The Beatles’ Story Behind the #1 Rejected Song
The Beatles, often referred to as the “Fab Four,” are an iconic band in music history that needs no introduction. Their unparalleled success and influence on the world of music remain unrivaled to this day. In this extensive exploration, we will delve into the extraordinary journey of The Beatles, from their humble beginnings in Liverpool to their meteoric rise to fame, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped their legendary career.
No other musical group in history can boast the sheer number of chart-topping hits that The Beatles achieved. They stand alone in the annals of music, surpassing even the most legendary artists, such as Frank Sinatra, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Madonna, and the Supremes. Between 1962 and 1970, an astonishing twenty of The Beatles’ albums claimed the number one spot on the charts. What’s more, the remarkable songwriting duo of John Lennon and Paul McCartney crafted an astounding 19 out of The Beatles’ 20 number one hits. George Harrison, the third member of this iconic trio, also achieved a number one hit with his composition during that time.
The Beatles’ extraordinary journey began in July 1957 when two young, aspiring musicians, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, crossed paths in Liverpool, England. Both were enamored with the rock ‘n’ roll scene, much like countless other teenagers of their era, and aspired to make it big in the world of music. Little did the world know that this fateful meeting would alter the course of musical history.
Liverpool, in the late 1950s, was teeming with youthful rock bands, all fueled by the desire to emulate their idols, such as Elvis Presley. Every musician dreamt of making it big and becoming the next youthful sensation. It was a time when musical aspirations ran high, and every teen with a guitar believed they had a shot at stardom.
What set The Beatles apart from other local bands was their unique selling point—their ability to write their own songs. While many bands at the time relied on covers of popular hits, The Beatles quickly distinguished themselves by composing their own music. This decision would prove to be a game-changer and set them on the path to superstardom.
Paul McCartney wrote his first song, “I Lost My Little Girl,” shortly after the tragic loss of his mother to cancer. It was a personal and poignant expression of grief that hinted at his songwriting potential. John Lennon, on the other hand, penned “Hello Little Girl,” his debut solo composition, not long after. Each of them had embarked on their songwriting journeys independently.
As destiny would have it, John and Paul quickly came to realize that their musical synergy was far more potent when they collaborated on songwriting. The two close friends found that their combined creativity yielded exceptional results. They made songwriting a regular practice, and the Lennon-McCartney songwriting duo was born.
In a quaint and welcoming setting, John and Paul would often skip school and convene at Paul’s empty house. Their creative sessions were both productive and mischievous. They would sit a few feet apart, guitars in hand, and indulge in a bit of rebellion—smoking a joint using Twinnings tea leaves in Paul’s father’s pipe. They humorously referred to this technique as “Eyeball to Eyeball.” In this relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, some of their earliest musical compositions began to take shape.
Intriguingly, every newly penned song bore the unique stamp of a Lennon-McCartney original. Their collaboration was a harmonious blend of talents that would go on to define an era of music.
From Humble Beginnings to Record Deals
As time progressed, John and Paul composed countless songs that would captivate audiences worldwide. Yet, our focus shifts to the pivotal year of 1962 when The Beatles secured a recording deal with EMI Records. This milestone marked the beginning of their incredible journey to stardom. However, their producer, George Martin, had reservations about their songwriting abilities.
In September 1962, The Beatles were overjoyed to announce their new recording deal with EMI Records. This was a significant turning point in their career, and they were eager to make their mark on the music industry.
Upon listening to tracks from John and Paul McCartney’s repertoire, George Martin, the group’s outstanding producer, expressed his doubts about their songwriting skills. He believed that their songs were not up to par and lacked the necessary commercial appeal.
George Martin made a request that would challenge The Beatles’ firm stance on recording original compositions. He asked the band to record a song titled “How Do You Do It?” written by Mitch Murray during a recording session in early September 1962.
Despite being in the early stages of their career, John and Paul displayed unwavering confidence in their songwriting abilities. They made it clear that their primary interest was in recording original compositions authored by Lennon and McCartney themselves. However, in this crucial moment, George Martin’s authority prevailed. Consequently, The Beatles recorded their version of “How Do You Do It?” – a song that was nice but unremarkable. John Lennon’s rendition hinted at a hint of sarcasm, but the record was respectable for its time and well-produced.
A Song Passed On
Naturally, Lennon and McCartney breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that their rendition of “How Do You Do It?” would not see the light of day as a Beatles release. Little did they know that this track would eventually be released in 1995 as part of the Beatles Anthology collection. The song found a new home with another Liverpool band named Gerry and the Pacemakers, managed by none other than Brian Epstein, who also managed The Beatles.
Despite The Beatles’ rejection of “How Do You Do It?,” the song found a receptive audience when it was passed on to Gerry & The Pacemakers. Brian Epstein, who managed both bands, saw potential in the catchy tune.
In an unforeseen turn of events, Gerry & The Pacemakers released “How Do You Do It?” as a single in March 1963. To everyone’s surprise, the song soared to the top of the charts, becoming the number one song in the country. It was an unexpected triumph, and The Beatles could only watch as a song they had rejected achieved independent success.
As we conclude this comprehensive exploration of The Beatles’ history, we are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Even the most iconic artists, like The Beatles, had their moments of uncertainty and surprise. Their remarkable journey was filled with twists and turns, but it ultimately led them to become the legendary band we continue to cherish today. The Beatles’ legacy remains an enduring testament to the power of music and the indomitable spirit of creativity.
In our next installment, we will delve deeper into The Beatles’ rise to international stardom, exploring the pivotal moments that solidified their place in music history. Stay tuned for more captivating stories from the world of music. The journey of The Beatles is far from over, and there is much more to explore.
