Essay/Term paper: The beatles

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Music

The Beatles


The Beatles were a British music group whose songs are among the most
universally accepted music recordings of the 20th century. The Beatles, who
revolutionized popular music around the world, were at the forefront of a
movement in rock music known as the British Invasion. The British Invasion was
a name referring to the tremendous effect that British rock-and-roll bands had
in the United States during the 1960's. From 1960 to 1970, the Beatles achieved
unique popularity with 30 songs reaching the Billboard magazine top-ten popular
music charts. The Beatles were adored by the world in the 60's and 70's, and
even today their music is loved by millions.

The group was formed in the 1960, and broke up in 1970. It consisted of four
Liverpool-born musicians. They were John Winston Lennon, James Paul McCartney,
George Harrison, and Ringo Starr (real name Richard Starkey). Ringo Starr
replaced Pete Best as drummer. Pete Best was an original member of the group.

The Beatles created a unique and varied sound that fans continue to enjoy and
bands continue to model, even today. One of their greatest albums was the
creative Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. This particular album was
admired for it's harmony and lyrics, the added use of electronic music
techniques, and the addition of the Indian sitar sound. Though the songs were
inspired by simple, everyday things, the album was acclaimed as the pinnacle of
rock-and-roll's new elegance. The album's finale, John Lennon's, "A Day in the
Life", is the album's most disputed track and its most musically ambitious. The
British Broadcasting Corporation actually banned this song, because it
supposedly had references to drugs. The Beatles were unafraid to challenge the
world with their new music, and changed rock-and-roll from what is was, into
what it is today.

After 10 years of being together, in 1970, the Beatles broke up. Personally, I
believe it is because Paul McCartney was pushing each member of the group too
far. He, being a perfectionist, kept trying to be the leader, and telling them
how to play. McCartney realized that each member was getting tired of the band,
and becoming preoccupied with their own lives. He tried to bring the magic back,
and the other members thought he was being too bossy. John Lennon, who was
involved with a Japanese artist at the time, walked into the studio one day and
told everyone he wanted a "divorce", meaning he wanted out of the band. Finally,
they all just gave up, and the Beatles separated.

After the break-up, each member continued to perform, either as a soloist or as
a member of his own band. Despite individual success, the members were often
approached with requests to reunite. The requests continued until the cold-
blooded assassination of John Lennon in 1980, by a deranged man named Mark David
Chapman.

Although the Beatles are no longer a band, their music lives on in their stead.
I personally believe that their music will continue to entertain and enlighten
generations to come. The Beatles touched the world, and their music is immortal.