The Beatles: Love Me Do single (50th Release Anniversary) – infographic
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It was 50 years ago today that the first single of The Beatles, Love Me Do (with PS I Love You on the flip side) was released.
On the infographic there are some facts about the songs of the single, the recordings, the musical instruments and the people involved.
Paul McCartney was only 16 years old when he composed, in 1958, the [Love Me Do] song. John Lennon contributed to the bridge of the song. With only 18 (different) words and mainly 2 (+1) chords they reached No 17 on the UK Record Retailer charts (end of 1962). No wonder that after a while they were composing No 1 hits.
Lots of love around the two songs: the word is used 24 times in Love Me Do and 17 times in PS I Love You.
Lots of fascinating stories too, on how the Fab Four met their recording producer George Martin, how they changed their drummer (from Pete Best to Ringo Starr) and how the latter ended up playing the maracas in PS I Love You (Andy White played the drums in his place).
Andy White, a session drummer, also played the drums during a recording session of Love Me Do , while Ringo Starr was given the tambourine. The version of Love Me Do on the following YouTube clip is with Ringo Starr on the drums and no tambourine or Andy White.
Although the single didn’t make The Beatles famous overnight, it was the beginning of their recording career and their very prolific collaboration with George Martin.
20 years after its release, it went even higher on the UK charts (No 4) although in 1964 it had become a No 1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100.
On Sunday (7 October 2012) at 10pm there is a TV show about the release of The Beatles’ first single on BBC Four.
In Liverpool, the Boys’ hometown, there is the Love Me Do Weekend and there are other similar events elsewhere.
Sources:
Davies, H. (2009) The Beatles: The Authorised Biography, London: Ebury Press.
Trynka, P. (ed.) (2006) The Beatles: Ten years that shook the world, London: Dorling Kindersley.
Turner, S. (2010) A hard day’s write: the stories behind every Beatles’ song, London: Carlton Books.
The Official UK Charts Company Website: Love Me Do
Billboard Website: Week of May 30, 1964
Credits:
The lyrics ‘cloud’ was partially designed with Wordle
| If you found this post interesting, why not have a look at other related to music infographics: 50 years without George Formby (died on 6 March 1961) The Real Group Discography: a timeline |
Wow, this is interesting! Love all the colours and all the stats in numbers!
I think a contemporary a capella version could be created and recorded to honour this anniversary, it could be interesting!
Your wish is their command
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-19838285
Nice one!:-)