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Playlist: The Beatles

Compiled By: PRX Editors

Curated Playlist

Everyone loves the Beatles. And listeners love producer Paul Ingles' in-depth documentaries. Check out his work and more in this playlist curated by your friendly PRX Editors.

From Paul Ingles and Good Radio Shows, Inc.

The Beatles In America - 1964 (2 Hours @ 59:00 or 54:00)

From Paul Ingles | 01:57:56

A lively two-hour montage of rare archival audio, concert recordings, and new interviews on The Beatles' first U.S. grand tour. (Hour 1 can stand alone without second hour if you can't possibly place both). Originally distributed by PRI, now available to all stations.

Beatleslogo_small When The Beatles arrived in the United States in February of 1964, no one could have anticipated the tremendous impact the band would have on the development of American popular music and pop culture. Paul Ingles hosts The Beatles in America - 1964 and takes listeners back to when The Beatles and America first got to know one another. This lively two-hour montage features rarely heard archival audio, concert recordings, and new interviews with fans and reporters who were swept into The Beatles frenzy. Some of the recordings featured in this program haven't been played publicly in 40 years. They are available here because of Larry Kane and Art Schreiber, two reporters who made almost every stop of The Beatle's 1964 tour and had remarkable access to the band. Their interviews capture the boys'wonder, humor, and thoughtful analysis of the madness that was swirling around them and enveloping the nation. Ingles talks with historians and authors whose enthusiasm and excitement also reflects that phenomenal time. Naturally, The Beatles in America - 1964 includes plenty of hits from that year, but in true public radio form, it also showcases lesser-heard gems from early Beatle's albums that fans wore through. Join Paul Ingles for a thrilling walk down musical memory lane. Offered to PRI affiliates only in 2004. Now available to all public radio stations. Although produced for 40th anniversary of Beatles arrival in America, no specific mention of the anniversary is made so it plays as an evergreen of that remarkable first year of America's experience with the Beatles.

Each hour has an optional 5 minute "Segment 2" which can be deleted if you need a newscast friendly hour.

George Harrison: An Appreciation (2 x 59:00 or Stand Alone Hour)

From Paul Ingles | 01:57:59

To mark the release of the Martin Scorcese HBO Special on George Harrison (Oct. 5/6) or the 10th anniversary of Harrison's death (Nov. 29), here's a program that features George Harrison's best-loved music, some hidden gems, and thoughtful reflections from Harrison fans that help define his unique contribution to the Beatles and music, in general.

George-harrison_small Musician George Harrison is warmly recalled in this montage of music and fan reflections, first issued in 2001 at the time of Harrison's death. It can be run as either a two-hour tribute, or you can take just the first hour which can stand alone as it makes no reference to a follow-up hour.

Hour One includes Harrison's work with the Beatles and takes listeners to the beginning of his solo career. Hour Two complements Hour One with more selections from his solo career.

Also included is a bonus module that samples Harrison's final posthumous recording "Brainwashed."

There is also a newscast-friendly cut of this program on PRX.

A Spin Down Abbey Road (59:00 / 54:00)

From Paul Ingles | 58:59

Music writers, musicians and Beatles fans weigh in on The Beatles' Abbey Road, the album that turned out to have the last songs the band ever recorded together. It was released in September of 1969.

Beatles_abbey-road_small Award-Winning producer Paul Ingles adds another installment to his series of programs spotlighting The Beatles album releases with A Spin Down Abbey Road.  A panel of music writers, musicians and Beatles fans offer historical background on the tracks and their own personal feelings about this landmark album.  Their comments are woven through the music of Abbey Road.

Featured guests are music writers Anthony DeCurtis, Steve Turner, Ann Powers, Richie Unterberger, Jim Derogatis and Greg Kot.  Musician guests include Shawn Colvin, Glen Phillips, Richard Goldman, David Gans, Phil & Tim Hanseroth and Jon Spurney.


The White Album Listening Party: Revisiting The Beatles' Top-Seller (3-Hour / Non-Newscast Version)

From Paul Ingles | 02:57:04

Beatles fans and musicians gather to re-experience The Beatles' top-selling album, which came to be known as The White Album. 3-Hour Newscast, 2-Hour Non-Newscast and 2-Hour Newscast versions also on PRX.

