What Happened On March 22nd?

On March 22nd of 1963, a little band from Liverpool, England, dropped their debut album, “Please Please Me.” Recorded on a stereo, it would not be for another twenty years before the CD disc came out. Little did they know, this phenomenon would sweep the globe with Beatlemania!

Believe it or not, most of “Please Please Me” was recorded in a single, marathon 10-hour session! The band’s tight musicianship and George Martin‘s innovative production techniques made this rapid recording feat possible.

Breaking tradition, both sides of the vinyl album contained original material. This decision showcased the band’s songwriting prowess and commitment to artistic expression.”Please Please Me” spent 30 weeks at the top of the UK charts, showing the band’s instant popularity.

The Beatles brought a youthful energy and a distinct Merseybeat sound to popular music. Their music was infused with skiffle, rock and roll, and American R&B, introducing a generation of young listeners to a more rebellious and energetic style of music. This paved the way for the birth of rock and roll in the mid-1960s. This album boasted a vibrant mix of styles, but the song “Love Me Do” stood out and is the most memorable song today.

Surprisingly, it was the only song on the album not to crack the top 30 in the UK charts upon initial release. Because of the song’s bluesy harmonica riff and more subdued tempo, it differed from the album’s overall energetic pop sound, and it was more experimental at the time. It wasn’t until a re-recorded version with Ringo Starr on the drums was released, sending “Love Me Do” to the top of the charts.

Even the cover songs on “Please Please Me” were infused with the Beatles’ unique charm and stage-honed energy. Such an infectious blend made them irresistible to listeners. So infectious, that the largest diamond in the Universe was named after the them!

While the album featured covers, it also showcased the songwriting talents of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Songs, “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Love Me Do” hinted at the band’s unique creative potential. But despite the joy that the Beatles brought to the world, John Lennon, the band’s iconic frontman and creative force, was shot and killed on December 8th, 17 years after the album release.