It was fifty years ago (February 7, 1964) that The Beatles invaded America. They were welcomed at the New York airport by 3,000 screaming fans; they appeared on the famous Ed Sullivan television show (a popular variety-show on Sunday nights); and they played several concerts (including Carnegie Hall). The so-called "British Invasion" was huge news.
I remember it! I was six at the time and, like everyone else, I was aware something special was happening. The Beatles coincided with the emergence of the "youth movement." Large numbers of teenagers were trying new things (music, sex, drugs) and casting off parental and societal controls. It was a heady time.
Back then, everyone asked, "Which Beatle do you like best?!" There were Paul fans (he was so cute and romantic), John fans (he was so dark and myseterious), Ringo fans (he was ugly in a cute way) and... well, George.
The Beatles weren't just a rock-n-roll band, they were THE rock-n-roll band. They exploded the genre and were the biggest cultural force in this country. For several years, they dominated not only music but also television and movies.
This anniversary is worth noting. Since their success, John met a tragic end (assassination) in 1980; Paul is still performing and writing; Ringo had a modest solo career; and George died in 2001 from lung cancer.
Their effect on music and society can't be over-stated.
When did you become aware of The Beatles? Did you like them?
Born in the early 70's so I have always had a world with the Beatles lol. Although never as a group. I was a john fan. Still a loss. Chap had a lot to say.
ReplyDeleteborn 68 i growed up with the the fab four. even the "sgt. pepper" album was published in the GDR - with the gorgeous original cover! (this was not always the case). (the government was not really a fan of rock´n roll, there were times when young peoples jeans and long hair get ripped off from FDJ members - on the open streets.)
ReplyDeletei still love to hear the music - from the early rock´n roll, the "beat" to the later hippie style.
My Mum saw them a lot in The Cavern, it would be heaving with people, the walls dripped with moisture and there was no alcohol served in their sets, she loved Paul. Our city is still very much associated with them. I do like them a lot.
ReplyDeleteI was exposed to the Beatles at a pretty young age since my parents grew up with them! I think I knew songs on the White Album before I was five!
ReplyDeleteI didn't start really liking the Beatles until maybe after I turned 35. Might have been the nostalgia of that era but now I love them.
ReplyDeletebisous
Suzanne
My mom went to see them at Empire Stadium in Vancouver on that opening North America tour! She says the crowd was so loud you could barely hear them. I grew up with the fab four - I have most of their albums. Their influence on music and culture can never be underestimated.
ReplyDeleteI don't really remember the first time I heard the Beatles--it wasn't a life-changing revelation or anything. But I do remember in college, sifting through my bf(soon-to-be-husband!)'s iTunes, and stumbling across his vast collection. He had (still has) pretty much every album. That was a little life-changing :)
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE the Beatles!! All of my initial musical education came from my fathers cd collection: it was there that I learned about Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Frank Sinatra, and the The Beatles (and many many more). Their music and different sounds really stuck with me. A light went off in my head though when I started recognizing rifs of the Beatles in Michael Jackson's songs. I thought I had discovered something that no one else had noticed. It launched an obsession. I love the Beatles! I still remember where I was standing when I first heard Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin even.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember where I was when I first heard the Beatles, but I think that's because my mom played them while she was pregnant with me!
I've been teaching my kids Yellow Submarine and Yesterday in singing assembly at school! I really like the Beatles and my favourite is Norwegian wood! I don't have a personal affinity enough with the actual artistes to have a favourite, but I remember it was like that with Take That- you had to choose which one you liked best! I liked Mark!x
ReplyDeleteI like George best. He seemed like the most "hippie" one and more spiritual. And Yellow Submarine is one of my favorite movies.
ReplyDeleteMy mom was a huge Beatles fan, convinced she would marry Paul when she was a teen. I listened to their albums over and over when I was a teen and still know every word to every song on "Magical Mystery Tour". I'm in the process of introducing my kids to them now. It's been fun seeing Sir Paul on the Grammy's, SNL, etc. Gives the kids some more of a personal connection to the band. They were truly our modern day musical pioneers and every one who has come after them has been influenced by them.
ReplyDeleteSnoozefest. I find them boring. Mostly terrible lyrics and catchy tunes. Not impressed with them at all and I don't see why they are considered geniuses. The only great song of theirs (in my opinion) is Eleanor Rigby
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh at the comment "he was ugly in a cute way" - haha
ReplyDeleteI became aware of the Beatles when I was probably 12 or so - my favourite was Paul, he was so cute. I had a friend who looked just like him.
I'd had exposure to them prior, of course, but hubs is a HUUUGE Beatles fan. I don't know if he'd cry and scream for them, given the chance. But they've grown on me a lot more just from being with him (as has Star Trek, of all things).
ReplyDeleteKiddo and I were watching Sesame Street today. During the Elmo's World segment, a walrus was being helped by some penguins to pull an iceberg. Elmo said, "Walruses get by with a little help from their friends." It was so quick and subtle that only a Beatles fan would have noticed it. :)