The Beatles: The Early Years 1957-1964 – Music History Livestream (Feb. 6)

<p>Let’s travel back in time to learn about the early history of the Beatles: 1957-1964.February is the 58th anniversary of “The British Invasion” (1964) and we’ll celebrate with a two-part music history livestream.This section, part one, will focus on the early years of John, Paul, George, and Ringo from childhood to the formation of the Beatles (the Quarrymen) in 1957 through their early years in Liverpool, Hamburg, London and finally their arrival in New York and appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964.Part two of our program, listed separately, will focus on Beatlemania and their first U.S. concert, which took place on February 11, 1964 in Washington, DC. This second program will include a full video screening of the DC concert!The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group, whose best-known line-up comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, are regarded as the most influential band of all time. They were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and popular music’s recognition as an art form. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, their sound incorporated elements of classical music and traditional pop in innovative ways; the band later explored music styles ranging from ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock. As pioneers in recording, songwriting and artistic presentation, the Beatles revolutionised many aspects of the music industry and were often publicised as leaders of the era’s youth and sociocultural movements.Led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, the Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over three years from 1960, initially with Stuart Sutcliffe playing bass. The core trio of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, together since 1958, went through a succession of drummers, including Pete Best, before asking Starr to join them in 1962. Manager Brian Epstein moulded them into a professional act, and producer George Martin guided and developed their recordings, greatly expanding their domestic success.The Beatles are the best-selling music act of all time, with estimated sales of 600 million units worldwide. They are the best-selling act in the US, with certified sales of 183 million units. They hold the record for most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.</p>