The Beatles

The Beatles - John, Paul, George and Ringo - are one of the most influential bands of all times. 

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Band Members:

John Lennon

Paul McCartney

George Harrison

Ringo Starr

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Paul McCartney was 15 years old in 1957, when he went to a church picnic in the village of Woolton, near Liverpool, where he met 16-year-old John Lennon. Lennon had formed a group called the Quarrymen, and they were playing at the picnic. As the band set-up for its performance, their bass player introduced Lennon to his classmate McCartney. McCartney played a few songs on guitar for the group, and a few days later Lennon invited him to join.

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This fateful meeting began one of the most famous collaborations in rock history.

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Paul's friend, 15 year old George Harrison, was hired as the band's lead guitarist in 1958. The group would test out various band names and musicians for the next four years, while refining their musical and songwriting abilities. Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison would provide rock music with some of its most enduring songs.

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The group changed its name to "The Beatles" in 1960. Ringo Starr met the group in Hamburg in October, 1960. At the time he was performing with another band, but stepped in on occasion when The Beatles drummer Pete Best was unavailable. ​In 1962, he replaced Pete, and officially joined the Beatles. 

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The Beatles were rejected by several record labels, but in February 1962, their manager Brian Epstein met with George Martin of EMI studios in London.  Despite an initial hesitation on Martin's part, The Beatles were signed to EMI’s Parlophone label, with Martin as their producer.  Their first album "Please Please Me" contained the singles "I Saw Her Standing There", "Do You Want To Know A Secret" and "Twist and Shout".  They became a sensation in the UK and much of Europe.

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With their manager securing a booking for the group on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles were headed to the U.S.  In the weeks preceding their appearance on The Ed Sullivan show, several Beatles records had climbed the Billboard charts in the United States, and American radio was saturated with their songs.

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Shortly after 8:00 pm on February 9, 1964, Ed Sullivan simply said these now-famous words - “Ladies and Gentleman…The Beatles!”  The Sullivan episode was seen by 73 million people, making it the most viewed television program ever at that time.  "Beatlemania" had officially arrived in America.    

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The Beatles had a profound impact on rock music.  They are one of the most popular bands in history, and for good reason. They revolutionized music not just once, but several times throughout their career, with a variety of genres from rock to psychedelic to classical all making appearances during their years as a band.

 

If you're looking for gifts for Beatles fans, consider giving them an album from this legendary band or other Beatles memorabilia that they'll love! See our collection of Beatles gift items on this page that are perfect for any Beatles fan.  Items include Beatles t-shirts, albums, face masks, books, games, and even shower curtains.  

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Do you have a favorite song and want to know the Beatles lyrics?  Click on 'The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics' book above.  It contains the complete lyrics of 178 Beatles songs, including all of their biggest hits from 1963 to 1970. The Beatles' greatest songs are accompanied by full-color photographs, Beatles collectibles, and drawings.  This is one of the best gift ideas for a Beatles superfan.

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Great retro gifts for any Beatles fan!  Beatles gifts are a great idea for any occasion.  Beatles merchandise is always popular as the band was such a big influence on the lives of people who were teenagers in the 1960's.  Beatles music is still popular today and there are many today who qualify as a young Beatles fan.  Some of the best Beatles gifts are t-shirts, coffee or travel mugs, and of course, their records!

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Beatles fans can find great gift items here like t-shirts with The Beatles logo, a Yellow Submarine coffee mug, The Beatles Anthology, themed salt and pepper shakers, framed prints of The Fab Four, and more.  Find the perfect gift for any Beatles fan, or for the whole family.