The Beatles began as three teenagers—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison— playing in a band in their native Liverpool, England, in the late 1950s. By 1962 they had gone through a number of names and drummers before adding Ringo Starr and emerging as the Beatles. Their ascent was swift from this point on. In 1963 the group became a national sensation in the U.K with a series of number-one singles. On February 9, 1964, they made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, and worldwide attention reached fever pitch. Their music was classed as part of the British invasion, but it had deep roots in the music of American performers such as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino. Throughout their career the Beatles incorporated numerous other musical styles such as traditional Indian music, ballads, and hard rock. But personal conflicts and the pressures of fame took a toll. The Beatles played their last formal concert in 1966 and broke up in 1970. Even fifty years after the break-up they still reign as the best-selling music artists in history with 600 million albums sold.
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Contents
Music
All the Songs
by Jean-Michel Guesdon
A complete, chronological accounting of every song ever recorded by the Beatles. Includes the official credits for the recording, the genesis of the song, the sound engineering and production details, and trivia for devoted fans. Some strong language. 2013.
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A Day in the Life: The Music and Artistry of the Beatles
by Mark Hertsgaard
Journalist Hertsgaard provides an in-depth look at the Beatles' music. He was permitted access to the raw tapes of recording sessions at the Abbey Road Studios, through which he heard songs evolve and the interplay of the musicians. To those insights he adds documented information about the Fab Four; he excludes the unverified hearsay of the time. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1995.
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Blackbird Singing: Poems and Lyrics, 1965–1999
by Paul McCartney
This collection of song lyrics and poetry written by Paul McCartney was compiled at the suggestion of his late wife, Linda. Includes words to such hits as "Maybe I'm Amazed," "Yellow Submarine," "Yesterday," and "Eleanor Rigby," among others. Introduction by Adrian Mitchell. 2001.
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Group Biographies
The Love You Make
by Peter Brown
Chronicles the lives and times of the Beatles from their early raucous days in Liverpool through John Lennon's murder in 1980. Also a riveting, often bizarre story of the powerful and famous caught up in the Beatles' jet set world. Strong language. Bestseller. 1983.
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The Beatles
by Hunter Davies
Originally published in 1968 at the Beatles' peak in popularity, this authorized biography includes a 1996 update, as well as supplemental information from the 1985 edition. Davies was permitted full access to the group, spending eighteen months with them at home and in the studio. Some strong language. 1968.
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You Never Give Me Your Money
by Peter Doggett
Music writer chronicles the personal, legal, and financial problems that plagued John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr after the breakup of the Beatles. Discusses their solo careers and the lawsuits between the former collaborators. Some strong language. 2009.
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Can't Buy Me Love
by Jonathan Gould
Biography of the Beatles includes social commentary and musical and lyrical analysis. Explains the revolutionary effect the band had on the 1960s music industry and popular culture. Examines the group's transformation into an international phenomenon and discusses the 1980 murder of John Lennon that dashed reunion hopes. 2007.
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Shout!
by Philip Norman
Examines the lives and the legacy of the Beatles, from their struggling early days up to the early 1980s. Based on the author's firsthand acquaintance with the Beatles and his interviews with the group's friends, relatives, and business associates. 1981.
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The Beatles Anthology
edited by Brian Roylance and Julian Quance
Chronicle of the Beatles from their childhoods in Liverpool until their split in 1970. Based largely on a 1994 television documentary series, the book features interviews with the four musicians and their close associates. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2000.
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George Harrison
Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me
by Pattie Boyd with Penny Junor
Former model Boyd depicts both the happiness and the heartache she endured as wife and muse of two different musicians—George Harrison and then Eric Clapton. She describes sharing the private and public lives of these men and other notable people from the rock 'n' roll decades. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2007.