Whitealbum02_small NOTE: THIS IS THE THREE HOUR VERSION OF THIS SPECIAL. IF YOUR STATION CAN CLEAR THE TIME, WE FEEL THIS IS THE BEST EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR LISTENERS AS IT RECREATES THE EXPERIENCE OF LISTENING TO THE WHOLE ALBUM. IF YOU CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE A TWO-HOUR SLOT, THERE IS A TWO-HOUR VERSION AVAILABLE NOW AT PRX.  THERE IS ALSO A NEWCAST LENGTHED VERSION OF THIS THREE PART SHOW ON PRX.
http://www.prx.org/pieces/29926


November 22, 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of one of The Beatles' most remarkable releases. The two-album set was officially called THE BEATLES, but it became known forever after as The White Album. It was the top-selling of all The Beatles' albums and ranks #11 on the all-time album sales list.

Emerging from what many called their three-album psychedelic period that produced Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine, The Beatles' White Album was a wildly diverse collection that included instant classics ("Back in the U.S.S.R", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Dear Prudence", "Blackbird"), gentle ballads ("Mother Nature's Son", "I Will", "Julia"), raucous electric rock ("Helter Skelter", "Yer Blues") amusing ditties ("Honey Pie", "Savoy Truffle", "Rocky Raccoon"), and surprising experimental tracks ("Revolution #9"). The writing and performing styles of the four individual Beatles became distinct. Many Beatle fans and historians point to the White Album as the beginning of the break-up of the Beatles. In little over a year, the band would be dissolved.

Join award-winning producer Paul Ingles for another one of his in-depth explorations of The Beatles' experience by airing THE WHITE ALBUM LISTENING PARTY. Ingles recalls being 12 years old in 1968 and listening with his best friend to this challenging and, at times, disturbing collection in the basement of his suburban Maryland home. "I knew I couldn't play this one on the family stereo upstairs," says Ingles. "A lot of the music seemed naughty, tortured and edgy." In an effort to re-create that listening experience, Ingles invited about a dozen Beatle fans into the studio to listen through to the album again and share both their memories and more current observations about the landmark music.

Among the guests are Beatle author Steve Turner who shares the stories behind each of the White Album tracks. Also, a panel of musicians help listeners tune into the musicality of The Beatles, calling attention to a certain bass line here, a drum lick there, a production trick over there. Other friends share stories of dancing to "Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da", dropping acid to "Glass Onion", or being scared to death by "Helter Skelter" and wishing for a return of the ol' mop-tops. Hour 3 even includes a special combination of both versions of "Revolution" - the fast single and the slower White Album version, mixed and mashed together, courtesy of engineer Douglas Grant. In addition to Steve Turner, Paul's guest list includes musicians Jon Spurney, David Gans, Kristy Kruger, Douglas Grant, and Rob Martinez. KUNM radio personalities Scott MacNicholl, Luciano Urbano, Suzanne Kryder, and Travis Parkin join in as well.

The program will be offered in several formats to suit your needs. They will be scripted to allow for them to run either consecutively on one hour at a time over multiple days or weeks. - A three-hour version will include full plays of nearly every song on the two albums for the complete White Album experience. - A two-hour version will include most of the best-known tracks in full and excerpts of the rest. - Both versions will be offered at 54:00 lengths to accommodate hourly newscasts. -----

Programming Suggestions:
  • November 22 marking the 50th anniversary of the UK release of the album.
  • November 25 marking the 50th anniversary of the US release of the album.
  • November 22-25 - Thanksgiving Weekend.
  • November 29 - 17th anniversary of George Harrison's Death.
  • December 8 - 38th anniversary of John Lennon's Death.
  • Throughout the November/December/New Year's Holiday Season.
  • In a Holiday or Fundraising Beatles' Marathon with Paul Ingles' other Beatles Documentaries.

The Peace Work of John Lennon and Yoko Ono (54:00 / 59:00)

From Good Radio Shows, Inc. | Part of the Peace Talks Radio: Weekly Hour Long Episodes series | 58:59

In 1969, musician John Lennon and his wife, performance artist Yoko Ono, were among the most high profile peace advocates on the planet. We'll spotlight the peace work of the duo back then, and hear how Yoko Ono has continued the crusade since John's death. 29 minute version here.

