The+Beatles


 * The Beatles: By Meghan Blenck**

The Beatles consisted of four boys from the heart of Liverpool, England. John Winston Lennon, who considered himself leader of the the band was born October 9, 1940 to parents Julia and Alfred Lennon. John was raised by his Auntie Mimi since he was five, because his dad left and his mom was unable to provide for him. John really didn't get to know his mother until his teenage years. His mom played the banjo, so she was responsible for teaching John the strings for guitar. In 1958, John who was only 16 made a choice that will forever change rock n' roll history. He wanted to start a band. That's just what he did. John went to Quarry Bank High School. He was known for being a rebel, he didn't care about classes, he was witty with a sarcastic attitude and often mocked his teachers. His head master once told him "At this rate your going nowhere, here at Quarry Bank especially " Where John replies "Is nowhere for the geniuses, because then perhaps I do belong there." He formed his first band the Quarry Men, in his school bathroom, with of his friends. History and pure luck happened July 6, 2013. Blue skies, hot humid, children laughing, a church picnic. And in the center of it all a small stage, with John wearing a red checkered shirt up at the mic, with his band. An a friend of John, Ivan Vaughan, was in the among the crowd. Along with Ivan was Paul McCartney. James Paul McCartney was born June 18, 1942 to parents James, a cotton sales man, and Mary McCartney, a mid wife and nurse. Paul's mother died of breast cancer when Paul was only twelve years old. At this point in time Paul began using music as an escape. He taught himself to play the trumpet, later he realized he couldn't sing with his trumpet in his mouth. So he switched to guitar. Unlike John, Paul was good student and cared about his studies. As the show was ending Ivan introduced Paul to John. John at first tormented Paul, because of him being younger and a bit pudgy. That was until Paul was able to get his hands on a guitar. John was shocked when Paul played the song "Twenty Flight Rock" perfectly, and knew all the lyrics. Which was a huge thing at the time, because you couldn't just go online to find out the lyrics. John at first wasn't sure about letting a new member into the band, especially a member that knew more chords then himself. But after talking to a few other members of the group Paul was let in to the Quarry Men. Paul and John started writing songs together. Paul also thought the band could use better players, and began talking to his friend about also trying out for the band. George Harold Harrison was the youngest member of The Beatles. Born February 25, 1943 to Irish parents - Harold, a bus driver, and Louise Harrison, a dance instructor. He was the youngest of three siblings. He was challenged in school and gave his teachers problems. He played in a smaller band called The Rebels, that consisted of him, his brother, and his brother's friend. George recalls when he got his guitar, he played it until his fingers bled. Riding on the top of a double decker bus one night, Paul introduced George to John. Paul remembers John almost laughing at George wanting to be in the band. John was almost three years older than the fourteen year old school boy. Paul encouraged George to take out his guitar. He played the song Raunchy, perfectly and John let him in. John recalls being annoyed by George, he was that little kid who was constantly hanging on him. As the band developed, attitudes changed, many members quit. John's only thoughts were of how to get to the big top, to be famous. John and the rest of The Beatles believed to keep the band going they would have to travel. The band only consisted of John, Paul, George, and Stuart Sutcliffe. Stuart was John's friend from art college who was the bass player. Stu was an awful musician, but he looked the part and they needed a bass. One of the major things Stuart did was rename the Quarry Men The Beetles, which John changed to The Beatles. They also hired Pete Best to be the drummer. The Beatles did many small tours and got nothing, then came the offer to go to Hamburg, Germany. Hamburg could be described as a German Las Vegas. Clubs were everywhere, all the bands from England were down there trying to make it big. The Beatles played for at least eight hours a night. Although, the hours were long The Beatles started playing better, and learning how to act on stage. Hamburg dreams were cut short when one night the German police found out one of the members was underage, at an 18 or older club. Angry and enraged, The Beatles were sent home. Stuart decided to stay with his new girl friend Astrid, who took photos of the band. The band choose Paul to take over the bass guitar. A long period of nothing set in. All the members felt tension, Paul was even thinking of heading back to school and becoming a teacher. Then a friend offered the band a gig at the Cavern Club. Beatlemania started at the Cavern People would shove against the walls to hear the band play. Brain Epstein, who owned a music store down the road, was asked by a kid if he had any Beatle records? Brain had never heard of them, the kid told him they were preforming down the street at noon. Later, Brain heard the band and immediately fell in love with their sound. Brian asked the band to be their manager. The Beatles agreed. They began recording their first album at EMI studios in London. They recorded their first main recordings. George Martin who became their producer was displeased with one thing, Pete Best. It was Paul's job to take Pete out of the band. A few days later Ringo Starr took Pete's spot. Richard Starkey, better known as Ring Starr was born July 7, 1940. To parents Richard Sr. and Elise Starkey. His father left him when he was only three. Ringo had very poor health as a child. He spent over a year in the hospital, and was told that he would die on multiple occasions.