The Surprising Truth: How America Unveiled Its Love for The Beatles
We fell in love with them before they ever came here, so you can imagine how excited we were when they came to America for the first time. The plane landed, and the Americans probably reacted with, "Who are you? Why are you here? How long are you here? Who are you staying with? What are your intentions whilst in the land of the free?" Before having a gun shoved in their face and being asked if they have medical insurance.
When the Beatles First Arrived in America
This question sounds like a joke. Although I was only 8 years old when the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, I was light-headed from watching the first COMPLETE HYSTERIA from the mostly girls in the audience and the absolute charisma those four very cute young men had as well as their absolute professionalism in the face of the screaming hysteria. Unfortunately, it was virtually impossible to hear them, but I was incredibly fortunate to have my teenaged sister and a next-door neighbor who was not only my piano teacher but also an outstanding musician. Together, we were able to hear and listen to every Beatles album released from the very first until the very last in 1970. AMERICA LOVED AND STILL LOVES THE BEATLES!!!
Indifference to Their Early Releases
NO, only their daughters did.
At first, America was indifferent to the Beatles. From September 1962 to late 1963, the Beatles released five singles and two LPs in the UK. The last three singles and both albums each went to number one. By the Summer of '63, they were Britain's biggest act and by November, they were the subject of Beatlemania and all the madness that entailed. Other European countries were catching on, but the US remained invulnerable to their charms. The release of their second single 'Please Please Me' in early 1963 only saw it rise as far as 35 in the Chicago area, with their other records getting an issue stateside only on obscure labels like Tollie and Swan. Part of this was due to the belief that foreigners could not do Rock n' Roll and that the USA, or at least its recording industry, remained in love with the idea of Italianate youths all named 'Bobby' doing the running with some surf music thrown in.
The Arrival of Beatlemania in America
All that was to change in February 1964, however. That month, The Beatles arrived in America, and everything changed. Not only did they release their 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' single, but it quickly climbed to number one, sparking an unprecedented phenomenon that would cement the band's status in the hearts and minds of Americans. This was the beginning of Beatlemania in America, a phenomenon where fans went crazy ass nuts! The band's arrival marked a turning point in American music history, where they became the biggest band to hit America in music history.
Impact and Legacy
The Beatles, with their unique sound, undeniable charisma, and ever-changing musical style, managed to break through cultural barriers and resonate with the American audience. They brought a fresh, vibrant energy to the music scene, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike. From their first visit to their extensive touring and albums, The Beatles left an indelible mark on American music. Even decades later, the band remains beloved, their music celebrated, and their cultural impact profoundly felt.