The Beatles Revolution Within A Revolution Revolution By

The Beatles Revolution Within A Revolution

Revolution • By the beginning of 1964, rock was ready to enter its second decade. • Much of the power of that original rock and roll had dissipated. • Music was in a state of confusion. – Fans listened to Elvis, teen idols, silly novelty tunes, doo-wop groups, serious folk groups, surfers, and dance craze. – There wasn’t a defined ‘rock’ in the early 60’s.

• The optimism of the early 60’s was shattered on November 22, 1963. – JFK was assassinated. – It plunged the nation into a prolonged period of depression and self doubt. • The U. S. has always been a nation with a cultural inferiority complex. – “Real” culture came from Europe – Where Europe had Symphonies and fine art, we had jazz, rock and roll, and cheeseburgers. – Not until much later did our music and art compare. – We needed European “approval” before Rock and Roll could be taken seriously.

British Invasion • Subculture was brewing in Europe • “Teddy boys, ” British versions of greasers • Without much warning, rock groups started forming all over Liverpool • The Cavern: The Beatles, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Swining Blue Jeans • Spread to Germany and USA

John • • • John Winston Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, on October 9, 1940. His mother Julia was a fun-loving and carefree soul who, within a year of John’s birth, left her husband to live with another man. John’s father was a ships steward and was gone for long periods. John was eventually raised by his aunt Mimi and Uncle George. They were good to him and gave him a good life. John was always a prankster, and it continued until he began to get into trouble. He adopted the rebellious “teddy-boy” image: greasy hair, ducktail in back, a pointed slide of hair in the front, and tight “drainpipe” pants. John was considered extremely bright, but got poor grades. Began to play in a “Skiffle” group. Skiffle Example – – A group made of home-made instruments Easy three chord style Origionally named it the ‘Blackjacks’ Became the ‘Quarry Men’, after the school he attended.

Paul • James Paul Mc. Cartney was born on June 18, 1942. • Paul. Like John, was naturally bright, excelling in English, composition and art. • Unlike John, Paul enjoyed his success at school and created an impressive scholastic record. • Lost his mother at an early age. • His father ran a society band. • Paul was determined to get a guitar, played left handed. • Was a great imitator, and at a concert that the Quarry Men attended, he amazed John Lennon with his renditions of Little Richard and Chuck Berry songs. John asked him to join the band. • They became great friends – Had several things in common, but also were quite different.

George • • Born February 25, 1943 George attended Dovedale Primary School, near Penny Lane, at the same time John and Paul were there. By 1957 John had flunked out of Quarry Bank School and was attending an Art College in Liverpool. George Harrison (then 14) began hanging out with the Quarry Men. He loved rock and roll, dressed “Teddy-Boy”, did poorly in school, and began playing guitar. He was greatly influenced by Buddy Holly, and learned all of his songs. Asked to join the band in 1958, then the group changed its name to Johnny and the Moondogs

• • • Stu John approached one of his good friends at art school about playing bass guitar for the band. His name was Stu Sutcliffe. While really good looking and fitting the part, he couldn’t play. When playing at shows they would ask him to turn around while he played so that people wouldn’t know how bad he was. On their first tour Stu suggested the name “Beetles”, a reference to Buddy Holly and the Crickets. It later became “Long John and the Silver Beetles”. Later John (who loved playing with language) changed the spelling to the “Beatles”. Stu also introduced the group to Astrid Kirchherr, a beautiful blond who convinced them to cut their hair “French” with the bangs hanging down in front. Only Pete kept his greased hair. Later left the group because he got engaged and was not really that great of a musician anyway

Pete • The Beatles were drummerless for their first tours. • Paul approached a local drummer, Pete Best, about playing. Pete agreed and bought a new drum set for the occasion. • With Pete they began playing a local club. “The Cavern” was a cellar below a warehouse. • They began attracting large crowds and became the club’s main act.

Brian • The Beatles “My Bonnie” began to get air time. • Brian Epstein, a local furniture and record store owner, began selling hundreds of their albums. • He took an interest and went to hear them at the Cavern Club. • He loved their sound and image and approached them about being their manager. • His business sense, perfectionism, and professionalism suited the Beatles so they accepted. • Brian went on to get them their first big record contract.

George Martin • The Owner of Parlophone music, was the first to sign the Beatles. • Was not very prosperous at the time. • Signed the Beatles immediately. • George M. convinced the Beatles that Pete wasn’t working out (bad temper, differences in style). • Pete took it badly.

Ringo • • Richard Starkey was born on July 7, 1940 in Liverpool. Was a cheerful kid, but sickly, not thought to live. Missed a lot of school, was pretty uneducated when he was discharged from school at 15. Got the nickname “Ringo” because of all the rings he wore. Changed his last name to “Starr” to sound more professional. Played in several bands before the Beatles, was considered the best drummer in Liverpool. Sat in on some recording sessions with the Beatles, and was asked to be the permanent drummer when Pete was fired. Ringo filled in the last piece of the Beatles puzzle.

Beatlemania

Beatles Come to America • Rock and Roll was considered an ‘American’ music. • When the Beatles first tried to come to America they were turned down. • They started getting air time in 63’. • Brian flew to New York to try and get them some gigs. • He got a concert at Carnegie Hall, and a spot on Ed Sullivan – Booked as a novelty act. • Beatles prepared to go, when asked how they thought they would do, John said “I hope it goes OK”. • Continued to get air play, 5000 awaited them at the airport, 50, 000 tried to get in to see them at the Ed Sullivan show (seats 700). Beatles on Ed Sullivan

Beatlemania Continued • The Beatles quick wit, good humor, and non-threatening music was a huge success. • 70 Million watched them on the Ed Sullivan show, 60% of the viewing population. • The Beatles packed performances, sold $50 million in merchandise, got mobbed everywhere they went. • The Top Five in April, 1964: – – – Can’t Buy Me Love Twist and Shout She Loves You I want to hold Your Hand Please, Please Me. • Made Two movies in 65’: – A Hard Day’s Night – Help! • Did very well.

The Beatles Begin to Change… • Dealing with the pressures of touring and sudden fame the Beatles: – Began popping pills: French Blues, Purple Hearts, Black Bombers, and Yellow Submarines. – John and George were introduced to LSD – They began to experiment with a new kind of sound…. .