20 Best Beatles Biography Book (2023 Update)

More than anyone besides the bandmates themselves, george martin was the man who created the unique sound of the beatles. sound pictures offers a powerful and intimate account of how he did so. the second and final volume of the definitive biography of the man, sound pictures traces the story of the beatles' breathtaking artistic trajectory after reaching the creative heights of rubber soul. as the bandmates engage in brash experimentation both inside and outside the studio, martin toils along with manager brian epstein to consolidate the beatles' fame in the face of growing sociocultural pressures, including the crisis associated with the "beatles are more popular than jesus" scandal. meanwhile, he also struggles to make his way as an independent producer in the highly competitive world of mid-1960s rock 'n' roll. as martin and the beatles create one landmark album after another, including such masterworks as revolver, sgt. pepper's lonely hearts club band, the beatles (the white album), and abbey road, the internal stakes and interpersonal challenges become ever greater. during his post-beatles years, martin attempts to discover new vistas of sound recording with a host of acts, including jeff beck, america, cheap trick, paul mccartney, and elton john, his creative breakthroughs followed by unprecedented commercial success. eventually, though, all roads bring martin back to the beatles, as the group seeks out new ways to memorialize their achievement under the supervision of the man who has come to be known as sir george. now, more than fifty years after the beatles' revolutionary triumphs, martin's singular stamp on popular music has become more vital than ever, as successive generations discover the magic of the beatles and their groundbreaking sound.

Covers the beatles first visit to the united states and the events leading up to the group's arrival on february 7, 1964. it is the most thorough and accurate book ever published on how beatlemania evolved in america. the book details why capitol records turned down the beatles four times before finally agreeing to release their records. it tells the stories of two small companies, vee-jay and swan, who issued the group's records without success in 1963. it details the american media coverage of the beatles in late 1963, when beatlemania was viewed as a curious fad happening in england that could never catch on in the united states. it explains how the beatles were booked for the jack paar program and the ed sullivan show, as well as two concerts at carnegie hall. the book concludes with stories and pictures of the beatles historic first u.s. visit in february, 1964. the book contains over 450 images, including many previously unpublished photos of the beatles.

Tune in is the first volume of a highly-anticipated, groundbreaking biographical trilogy by the world's leading beatles historian. mark lewisohn uses his unprecedented archival access and hundreds of new interviews to construct the full story of the lives and work of john lennon, paul mccartney, george harrison, and ringo starr. ten years in the making, tune in takes the beatles from before their childhoods through the final hour of 1962–when, with breakthrough success just days away, they stand on the cusp of a whole new kind of fame and celebrity. they've one hit record ("love me do") behind them and the next ("please please me") primed for release, their first album session is booked, and america is clear on the horizon. this is the lesser-known beatles story–the pre-fab years of liverpool and hamburg–and in many respects the most absorbing period of them all.–from publisher description.

'who gave the drugs to the beatles? i didn't invent those things. i bought it from someone who got it from somebody. the acid, pills and powders helped form bonds, provided escape from the chaos of beatlemania, and inspired colossal leaps in songwriting and recording. but they also led to break-ups, breakdowns, drug busts and prison.the only full-length study of the beatles and drugs, riding so high tells of getting stoned, kaleidoscope eyes, excess, loss and redemption, with a far-out cast including speeding beatniks, a rogue dentist, a script-happy aristocratic doctor, corrupt police officers and hollywood vampires. 'the deeper you go, the higher you fly…'' an essential new work in beatles historiography.'- erin torkelson weber, author of the beatles and the historians

Maximum volume offers a glimpse into the mind, the music, and the man behind the sound of the beatles. the first book of two, maximum volume traces martin's early years as a scratch pianist and his groundbreaking work as the head of parlophone records. it dramatically narrates the story of martin's unlikely discovery of the beatles and his painstaking efforts to prepare their newfangled sound for the british music marketplace. as the story unfolds, martin and the band craft numerous number-one hits, progressing toward the landmark album rubber soul–all of which bear martin's unmistakable musical signature.

One of the most important documentaries on rock music ever published, this is emi records' official diary-format history of every beatles recording session. now in paperback. researched from hundreds of unreleased abbey road archive tapes, featuring thousands of previously unpublished studio documents and interviews with many of the key recording personnel. the book is filled with over 350 color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations, including rare photos by linda mccartney and the first facsimile reproductions of abbey road recording sheets, tape boxes, album sleeve roughs, memos, contracts, press releases and much more.

