February 7, 2014

A television special and performances by numerous tribute bands this weekend will help to mark the 50^th anniversary of an event that changed American rock music forever. Playing against hysterical screams from youthful fans, the Beatles made their highly anticipated American TV debut on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. An estimated 73 million people watched the appearance of the Fab Four–Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and John Lennon. The audience added up to slightly more than 45 percent of American households with television sets. With that performance, the Beatles, who went on to become the most popular group in rock music history, also launched the “British invasion.” Beatlemania opened the U.S. flood gates for other British bands like the Rolling Stones, the Animals, the David Clark Five, Herman’s Hermits, the Who, the Hollies, the Kinks, Manfred Mann, the Moody Blues, and Gerry and the Pacemakers.

The Beatles debuted on the Sullivan show riding a wave of adulation from young, primarily female, American fans. The group had a number-one hit in “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and they had charmed the media and their followers with their offhand wit and charisma (as well as their distinctive haircuts and suits).  So the country was primed for the Beatles’ first live U.S. exposure, and the lads did not disappoint.

On the February 9 show, the Beatles sang five songs, though they could scarcely be heard over the roar from their frenzied teenage girls in the audience. The group opened with “All My Loving” and continued with “‘Till There Was You,” “She Loves You,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

The Beatles, who became the most popular group in rock history, made their American television debut on Feb. 9, 1964. They were, left to right, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and John Lennon. (AP/Wide World)

The Beatles were actually reinterpreting American rock ‘n’ roll of the 1950′s. Their performances and recordings included songs by Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, and Little Richard. Lennon and McCartney wrote most of the music for the group, and many of their compositions paid tribute to these early rock music influences. Lennon and McCartney eventually became one of the most successful songwriting teams in music history.

During the middle and late 1960′s, the Beatles helped to give rock music a new direction. Most earlier rock music had been based primarily on a strong beat, but the Beatles’ music contained a new sense of melody. Their chord progressions were also more complex, and the lyrics of their songs were more imaginative and meaningful.

Oh, and one more thing. After the arrival of the Beatles, most young men and many older men let their hair grow long and sported long sideburns and mustaches.

Additional World Book articles:

• A Hard Day’s Night
• Bo Diddley
• Sir George Martin
• All Things Must Pass: George Harrison, 1943-2001 (a Special Report)
• Popular music (1964) (a Back in Time article)
• Popular music (1965) (a Back in Time article)