John_yokobyivorsharp_small

On this special edition of Peace Talks Radio, we recall the several years when musician John Lennon and his wife, performance artist Yoko Ono, were among the most high profile peace advocates on the planet.  John was shot dead outside his apartment in New York in 1980 – 11 years after he wrote the song that – since its creation in 1969, has been a fixture at just about any gathering for peace.   We’ll talk with Yoko Ono as well a the producers and directors of two fine films about this part of their lives: David Leaf who co-created the film The US vs. John Lennon , and the co-producers of the film John and Yoko, Give Peace A Song , Paul McGrath and Alan Lysaght.  Lennon's voice is heard in clips from both films and in his songs including, Give Peace A Chance, Happy Xmas (War Is Over), Power To The People, Revolution, and Imagine.

There is also a 29 minute version of this program available at PRX:

http://www.prx.org/pieces/37503-peace-talks-radio-the-peace-work-of-john-lennon

The Day John Lennon Died (59:00 / 54:00)

From Paul Ingles | 58:56

Music fans recall how they heard the news of John Lennon's death in 1980, and what Lennon's music has meant to them. Also, excerpts from an interview John and Yoko gave on the morning of the day he died. Great Lennon music too.

John-lennon_8_small December 8, 1980, musician John Lennon was shot and killed outside of his apartment building in New York City by a deluded fan. Producer Paul Ingles asked various people to recall how they heard the news and what John Lennon's music meant to them. The program also includes excerpts from an interview John and Yoko Ono gave the morning of December 8, The Day John Lennon Died.

"...this guy comes running in and said 'John Lennon's been killed!' And I said, 'Yeah...right...' and he said 'no no it's true.' I looked more closely at him and saw that he was just ashen-faced. I went out into my car and turned the radio on. All the way across the dial, you heard Beatles songs. And it was as if...it was as if the world had stopped." - Martin Goldsmith

"...every time I would get off the subway at 72nd street and Central Park West...it's just like this...overwhelming sadness." - Shawn Colvin

"...the checkout lady said she'd heard John Lennon had been killed. She said it was either John Lennon or Jack Lemmon. And I remember going out to my car and wishing it was Jack Lemmon...but it was John Lennon." - Jim Palmer

"...I think about him, every time I do something political, every time I do something I beleive in or teach my child about what I belileve in. I don't want to put him up on a pedestal because he wasn't a perfect human. I just...I think about him." - Emily Zambello


Everything Was Right: The Beatles' Revolver

From Paul Ingles | 01:58:00

One, two-hour program in which musicians, writers, and Beatles fans explore what made Revolver one of the top rock albums of all time.

Showlogo1athumb_small NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL OF PUBLIC RADIO. "AWESOME! BEST PIECE OF RADIO I HAVE HEARD in ages. A must listen for any Beatles fan." PRX REVIEW by Jonathan Fahey When rock music critics and fans are asked to rank the top rock albums of all time, The Beatles' 1966 release Revolver either heads the list or falls into the top tier. To mark the 40th anniversary year of the album's release, award-winning producer and host Paul Ingles presents Everything Was Right: The Beatles' "Revolver" Ingles explores the landmark album's story and influence in depth, talking with historians, musicians, music critics, and fans and spotlighting each Revolver track (along with the 1966 single "Paperback Writer and Rain") The Beatles experimented with new sounds and subject matter on Revolver, pioneering psychedelic rock on some tracks and exhibiting extraordinary song-craft on others. Listeners learn about the sources for the tunes, the studio experiments The Beatles used to get their ground-breaking sounds, and the lasting impact of the collection on the pop/rock music scene. Among the guest commentators is Mark Lewisohn, author of The Beatles Recording Sessions. The only journalist to have listened to every second of the Beatles' studio recordings, Lewisohn is a major authority on the band's history. Everything Was Right also features music writers Jim Derogatis, Steve Turner, Jeff Sobul, and Stuart Maddow. Musicians Shawn Colvin, Mark Erelli, John Leventhal, Deborah Holland, Richard Goldman, David Gans, Kristy Kruger, and Jon Spurney join other Beatle fans to talk about their favorite tracks on what is arguably the greatest album by the greatest band of all time. "...it does do a solid job of dissecting the psychology, backstory and musicianship of each song note for delicious note. This is the kind of program that makes musical pedants like myself pant with delight...this documentary does offer solid journalism, excellent production values and a style that leaves most of the talking to the interviewees. Highly recommended." PRX REVIEW by Jonathan Groubert    "...relentless, meticulous work on the part of the producer and host, with a rich overflow of excellent interviews. Finally, once each song has been perfectly framed, they actually let you hear it in its entirety, or nearly. And it's like you're hearing it for the first time." PRX REVIEW by Marjorie Van Halteren

Paul McCartney: An Appreciation (59:00 / 54:00)

From Paul Ingles | 58:50

Paul McCartney is one of the most important musical figures of our times. Producer Paul Ingles turned to California musician, writer and Beatles lecturer Richard Goldman for this appreciation. Goldman suggests that McCartney was among the top ten songwriters, singers, and bass players in the 20th century.

