Beatles at 50

Relive Beatlemania in real time.

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The Ed Sullivan Show

02/09/14

At this point we all know the story: At 8:00pm 50 years ago today a record-setting 73 million people tuned in to watch the first of three consecutive Sunday performances by the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. The historic impact of this night cannot be overstated, as the British Invasion officially changed the worldwide trajectory of popular culture. Click here to learn more, or click through to watch the performance.

Historical context: By comparison, a legendary performance of "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley eight years earlier on September 9, 1954 was viewed by 54 million people. Contrary to Elvis mythology, it wasn't until his third appearance on the show before he was censored from the waist down.

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"It's going to be fab!"

On the eve of Beatlemania John and George were interviewed by UK based reporter June Harris. Regarding their pending trip to America John remarked, "It's going to be fab! I know we're not going to have much time to do anything, but I shall still buy stacks of records. None of us is nervous about our personal appearances or anything like that. The Americans are just going to get exactly the same as the British, French and the rest of them."

Harris would move to New York shortly thereafter to cover the burgeoning pop scene, once again covering the Beatles in 1966. Read a selection of June's work.

Historical context: The picture above depicts two fans trying on their Beatle wigs in anticipation of the lad's arrival. An article from the New York Times titled "Singing Beatles Prepare for U.S." finds irony in the fact that the group's recently obtained visas "enable them to perform so long as 'unemployed persons capable of performing this work cannot be found." Noting the popularity of Beatle wigs among American teenagers journalist James Feron states: "Nobody is sure how much they make from the Beattle (sic) merchandise industry." Read the article on NYTimes.com.

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"We aren't American, actually."

Returning to London Airport following their residency at the Olympia Theater the Beatles held a short press interview. They seemed keenly aware of the hysteria about to ensue, joking that after receiving 12,000 letters a day they don't need any additional American fans.  Read the complete interview or watch above.

Historical context: The #1 American television show (for the second straight season) is The Beverly Hillbillies. On tonight's episode Elly May enters a beauty pageant, but faces stiff competition from Granny.

The Beverly Hillbillies aired on CBS, who held 14 of the top 15 shows for the 1963-1964 season, including #14: The Ed Sullivan Show.

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Winter 1964 France Shows

02/04/1964

The boys end their 20 night residency at the Olympia Theater in Paris. From January 16 to February 4th the Beatles performed two or three sets each night, with the exception of January 21st and January 28th. This night's show would be their last before the official start of the British Invasion. Tonight's setlist.

Historical context: "Dr. Strangelove" recently began its three week run as the #1 movie in America. The release of the black comedy had been delayed due to the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

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Obtaining Visas and Work Permits

02/03/1964

Prior to their two performances at the Olympia Theater the boys visited the American Embassy to obtain the necessary visas and work permits for their upcoming tour of the US.

Historical Context: While the Beatles held the top of the charts in the US with "I Want to Hold Your Hand," they were absent from the UK Singles Chart for most of February March until "Can't Buy Me Love" would enter the charts at No. 8 on March 26th. See the complete charts.

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A Week Before it All Changed

02/02/1964

The musical guests on tonight's Ed Sullivan Show were Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr. In an interview after the show Ella said: “That was a great thrill, for anybody who ever had the chance to work with [Sammy], because he was talent. What you call T-A-L-E-N-T.” It'd be another week before the Beatles performed, forever changing the history of modern American culture.

Historical Context: Hasbro's G.I. Joe toys make their debut. The World War II themed action figures were roughly 1/6th scale, the same size as Barbie dolls. Learn more.

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First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1

02/01/1964 

The Beatles posted their first of a record 20 Hot 100 No. 1 singles with "I Want to Hold Your Hand," two years to the day Brian Epstein's managerial contract with the band officially went into effect. The song made the incredible jump from No. 45 just the week before and would remain at the top of the charts for seven weeks. The group would celebrate this achievement with a dinner attended by Epstein and George Martin at the George V Hotel in Paris where they were staying during their series of concerts at the Olympia Theater from January 16 to February 4. See the complete Billboard Top 100 from February 1, 1964.

Appearance: On a nine-act bill at the Olympia Theater in Paris, France. Learn more.

Historical Context: Indiana Governor Mathew Walsh banned the Kingsmen's "Louie Louie" from the radio on account of obscenity. The FBI eventually got involved but determined that the lyrics were unintelligible. Learn more.

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LIFE Magazine: Here Come Those Beatles

01/31/1964 

This photo essay by author Timothy Green and legendary rock (and war) photographer Terence Spencer chronicles the UK based frenzy surrounding the Beatles predating their first US appearance on February 7th. One London police officer quipped "If those girls caught those ruddy lads, they'd tear them to pieces."

Read Here Come Those Beatles on Google Books.

Appearance: On a nine-act bill at the Olympia Theater in Paris, France. Learn more.

Historical Context: The US Surgeon General's office releases its first report linking smoking to cancer. Learn more.

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Single: Please Please Me / From Me To You

01/30/1964 

The second US release of "Please Please Me" (VJ 581) following the Vee-Jay release of the track with original b-side "Ask Me Why" on February 7, 1963.

YouTube, Amazon

Appearance: On a nine-act bill at the Olympia Theater in Paris, France. Learn more.

Historical Context: Sam Cooke records the landmark civil rights anthem "A Change is Gonna Come". The song will be released on December 11, 1964, just days after the singer's death.