The Beatles
The Beatles were a British music group whose songs are among the most universally
accepted music recordings of the 20th century. The Beatles, who revolutionized popular
music around the world, were at the forefront of a movement in rock music known as the
British Invasion. The British Invasion was a name referring to the tremendous effect
that British rock-and-roll bands had in the United States during the 1960's. From 1960
to 1970, the Beatles achieved unique popularity with 30 songs reaching the Billboard
magazine top-ten popular music charts. The Beatles were adored by the world in the 60's
and 70's, and even today their music is loved by millions.
The group was formed in the 1960, and broke up in 1970. It consisted of four
Liverpool-born musicians. They were John Winston Lennon, James Paul McCartney, George
Harrison, and Ringo Starr (real name Richard Starkey). Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best as
drummer. Pete Best was an original member of the group.
The Beatles created a unique and varied sound that fans continue to enjoy and bands
continue to model, even today. One of their greatest albums was the creative Sgt.
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. This particular album was admired for it's harmony and
lyrics, the added use of electronic music techniques, and the addition of the Indian
sitar sound. Though the songs were inspired by simple, everyday things, the album was
acclaimed as the pinnacle of rock-and-roll's new elegance. The album's finale, John
Lennon's, "A Day in the Life", is the album's most disputed track and its most musically
ambitious. The British Broadcasting Corporation actually banned this song, because it
supposedly had references to drugs. The Beatles were unafraid to challenge the world
with their new music, and changed rock-and-roll from what is was, into what it is today.
After 10 years of being together, in 1970, the Beatles broke up. Personally, I believe
it is because Paul McCartney was pushing each member of the group too far. He, being a
perfectionist, kept trying to be the leader, and telling them how to play. McCartney
realized that each member was getting tired of the band, and becoming preoccupied with
their own lives. He tried to bring the magic back, and the other members thought he was
being too bossy. John Lennon, who was involved with a Japanese artist at the time, walked
into the studio one day and told everyone he wanted a "divorce", meaning he wanted out of
the band. Finally, they all just gave up, and the Beatles separated.
After the break-up, each member continued to perform, either as a soloist or as a member
of his own band. Despite individual success, the members were often approached with
requests to reunite. The requests continued until the cold-blooded assassination of John
Lennon in 1980, by a deranged man named Mark David Chapman.
Although the Beatles are no longer a band, their music lives on in their stead. I
personally believe that their music will continue to entertain and enlighten generations
to come. The Beatles touched the world, and their music is immortal.
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