A Brief History
On April 4, 1964, the Beatles, also known as “the Fab Four” or “the Mop Tops,” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart with songs in each of the top 5 positions! This incredible display of rock music domination is a feat that had never matched before or even since for that matter. Defying all precedence, the band also had an additional 7 hits in lower positions on the chart for a total of 12 top 100 hits at one time! Not even Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll himself, ever achieved this accomplishment.
Digging Deeper
The facts listed above should give an indication to everyone too young to remember “Beatlemania” what it was all about. In the few short years the Beatles were active in the U.S. market (1964-1970), they managed to sell more records than any other band in history and to win 10 Grammys along the way. With 20 #1 hits, they remain atop the record industry. Strangely, initially Capitol Records had inexplicably refused to market them and hindered U.S. release of their European hits for over a year!
Overall, world-wide sales of Beatles recordings number nearly or perhaps even over 1 billion. Numerous organizations have declared them the greatest band of all time, and their music is still heard today with greater frequency than that of any of their contemporaries. Even as individual artists, John, Paul, George and Ringo went on to considerable success.
Oh, and the 5 records that topped the charts? They were, in descending order, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Please Please Me.”
Needless to say, you can find the Beatles safely inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, right where they belong. Question for students (and subscribers): Feel free to give us your favorite Beatles songs. We are sure you have at least one. Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Guesdon, Jean-Michel and Philippe Margotin, et al. All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Beatles Release (9/22/13). Black Dog & Leventhal, 2013.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="9955 https://www.historyandheadlines.com/?p=9955">37 Comments
I want to hold your hand has always been my favorite beatles song
Not surprising… the Beatles were and are amazing! — DAVID WARDLE
Cant buy me love, is one of my favorite songs by them
I love the music history articles. My dream job would be to be the music historian for Rolling Stone magazine
They still sold more music than today’s artists?
I’m probably the only one not interested in their music. 🙁 If I had to pick a song, I’d probably pick Revolution.
Naw, you’re not; I’m not really a big Beatles fan (especially when it comes to Lennon, that guy was more shallow than a puddle in the mojave). Stones are where it’s at!
If I had to pick a song, Yellow Submarine, and only because it’s catchy.
I was never really a fan of the beatles, however I do love the Beach Boys during this era. The only song I really like by The Beatles is Yellow Submarine.
Too many good songs to pick just 1 favorite one!
Love the Beatles. their catalogue is so big that everyone can find a song they like
There is no doubt that The Beatles were one of the greats, their sound is classic and international. Nevertheless, it is important to note that many of their records have been broken by popular artists today. For example, Taylor Swift became the first artist since The Beatles to have four consecutive studio albums that logged six or more weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200.
It’s always nice to remember all of the good things that came about during the Cold War era. While we do need to know about the Cold War itself, it is balanced by learning about other movements and groups of the time. It would be interesting to see if their popularity would have been just as big worldwide if they had been born and raised in America instead.
I agree, I feel like the Cold War is often associated with awful things such as the Vietnam War and the Korean War so it is nice to take a step back and remember all of the great things that came around at the same time. Such as the civil rights movement for example.
It is crazy to think about the good things that came during the Cold War era, because I feel as though during war, other things happening that do not have to deal with war are simply overlooked! In response to your comment, I believe if the band was born and raised in America, their success and popularity would just be 10 time as much as it was.
I really enjoy reading about music and history. It is cool to match up what was happening in the music world with what was happening in history at that time. Although I wasn’t alive during “Beatlemania” I am a fan of the Beatles. My favorite song is All My Loving. It is interesting to think of what would have happened had the Beatles never been able to release their albums in the United States.
the Beatles have a special place in my heart because after my semester abroad and going 55 days with out music, the Beatles top hits was the only CD the buss driver played for 5 hours and it was fantastic we were all singing along. some books are timeless and i think the Beatles have created timeless music that has formed the music industry.
The Beatles created a different flow of music that was really popular back in the day.
For whatever reason I could never get into the Beatles. All of my friends of course love them but I just never really enjoyed them that much.
I honestly not the fan of music, however I can tell that The Beatles are effective and attractive for those who are addicted to music. I would appreciate them because they have lofty goals.
After seeing the Beatles LOVE show Eleanor Rigby is my favorite!
Never really listened to the kind of music they sing. But have heard of them n=many of times. Definitely a older band because my grandparents talk about them. That may be why I never really listened to them.
Interesting how they rose to fame so quickly.
I have seen The Beatles memorabilia at The Rock Hall in Cleveland. What they have done for rock n roll is unbelievable!
I freaking hate the Beatles but I can’t deny their contribution to rock and the dominance of their legacy.
Beatles one of the greatest bands in history they shaped rock and roll
I can’t picture any one artist ever coming close to them.
the beatles changed music back in this day. im not much of a fan when it comes to rock and roll, but i do appreciate how much they have done for music as a whole. other than the beatles and Elvis, they changed rock and roll.
The Beetles ruled the world. They dominated the music scene and almost no one could beat them on the charts. Britain fever was sweeping the world because these guys.
I love the Beatles, they really changed the music industry and for the better. They were such interesting people and I’m glad that they received the recognition that they deserved.
Black beetles, is a song out today Ever listened to the beetles but i respect their music .
Yellow submarine, Definitely one of my favorites.
Just imagine if the same band had all 5 hits on the top chart at once today.
The Beatles are so amazing. one of the best bands
I think everyone has heard of the Beetles.! Definitely a number one
The Beatles were one of the best singing groups of all time.
My parents would listen to them never really cared for the Beatles when I was younger but now that I’m older some of their songs are growing on me.
I’ve actually never listened to any of the Beetles music! I know that they are very known and liked all across the world!
It is crazy that they were only actively releasing songs from 1964-70 but I still hear their songs and know alot of them.