The Beatles

             The Beatles are one of the most powerful, famous, and influential band in Rock and Roll history. Through their ten years of existence, and nineteen albums, they stretched pop music to its boundaries, producing some of the best music from their generation. Through examining their studio albums and interviews, I will attempt to uncover why people were so drawn to this band, and why they still leave an imprint on pop music today.
             I will first summarize The Beatles early years, to give a foundation for their later music. John Lennon, who is considered the founding1 member, was born in Liverpool England on October 9, 1940. As a child he was a trouble-maker and poor at school. However what he lacked in mathematical skill, he compensated in his exceptional art potential. As a child he grew up in a very strict household, which led to reading and writing. This interested John quite a bit, and this same artistic flare led him to music. He began playing the harmonica, but soon was introduced to the guitar which became his concentration. John then formed a band in high school with his two friends, Ivan Vaughan and Pete Sholden. They became known as the Quarrymen, an ode to their school, Quarry Bank High School. John was inspired by "Heartbreak Hotel" and became a fan of American rock 'n' roll music. He introduced songs by Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, The Coasters, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent into their repertoire. On July 6, 1957, Ivan Vaughan invited Paul McCartney to see their gig at The Woolton Parish Church Fete. The fifteen-year-old McCartney was introduced to sixteen-year-old Lennon and a unique song writing partnership began. .
             The group switched members very frequently at first, but finally settled on John as rhythm guitar/lead vocal, Paul as lead bass guitar/ vocals, George as lead guitar/ backup vocal, and their sex-symbol Pete Best as drummer. Now settled, they renamed themselves The Beatles, and traveled to Hamburg Germany to fine-tune their skills.