From a writer and music industry insider who worked with the beatles comes a comprehensive look at the band's only double album–and the world in which they recorded it. the summer of love–and many of the free, progressive ideas associated with it–was truly over by 1968, which saw disruption in the factories and revolution on the streets. this turmoil was reflected by the beatles in the studio where, without the distraction of live performance, they adapted to life after brian epstein and with the addition of yoko ono. the result, officially called the beatles but universally known as "the white album," featured an eccentric, eclectic mixture of styles, techniques, and unconventional songs. this in-depth exploration of the beatles' classic work has two parts: the a side is the definitive guide to the album, the recording, and the events surrounding it, along with interviews with the people involved. the b-side focuses on the world between 1967 and 1969, and how politics, technology, sports, and entertainment affected people's lives . . . and caused music to change its tune with the times.

A lavishly illustrated, rollicking account of the real people and events that inspired the beatles' songs, now fully updated and revised by renowned beatles expert and music journalist steve turner—the definitive analysis of the music and influences of the world's most successful and popular rock-and-roll band and the only volume that contains a complete set of printed lyrics to all of the beatles' songs. – who was "just 17" and made paul's "heart go boom"? was there really an eleanor rigby? where's penny lane? what inspired "happiness is a warm gun"? why was paul the "walrus"? what inspired the lyrics to ringo's "octopus's garden"? arranged chronologically by album, the complete beatles songs examines the inspiration behind the group's writing and discusses every song created by john lennon, paul mc – cartney, george harrison, and ringo starr. steve turner shatters well-worn myths and adds a new dimension to the fab four's rich legacy by investigating events immortalized in the beatles' music, which has influenced numerous contemporary artists and continues to endure in popular culture. – fully revised and updated (originally published as a hard day’s write), the complete beatles songs is the only volume that contains a complete set of printed lyrics to all of the beatles' songs, used with exclusive permission from the band's music publisher sony – atv. it also includes new information on many songs, plus brand-new stories and revelations, as well as 200 black-and-white and color photographs-many exclusive to the book. the result is a unique, authoritative, and compelling masterpiece that chronicles the untold story of the beatles themselves, for faithful fans and new generations discovering their music for the first time.

"in ten years of existence and only eight years of recording history, john lennon, paul mccartney, george harrison and ringo starr recorded twelve albums, composed more than 200 songs and revolutionized the world of music. hundreds of books have explored this mythical group but the beatles in comics proposes an altogether different discovery. through this volume, you'll be able to relive their greatest successes but also discover often overlooked anecdotes. from the quarrymen to the split-up, through beatlemania, here's the story of the beatles told in a new light, through comics and fascinating fact-filled chapters."–page 4 of cover.

This extended special edition of mark lewisohn's magisterial book tune in is a true collector's item, featuring hundreds of thousands of words of extra material, as well as many extra photographs. it is the complete, uncut and definitive biography of the beatles' early years, from their family backgrounds through to the moment they're on the cusp of their immense breakthrough at the end of 1962. designed, printed and bound in great britain, this high-quality edition consists of two beautifully produced individual hardbacks printed on new langely antique wove woodfree paper, with red-and-white head and tail bands and red ribbon marker. the two books will sit within a specially designed box and lid featuring soft touch and varnish finishes. the whole product comes shrinkwrapped for extra protection. mark lewisohn's biography is the first true and accurate account of the beatles, a contextual history built upon impeccable research and written with energy, style, objectivity and insight. this extended special edition is for anyone who wishes to own the complete story in all its stunning and extraordinary detail. this is genuinely, and without question, the lasting word from the world-acknowledged authority.

As seen on the 700 club! he was there! january 30, 1969 was one of those moments. there are those who were on the periphery of the event that day and heard what was going on; but as one of the few remaining insiders who accompanied the beatles up onto the cold windswept roof of the apple building, ken mansfield had a front row seat to the full sensory experience of the moment and witnessed what turned out to be beginning of the end. ken shares in the roof: the beatles final concert, the sense that something special was taking place before his eyes that would live on forever in the hearts and souls of millions. as the us manager of apple, ken mansfield was on the scene in the days, weeks, and months leading up to this monumental event. he shares his insights into the factors that brought them up onto that roof and why one of the greatest bands of all time left it all on that stage. join ken as he reflects on the relationships he built with the fab four and the apple corps and what each player meant to this symphony of music history.

