Overview
In this lesson, we will see the tremendous influence that British musicians exerted on American popular music during the 1960s. The sudden popularity of British rock bands in the United States is called the British Invasion. After the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964, the British presence in rock and roll was firmly established.
Objectives
- Recall the development of rock and roll in Britain, focusing specifically on origins and early careers of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones
- Recall the number of stylistic, personnel, and managements changes of the Beatles before settling into the image of the Fab Four in matching suits
From Songs to Recordings
The Beatles and George Martin usually finished their recordings in a couple of intense studio sessions. That process began to change in the middle of the 1960s, as the members of the Beatles became more interested in record production. Instead of following roughly the same formula for each song (verse-chorus form with instrumental solos and catchy vocal hooks), the Beatles began experimenting with studio effects, unusual forms and structures, new instruments, and unusual timbres.
During that time, John Lennon said, "We don’t write songs anymore, we write recordings." By the release of Rubber Soul in late 1965 and Revolver in 1966, the Beatles’ style had changed drastically.
Personal, professional, and financial conflicts plagued the Beatles in the late 1960s, and in 1970, McCartney filed suit to dissolve the Beatles’ contractual partnership. Each of the four members released a solo album almost immediately after the dissolution. It was not until after Lennon’s murder in 1980, however, that the three remaining Beatles worked together again. They recorded a new version of "All Those Years Ago ♫" in Lennon’s honor. Today, the Beatles are still the best-selling band in history.