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Dark Horse: The Private Life of George Harrison
by Geoffrey Giuliano
The most elusive Beatle is still a mystery in spite of years of media scrutiny. This biography discusses Harrison's attempts to introduce his own music in the Lennon-McCartney dominated group and his comeback as a film and record producer, a solo artist, and a member of the Traveling Wilburys. His spiritual quest permeates the story. Some strong language. 1990.
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Behind Sad Eyes: The Life of George Harrison
by Marc Shapiro
Biography of guitarist George Harrison (1943-2001), from his childhood in Liverpool to his death from cancer. Highlights his career with the Beatles, including creative differences with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, his two marriages, and his interest in Eastern religion. Some strong language. 2002.
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John Lennon
Being John Lennon
by Ray Connolly
A music journalist presents a biography of the former Beatle, who was murdered in 1980. Examines his youth in Liverpool, the heady early days of the Beatles, the collapse of the band, his relationship with second wife Yoko Ono, and more. Some strong language. 2018.
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The Lives of John Lennon
by Albert Harry Goldman
A detailed, controversial biography of one of the most popular rock stars of the era. Focusing on the post-Beatles period of Lennon's life, the author refutes the popular image of an idyllic marriage with Yoko Ono and presents the musician as a paradoxical, heroin-addicted, catatonically depressed individual who was dependent on his manipulative wife. Bestseller. 1989.
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The Walrus and the Elephants
by James A. Mitchell
Journalist examines the life of John Lennon (1940–1980) after the Beatles, focusing on his political activism. Chronicles Lennon's life in New York City through interviews with friends who worked with him on projects. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2013.
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John Lennon
by Elizabeth Partridge
Portrait of the legendary singer-songwriter from his birth in 1940 Great Britain to his murder forty years later in New York City. Explores his career, alcohol and drug addiction, two marriages, and relationship with fellow Beatles band members. Strong language. For senior high readers. 2005.
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Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
by Philip Norman
Music journalist interviews the former Beatle's friends, family, and musical partners to construct a portrait of the popular music icon. Covers his early life and years with the Beatles, his subsequent musical endeavors, and his personal relationships. Some strong language. 2016.
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Interviews
The Playboy Interviews with John Lennon and Yoko Ono
conducted by David Sheff
The complete texts, plus unpublished conversations with John Lennon and Yoko Ono two months before Lennon’s death. Subjects discussed include Lennon's feelings about the Beatles, love for his family, and memories of his childhood. He also comments on the songs he wrote and influences on his music. Some strong language. 1981.
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The Rolling Stone Interviews
by Joe Levy
Excerpts of interviews spanning four decades of Rolling Stone magazine. Features John Lennon on the Beatles breakup, George Lucas on Star Wars, and discussions with Bono, Kurt Cobain, Ray Charles, Ozzy Osbourne, Eminem, Joni Mitchell, and other musicians, directors, writers, politicians, and pop-culture icons. Strong language. 2007.
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History
Your Favorite Band Is Killing Me
by Steven Hyden
A music critic takes a humorous look at nineteen classic rivalries in pop music and explores their meanings. From classic 1960s rivalries like the Rolling Stones versus the Beatles to new face-offs like Kanye West versus Taylor Swift, Hyden looks at what your choices say about you. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2016.
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Beatles vs. Stones
by John Campbell McMillian
History professor examines media portrayals and public perceptions of the two iconic British bands—the "lovable" Beatles and the "bad-boy" Stones. Discusses the rapport and rivalry between them and the influence of their managers. 2013.
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The Beatles
by Bob Spitz
Music journalist Spitz uses primary sources to trace each band member's family history, recording sessions, concerts, and business deals. Also discusses fast-lane lives of drugs, sex, and excess. Strong language. 2005.
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How the Beatles Destroyed Rock 'n' Roll
by Elijah Wald
Author and musician Wald contends that the Beatles and the "British invasion" of the 1960s and 1970s brought a racial split in American music and separated dance and studio sounds. Discusses recording techniques and sociological conditions that led to diverse styles such as ragtime, blues, country, rock, and soul. 2009.
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