1. The Beatles History of Rock and Roll

2. The Beatles  In 1955, 15 year old John Lennon meets 13 year old Paul McCartney at a church social.  John Lennon favors Elvis. Paul is influenced by Little Richard.  They perform with a group called the Quarrymen.

3. The Beatles (2)  1958—15 year old George Harrison joins the Quarrymen. They change their name to Johnny and the Moondogs (later to Silver Beatles and then to the Beatles).  1960—Pete Best joins the Beatles as drummer.  The Beatles begin many of their all-night gigs in Hamburg, Germany

4. The Beatles (3)  1961—The Beatles commute between Hamburg and The Cavern in Liverpool.  They record “My Bonnie” in Germany.  Brian Epstein, a Liverpool record store owner, seeks out the Beatles at the Cavern.  Epstein becomes the Beatles’ manager.

5. The Beatles (4)  In 1962, Epstein would write to a journalist that the Beatles would “one day be bigger than Elvis.” He would become the only manager in history to make this statement and be correct.  1962—Beatles fail audition with Decca Records. Would later sign with EMI.

6. The Beatles (5)  The Beatles would replace Pete Best this year—for reasons still unknown.  The final line-up of the Beatles was now set—George, Paul, John, and Ringo.  In October, 1962, Beatles would release “Love Me Do.” It will climb to number 21 in the UK.

7. The Beatles (6)  1963—Beatles’ song “Please Please Me” was released and reaches #1.  “Beatlemania” hits Britain—Beatles’ record “Please Please Me” would hold the #1 spot for 30 weeks.  1964—Beatles’ song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was released in US on Capitol records with $50,000 publicity.

8. The Beatles (7)  1964—The Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan show. In April of 1964, Beatles hold #1-5 on the charts.  “Beatlemania” hits the US.  1965—Beatles have their 4 th, 5 th, and 6 th number one records.  1966—Beatles last concert appearance in San Francisco.

9. The Beatles (8)  1967—Beatles release “Strawberry Fields Forever,” considered their first psychedelic release due to backward music at fade.  Beatles’ first real failure is their television movie “Magical Mystery Tour.”  1968—Beatles go to India to study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi—Ringo leaves early.

10. The Beatles (9)  John and Paul hold press conference to announce that they are severing their relationship with Maharishi and starting Apple Corps.  This will be disastrous.  The “White Album” is released—contains mostly solo vocals.

11. The Beatles (10)  1969—John marries Yoko Ono.  Beatles try to make a record to regain their roots.  Abbey Road is the result.  John forms the Plastic Ono Band, with Yoko on vocals.  1970—Paul releases solo album. Press kit includes interview critical of other Beatles.

12. The Beatles (11)  1970—Paul announces his departure from the Beatles.  Release Let It Be—their final album before breaking up.  In December, Paul sues to dissolve the Beatles permanently.

13. The Beatles (12)  John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment on December 8, 1980.  George Harrison died November 29, 2001.  Ringo and Paul are still alive.