The beatles are widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history and their career has been the subject of many biographies. yet the band's historical significance has not received sustained academic treatment to date. campbell uses the beatles as a lens through which to explore the sweeping, panoramic history of the social, cultural and political transformations that occurred in the 1960s. it draws on audience reception theory and untapped primary source material, including student newspapers, to understand how listeners would have interpreted the beatles' songs and albums not only in britain and the united states, but also globally. taking a year-by-year approach, each chapter analyses the external influences the beatles absorbed, consciously or unconsciously, from the culture surrounding them. some key topics include race relations, gender dynamics, political and cultural upheavals, the vietnam war and the evolution of rock music and popular culture. the book will also address the resurgence of the beatles' popularity in the 1980s, as well as the relevance of the beatles' ideals of revolutionary change to our present day.this is essential reading for anyone looking for an accessible yet rigorous study of the historical relevance of the beatles in a crucial decade of social change.

Uncover the history & facts! – special launch price – widely regarded as the most famous band in music history, the beatles are a household name known around the world. offering themes and images of peace, love, self-discovery, and togetherness, the beatles have built an everlasting fandom inspired by their music, creativity, and timeless relatability. – the beatles dominated the international music scene for more than half of the 1960s, appealing to the youth and reflecting the social movements of the time. their music has reached audiences of every generation for the past several decades. to help you connect-or perhaps reconnect-with the lives, music, and legacy of the band, this book covers interesting facts and highlights historical moments. – use this book to test your knowledge with a round of trivia on various topics and perhaps review or gain new knowledge along the way. whether you consider yourself a die-hard fan or are only faintly familiar with the beatles, this book offers the opportunity to reinforce your knowledge of one of the most important bands in the history of popular music. – let's see how much you know about the beatles! get yours copy now!

The casbah coffee club, which opened in liverpool on august 29, 1959, was the brainchild of mona best, the mother of pete best. it is well known that pete best was the drummer for the beatles in their early days in liverpool and hamburg. but less well known is that the beatles' origins were in fact at pete's mother's club—it was at the casbah and with mona best's blessing that the greatest popular music phenomenon of the twentieth century began. and now, the basement club where the quarrymen, the silver beatles, and finally the beatles played over ninety times before they hit the cavern has been reopened and revealed by this remarkable book. seen here for the first time in forty years is the basement's interior as it was at the very beginning, juxtaposed with the rooms as they are today, where the ceilings painted by john lennon, paul mccartney, george harrison, and pete best still rest. a wealth of rare material from the club and the bests' own archives, together with newly commissioned images by renowned photographer sandro sodano, documents the club's and the beatles' intertwined stories. the beatles: the true beginnings features accounts from early fans hearing the beatles for the first time, stunning new color photography of the rooms and memorabilia of the casbah coffee club, gritty, never-before seen photos of the young beatles playing for hundreds of their very first fans, and comments from the beatles and their closest friends from the period. the casbah brought together some of the greatest names in rock music and became the catalyst for the mersey beat phenomenon that swept liverpool in the early 1960s. accompanied by a fascinating personal memoir of this extraordinary time, written by roag best with his brothers pete and rory, this is both a moving family tribute and a unique insight into a remarkable period of beatles history. this account of the casbah's earliest days blows back its roof, and that of the beatles' unbelievable history, forever.

In all you need is ears, legendary grammy award-winning and academy award-nominated record producer george martin shares tales from his life and musical career with the fab four. "george," he said, "i don't know if you'd be interested, but there's a chap who's come in with a tape of a group he runs. they haven't got a recording contract, and i wonder if you'd like to see him and listen to what he's got?" "certainly," i said, "i'm willing to listen to anything. ask him to come and see me." "ok, i will. his name's brian epstein . . . " george martin spotted the beatles' talent, and recorded and produced the fab four from the start right through to the beatles anthology. often called “the fifth beatle,” martin not only produced but also arranged some of the band’s most iconic and distinctive songs, including “yesterday.” in this witty and charming autobiography, martin describes exactly what it was like to work in the studio with the beatles—from their first audition (and his decision to scrap pete best on drums) to the wild experimentation of sgt. pepper, complete with sound effects, animal noises, and full orchestras in evening dress at the direct request of paul mccartney. all you need is ears is an intimate insider’s look at the most important pop group of all time, and how they made the music that changed the world: it’s an inimitable look at the beatles’ creative process, and at the interplay of genius and practical improvisation that gave them their sound. it’s an indispensable read for beatle lovers and anyone interested in how the world of popular music really works.

