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 wasnt a defined rock
in the early 60s.
Slide 4
The optimism of the early 60s 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.
Slide 5
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
Slide 6
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 Johns birth, left her husband to live
with another man. Johns 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 ExampleSkiffle
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.
Slide 7
Paul James Paul McCartney 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.
Slide 8
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
Slide 9
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 couldnt play. When
playing at shows they would ask him to turn around while he played
so that people wouldnt 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
Slide 10
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 clubs main
act.
Slide 11
Brian The Beatles My Bonnie began to get air time.My Bonnie
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.
Slide 12
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
wasnt working out (bad temper, differences in style). Pete took it
badly.
Slide 13
Slide 14
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.
Slide 15
Beatlemania
Slide 16
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 SullivanBeatles on
Ed Sullivan
Slide 17
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: Cant 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 Days NightA Hard Days
Night Help!Help! Did very well.
Slide 18
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..