The Black Beatles
The early influences behind The Beatles’ formative years are well documented, but few accounts give light to the part played by The Beatles in the output of Jamaican music.
By The Beatles Story
Iona Fazer
Flag of Jamaica (1962) by Jamaican House of RepresentativesThe Beatles Story
Jamaican Music
The early rock’n’roll influences behind The Beatles’ formative years are well documented, but few accounts give light to the part played by The Beatles in the output of Jamaican music.
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Memphis Music
The works released initially by the Fab Four have strong roots in Memphis music, the trajectory of which African-Americans significantly shaped.
Motown
The breadth of influence Motown and indie-label soul music had on one of the world’s most commercially successful bands is immense.
Little Richard gig poster (1962) by Tony BoothThe Beatles Story
Little Richard
The group’s sheer affection for R&B is evident in the entirety of their early catalogue – a sound which, by that point, had already been mastered by Black American trailblazers such as Little Richard and Arthur Alexander.
Hamburg exhibit at The Beatles Story by The Beatles Story, Liverpool.The Beatles Story
Hamburg
Such early influence led The Beatles to their coming-of-age in Hamburg during the early 60s, where they transitioned from covering big name artists such as Ray Charles, King Curtis and Chuck Berry to playing their own songs.
Hamburg
This led to sharing a stage with one of their biggest influences, Little Richard. Hamburg would come to represent the moment when The Beatles began to cement themselves as live performers; it was after all, where they cut their teeth learning how to play live R&B and rock'n'roll.
The White House (1974) by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and MuseumThe Beatles Story
Billy Preston
They also crossed paths with Billy Preston around this time as he was working with Little Richard, amongst other members of his backing band - most of which are now of notoriety.
Billy Preston
Preston's influence was significant and, skipping forward to the end of the 60s, The Beatles had seen much success but were almost on the brink of splitting up.
Billy Preston
Preston’s initiation into the group would change them for the better, however, and cut the ice that was palpable between the members at the time, particularly Harrison.
USA exhibit at The Beatles Story by The Beatles Story, Liverpool.The Beatles Story
The British Invasion
The British Invasion, the swinging sixties. From Carnaby Street London to Greenwich Village in New York, African-American musicians were at the centre of influence during this time.
The British Invasion
It was only The Beatles that flipped this narrative on its head so to speak, and a huge selection of Black superstars celebrated The Beatles by creating exceptionally funky and groovy cover versions.
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George Benson
Take the case of George Benson, considered by many as the GOAT of jazz guitar and who only waited a few weeks after The Beatles released Abbey Road to start laying down a cover, as well as mimicking the iconic image of the road crossing on the front cover.
The Supremes
Another instance being The Supremes who in their album, titled A Bit Of Liverpool, covered “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Hard Day's Night".
The Supremes
These examples demonstrate how soul artists began to use The Beatles as a springboard to further success by covering their popular songs – respectfully tipping their hats while also undoubtedly using the group indirectly to generate record sales.
Jamaican Music
One lesser discussed fact is that The Beatles had an impact just as significant on the Jamaican music scene. In the same way that Motown were pumping out homages to the Fab Four, Jamaica was also tuning into their mass appeal.
Beatles fans in The Netherlands (1964) by UnknownThe Beatles Story
Beatlemania
Lots of reggae, ska and rocksteady albums released from the very start of Beatlemania feature some choice Beatles versions.
Trojan Records
Injecting these into the British market were legendary London-based Jamaican music importers, Trojan Records. It's no accident that Beatles versions featured heavily on their releases, as this played cupid to the love affair between Jamaican music and British youth-culture.
By Iona Fazer for The Beatles Story, Liverpool