Allen klein was like no one the music industry had seen before. the hard-nosed business manager became infamous for allegedly catalyzing the beatles' breakup and robbing the rolling stones, but the truth is both more complex and more fascinating. as the manager of the stones and then the beatles-not to mention sam cooke, the who, donovan, the kinks, and numerous other performers-he taught young soon-to-be legends how to be businessmen as well as rock stars. in so doing, klein made millions for his clients and changed music forever. but klein was as merciless with his clients as he was with anyone else, earning himself an outsize reputation for villainy that has gone unchallenged until now. through unique, unprecedented access to klein's archives, veteran music journalist fred goodman tells the full story of how the beatles broke up, how the stones achieved the greatest commercial success in rock history, and how the music business became what it is today.

Published to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of john lennon’s death, this previously unpublished collection of poignant photographs is a record of one day with the beatles—just after sgt. pepper was released. in september 1968, critically acclaimed photojournalist don mccullin was invited to spend a day photographing the beatles in locations ranging from paul mccartney’s garden to the banks of the thames, as well as in their recording studio. the timing of this was, in hindsight, significant. the beatles had just released sgt. pepper, vietnam was in turmoil, and riots had spread through america’s cities and campuses. it was the moment when the innocence and optimism of the sixties darkened—the instant the youth movement, of which the beatles were icons, converged with the antiwar protests, the civil rights movement, and the burgeoning counterculture. one of the most poignant photographs taken that day was of john lennon posing as dead, surrounded by the other three band members. lennon himself carefully choreographed the image as a pose of protest, but it is now seen as tragic and strangely prophetic.

This extraordinary project has been made possible because paul mccartney, george harrison and ringo starr have agreed to tell their combined story especially for this book. together with yoko ono lennon, they have also made available the full transcripts (including all the outtakes) of the television and video series the beatles anthology. through painstaking compilation of sources worldwide, john lennon's words are equally represented in this remarkable volume. furthermore, the beatles have opened their personal and management archives specifically for this project, allowing the unprecedented release of photographs which they took along their ride to fame, as well as fascinating documents and memorabilia from their homes and offices. what a book the beatles anthology is! each page is brimming with personal stories and rare vintage images. snapshots from their family collections take us back to the days when john lennon, paul mccartney, george harrison and richard starkey were just boys growing up in liverpool. they talk in turn about those early years and how they came to join the band that would make them known around the world as john, paul, george and ringo. then, weaving back and forth, they tell the astonishing story of life as the beatles: the first rough gigs, the phenomenon of their rise to fame, the musical and social change of their heyday, all the way through to their breakup. from the time ringo tried to take this drum kit home on the bus to their much anticipated audience with elvis, from the making of the sgt. pepper album to their last photo session together at john's house, the beatles anthology is a once-in-a-lifetime collection of the beatles' own memories. interwoven with these are the recollections of such associates as road manager neil aspinall, producer george martin and spokesman derek taylor. and included in the vast array of photographs are materials from both apple and emi, who also opened their archives for this project. this, indeed, is the inside story, providing a wealth of previously unpublished material in both word and image. created with their full cooperation, the beatles anthology is, in effect, the beatles' autobiography. like their music has been a part of so many of our lives, it's warm, frank, funny, poignant and bold. at last, here is the beatles' own story.

Norman, whose shout remains one of the best biographies of the beatles, now offers this coffee-table book on the life of lennon. the anecdotal text – in fact, more captions than text – doesn't offer much new information, but that hardly matters here: it's the pictures that are the star attraction. this is a revealing and highly personal memoir of john lennon in all his contradictions and paradox.

In the 1960s, rock music was dominated by group called the beatles. from the catchy pop melodies of she loves you to the groundbreaking, psychedelic adventures of sgt. pepper to the bittersweet farewell of abbey road, the fab four changed the course of pop culture forever. their influence is still powerful and strong today as it was some 50 years ago.this is a story about the rise and fall of four guys from liverpool who came together to create the finest music of all-time and become leaders of a musical revolution. prepare for a magical mystery tour to an illustrated look at the greatest rock band in history!