Beatlemania: The Legacy Lives On

April 03, 2012

The music world was transformed in the 60s when four young English lads from Liverpool brought a new generation into the music realm. The British Invasion began in the United States in the early 60s when the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. I remember wondering what my sisters were screaming hysterically about that Sunday night in February. But as I listened to "All My Loving," I too experienced the beginning of what is now known as Beatlemania. I don’t think I was ever caught screaming, but there was a lot of dancing going on.   

The Beatles altered the music industry, influenced art, photography, literature, fashion, politics, and many people’s belief systems for an entire generation and beyond. In 1964, songs like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "Help" were great to dance to, but as time passed, my appreciation for the Beatles more serious music became rooted into my life. I’ve truly enjoyed reviewing The Beatles Unseen Archives compiled by Tim Hill and Marie Clayton, which contains pages and pages of unseen archives of the Beatles. Another great source is The Beatles: Across The Universe. Don’t forget to checkout Beatles Memorabilia: The Julian Lennon Collection by Brian Southall with Julian Lennon.

I would have never guessed that their performance at Candlestick Park in San Francisco would be their last live commercial concert? NO MORE BEATLES! I remember wondering what it will be like to live without the rousing sound of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. But what I discovered was that as individuals, these four made musical art that changed my generation and generations to come.

Even though I don’t agree with all of their ideology, their music reflected the time. Through their music, the Beatles reached across class, age, and genre to link thousands of people, and they continues to do so. Nearly 50 years later, the legacy of the Beatles lives on.

Deborah J.
Blue Springs North Branch