The Beatles - Where My Rock & Roll Story Started

It all started with The Beatles. This English based group began in Liverpool during the 1960s and they were soon one of the most popular rock bands in the world.

The line-up included a drummer replacement early in the group's history, but otherwise this Fab 4 has consisted of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The group had a special spark, a chemistry that seemed magically mesmerizing to the world. Only one other person had been able to create such fervent emotion among the public, and that was the King of Rock, Elvis Presley.

In fact my love for music started with The Beatles. When they appeared on Ed Sullivan that was it for me. They're the ones that started the whole rock thing in England. Everybody wanted to sing, play guitar or drums including me. I was great at air-guitar!

Here is the first CBS news item shown on US TV about The Beatles:

As they began to produce their hit records it seemed as though they were unable to do anything wrong. Their talent was undeniable, and for a while they were all able to work together to create the songs and music that was unlike anything that had ever been heard before.

The group had a fresh driving sound and frenetic energy. This was definitely not the same insipid music that the parents had grown accustomed to hearing and suddenly a generation gap was apparent for all to see.

A New Path In The History of Rock 'n' Roll

This group would blaze a new path for rock and roll fans to travel. The lyrics were often controversial but they were deeply personal as well and many individuals could relate to them. Sex and drugs were themes in some of the group's songs, but these were also sending a message about freedom and self expression.  

I remember church dances where we would always play Beatles records. In the car we would wear headphones and listen to all the weird sounds going from one ear to the other.

Without The Beatles my story would never have been possible.

The Beatles had longer hair than people were used to when they burst onto the scene in the 60s. This led to them often being referred to as the "Moptops".

This name was not originally meant to be complimentary, but their fans refused to be distracted by such meaningless controversy. Over the years the "long haired look" that was so harshly criticized has become a standard for most rock bands. In fact their hairstyles often look extremely tame and demure in comparison to many others.

Later on John Lennon started speaking up about certain issues and his songs took on different meanings. He's a man we all should look up to! I didn't see it at the time but I see it now.  I say: Choose music over violence and war.

The 1970s would spell the end of the Beatles as a rock group. The band members were unable to continue on when there were undercurrents that were so divisive. Fans are not in agreement on whether the 60s or the 70s was the best musical decade for the Beatles, but it really doesn't matter because the group will always be known as the most successful 20th century rock band.

Yes, they were the greatest band in the world. ROCK ON!