The Many Successes Of 'The Beatles': What Make Them The Most Popular Band Of All Time
They're likely to be considered the most famous and influential English pop/rock band to dominate both Britain and the United States in the 1960s. The Beatles seemed to come out of nowhere at the peak of their musical stardom and are recognized as the most critically acclaimed band of all time, being mentioned with other iconic names such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones. The greatest wonder for many people is how this boy's band from Liverpool became a worldwide sensation that had stadiums of young women streaming tears at their very presence. This is largely due to their 'rebel without a cause' attitude which made them a pioneering voice of the counter culture that was underway at that time in the world. So, diving right in, we'll discuss the many successes of The Beatles that made them one of the most popular bands of all time.
They say the best type of success is experienced when it seemingly falls into your lap, completely unprepared or calculated. Consisting of just a few talented young lads with a foggy vision of their musical ambitions, primarily John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr; The Beatles came from humble beginnings. According to sources, it all began in 1957 with John Lennon, who played rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist, and Paul McCartney who played Bass and vocals. The other band members, such as Ringo Starr, who played drums and vocals, and George Harrison, who was the lead guitarist and also did vocals, later established and completed The Beatles band.
The two teenagers, along with other periodic band members, began playing at local town halls and pubs in Liverpool and Hamburg. During this time, they gained a lot of on-stage experience as well as a chance to experiment with various styles of music, which helped to distinguish their sound from other bands. Some of these music genres included Skiffle and 1950s Rock and Roll, Pop music, and Psychedelic Rock. Therefore, with the expansion of their musical style and ability came even more recognition.
Between 1962 and 1963, their renown increased especially in Europe, but that wasn't without a few bums in the road. Characteristic of every great success story are failures, of which The Beatles had their fair share. According to an article on How The Beatles Really Became Famous, the band was rejected by at least 5 major labels, including the UK-based label, Decca Records. However, with the backing of their manager, Brian Epstein, and English record producer, George Martin, the band eventually landed a deal with the legendary UK record label, EMI Records, who are also responsible for launching artists like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift.
But don't be deceived. The Beatles' journey to fame and fortune wasn't that cut and dry.
In the years before their breakthrough into American mainstream music, their metal had to be tested under the most grueling circumstances in Hamburg. Their first real gig was in 1960 at the Indra Club in Reeperbahn in a neighborhood teeming with gangsters and sex workers, while living in conditions comparable to a pigsty. They worked a demanding seven-day-a-week schedule for a measly £2.50 per day, which is less than the hourly wage for workers under 18 at £4.62. They were said to have worked tiresome 46-hour weeks, 6 to 8 hours a day while depending on a stimulant pill named Preludin (similar to amphetamine) for a boost of energy in stage performance. To add to such a grim living and working situation, they were required to attract their audience with excessively loud performances while incorporating on-stage antics to keep them entertained. This was draining, to say the least.
Remaining undaunted, The Beatles continued to put on electrifying, non-stop entertainment. That is, until their lead guitarist, George Harrison, was deported for being underage. His departure subsequently brought their probationary period in Hamburg to a close. But little did they know, the hard work they sowed was about to bring in a harvest. In 1962, their first single, Love Me Do, broke into the mainstream in the United Kingdom. Love Me Do is credited with opening the door to many touring opportunities. Then in 1963, She Loves Me officially became their first hit song. After becoming number one in the UK, they set their sights on touring internationally.
Then on February 7th, 1964, they were flown to New York where they were awaited by 4,000 ecstatic fans and 200 reporters ready to plaster their faces all over the media. Such a grand welcome shocked even the band leaders, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who reportedly doubted the band's success in the American music market. Within two days of their arrival, they made their first television appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, which was viewed by roughly 74 million Americans. By this time, their fame had only just begun to spread. Their 12-day American tour included two concerts: one at the Washington Coliseum and the other at the Shea Stadium in New York City. They performed to an audience of over 55, 600 overzealous fans and quickly became an American favorite. That same year in April, they simultaneously held the top 5 spots on the Billboard 100 and made $25 million in earnings. That's a major pay increase from £2.50 per day!
The Beatles' musical conquest greatly influenced the counter-culture across Europe and the United States, giving rise to other anti-establishment music icons such as Jimmy Hendrix, Oasis, Black Sabbath, Nirvana, and many other rock and pop bands over the decades. Their success is a great example of the immense sacrifice and dedication it takes to truly become great at whatever your goal is in life. Refusing to quit in your pursuits, even when they seem grim, can be seen as the hard ground where seeds are planted while trusting the process. Eventually, these seeds take root, grow, and bring about results. But giving up is never an option.
Sources: Notable Biographies, The Paw Print, Your Better Life, CNBC
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