The Beatles Flashcards
What events caused optimism in the early 1960s
Election of Kennedy, MLK & Civil Rights
Why was Kennedy a source of optimism
Catholic (different), sympathetic to civil rights, message of selflessness (Ask not what your country can do for you…)
What nickname was Kennedy’s presidency given
“Camelot”
What is “The New Frontier”
A sense of optimism and ambitiousness from new ideas and attitudes (JFK, MLK)
When was the March on Washington?
August 1963
What notable speech was delivered during the march on washington
“I have a dream” MLK (not his intended speech)
Where is Kennedy killed
Dallas, TX
When is Kennedy killed
Nov 22, 1963
What is post-war britain like?
Everything is in shambles due to WW2
What practice continues in Britain through the 1950s
rationing
What is the outlook for young people in Britain in the 1950s and early 60s?
Not great. Mass underemployment, especially for youth
What is DIY culture?
When something doesnt exist, do it yourself/ make your own. Demonstrated by British Teens forming makeshift bands with strange combinations of instruments
How does American Music reach Britain in the Post-War era
By ship. Sailors would trade american records to british teens to make some money on the side
What cities are hotbeds for american music influence in the UK?
Port Cities (Liverpool especially)
What types of music are popular with British Teens?
R&B, Rock n Roll
What British music style evolves out of American R&B and Rock n Roll influences
Skiffle
What is the original name of the Beatles
The Quarrymen
Who originally leads the Beatles when formed?
John Lennon
What city are The Beatles from?
Liverpool
Where does John Lennon meet Paul McCartney?
Church Picnic
When do Paul and John start playing and writing songs?
July 1957
What talent do neither John or Paul possess?
Neither can play lead guitar (a problem since Chuck Berry is a notable influence)
Who do The Beatles recruit to play lead?
George Harrison
Where to the Beatles start playing?
Clubs in Liverpool - notably the Cavern Club
Who is the original drummer of the beatles?
Stuart Stuckcliffe
What image do the Beatles originally maintain?
Rocker image - based on US motorcycle gangs (greased hair and leather)
Who become’s the Beatle’s manager?
Brian Epstein
When do The Beatles get their first manager?
December 1961
What changes does Brian Epstein make to the image of The Beatles
Mop Top haircuts, matching suits
What happens when the Beatles try to get a record deal?
Everybody turns them down
Who writes the rejection letter stating that there is “No future for guitar in pop music”?
Dick Row - DECA
Why did The Beatles struggle to get a record deal?
At the end of the In Between Years, everyone was convinced Rock n Roll had just been a fad
What label are the Beatles Signed to?
Parlophone - a subsidiary of EMI
When do The Beatles sign their record deal?
June 1962
Which producer do The Beatles get paired with?
George Martin
Why is George Martin a great technical producer?
Long history of producing interesting sounds from doing comedy sound effects
What change does George Martin insist they make?
Tells them to fire Stuart Stuckcliffe, hire Ringo Starr
What is the first Beatles single?
“Love Me Do”
When is “Love Me Do” released?
September 1962