Epstein becomes The Beatles manager. He secures the band a record deal with Parlophone and the record producer George Martin in 1962. Before they recorded their first album, the group replaced Pete with their old friend Ringo Starr.
The Beatles released their debut singles "Love Me Do" in October of 1962. Other hits included "Please, Please Me", "She Loves You", and "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. It was watched by over 73 million people. By March The Beatles held the top 5 singles on the U.S. Billboard Charts, with many more singles to come.
The next two years the band made two more feature films, A Hard Days Night and Help. Eventually, two more films will be made, Magical Mystery Tour and the Yellow Submarine.
The Beatles played their last concert on August 29, 1966. The band however continued to make albums such as Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, White Album and Abby Road. Then on April 10, 1970 McCartney announced the groups breakup. Each member went on to have individual successes musically. The Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1995 the three surviving Beatles got together and finished a 1977 demo by John Lennon, "Free as a Bird". It became the first new Beatles single in 25 years. It reached #6 on the charts. In 1999 a second single was finished and released another Lennon demo "Real Love". It reached #11, not bad for a band that broke up 25 years ago
Today The Beatles are recognized as the most popular and influential groups of the 20th century. Their lyrical and musical brilliance is still unrivaled.
