The Beatles

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.