Beatles

=THE BEATLES=

The segue from Motown to The Beatles was super-smooth with the comparison of 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me'!

You may recognise these four English men - Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - they were the leading rock band of the 1960's! This group has had an incredible impact upon the development of popular music. Their first big success was in 1962 with the single 'Love Me Do,' the Beatles produced a large number of hit singles before disbanding in 1971 :(

Most of their songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the pair wrote approximately 180 songs (WOW!), many of which have become 'classics' (meaning that they are of lasting value and will undoubtedly still be sung next century).

Because Lennon & McCartney tried so hard to be original, they often experimented with unusual lyrics and musical effects to produce songs that were unique (how many contemporary musicians can say that for themselves, huh?!).

Here are 7 reasons why the Beatles were considered pioneers of popular song:

1. The Beatles presented themselves as a group. Rather than as a band backing up a lead singer who received all the applause (compare that with your knowledge of Motown artists: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Diana Ross & The Supremes etc, etc). 2. They performed their own songs (ahem, the Monkees, America's answer to the Beatles. Don't get me started...) 3. They did not worry about commercial considerations when writing a song. 4. They often used non-rock instruments such as orchestral and brass band instruments, harpsichord, recorder (cool!) and Indian sitar. 5.They used elements of other cultures, including French language. 6. They experiemented with new sound effects, being one of the first groups to use synthesized sounds. 7. They did not follow one particular style. Each album featured different kinds of music, for example rock 'n' roll, hard rock, rhythm and blues, country-and-western, love songs, folk songs, comic songs and songs of social commentary.

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