Paulmccartneythumb_small Paul McCartney is one of the most important musical figures of our times. Producer Paul Ingles turned to California musician, writer and Beatle lecturer Richard Goldman for this appreciation. Goldman suggests that McCartney was among the top ten songwriters, singers, and bass players in the 20th century. He also points out Paul's extraordinary abilities as a multi-instrumentalist. The program illustrates Goldman's claims with music from throughout McCartney's career. Goldman admits to his ambivalence about Sir Paul's more recent material suggesting that the artist may be trapped by his past - trying so hard not to repeat himself and always being judged by his remarkable early work. His disappointment was somewhat lifted by McCartney's 2007 release "Memory Almost Full." This piece is offered in 59:00 and newscast compatible 54:00 versions on this page. 

PLAYLIST (Songs heard in whole or in part)
* = Beatles
# = Paul McCartney

I Saw Her Standing There *

Yesterday *

Eleanor Rigby *

Mother Nature’s Son *

Martha My Dear *

Old Brown Shoe *

Taxman *

Oh Darling *

Long Tall Sally *

I’m Down *

Here There Everywhere *

For No One *

Lady Madonna *

I’ve Just Seen A Face *

Hello Goodbye *

Ticket To Ride *

Because *

Ballad of John & Yoko *

We Can Work It Out *

Hey Jude *

Junk #

The Back Seat of My Car #

1985 - Paul McCartney & Wings

Only Mama Knows #

Vintage Clothes #

Nod Your Head #

That Was Me #

Dance Tonight #

The Two Sides of Sgt. Pepper: An Honest Appraisal of The Beatles' Classic

From Paul Ingles | 01:57:48

Paul McCartney is one of the most important musical figures of our times. Producer Paul Ingles turned to California musician, writer and Beatles lecturer Richard Goldman for this appreciation. Goldman suggests that McCartney was among the top ten songwriters, singers, and bass players in the 20th century.

Dsc00835_small For decades, The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band has ranked highly on many All-Time Best Album lists. Celebrated as the first quasi-concept album in rock, fans and critics have long lauded the songcraft, the pioneering production sounds, and its colorful, now iconic, cover art. Some say it both reflected and drove the burgeoning youth culture through the "Summer of Love" in 1967. In more recent years, some critics have tried to cut through the mythology of the album and reconsider it in every way. Some have ranked other Beatle albums as superior to Pepper and feel the record has been over-hyped. In this two-hour special, producer and host Paul Ingles ("Everything was Right: The Beatles' Revolver" and "The Beatles in America-1964") presents a lively ride that functions as both a celebration of a landmark recording and a balanced survey of critical opinion about "Sgt. Pepper." Listeners will experience this music in a new way as they'll hear both the stories behind the creation of these memorable tracks as well as thoughtful perspectives that place the work in context. The "Pepper Panel" assembled for the show includes musicians, writers, fans and critics. Some still love Pepper. Some "have issues." It features Steve Turner, Ashley Kahn, Anthony DeCurtis, Jim DeRogatis, Greg Kot, Scott MacNicholl, Ann Powers, Deborah Holland, Richard Goldman, Jim Fusilli, Douglas Grant, Leslie Healy, Stuart Madow, Paul Zollo, Jon Spurney, David Gans, Richie Unterberger, and Howard Massey.



The Beatles Greatest Single Ever: Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane

From Paul Ingles | 19:33

Musicians, writers and Beatles fans weigh in on what some critics call the best pop/rock single ever: Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane.

Scan0001_small Taken from the public radio special THE TWO SIDES OF SGT. PEPPER: AN HONEST APPRAISAL, this excerpt spotlights the single The Beatles released from those sessions. Although neither Strawberry Fields Forever nor Penny Lane was included on the ensuing Pepper album, the single, released in February of 1967, is heralded by many critics as one of the most remarkable two-sided hits of all-time. SUGGESTED INTRO TO PIECE: In 1967, pop radio listeners were hearing a new sound from the top band of the time, and some say, of all-times, the Beatles. Like many of the songs on Revolver, The Beatles daring and inventive album from 1966, the single released in the spring of 1967 shook things up as well. The recording sessions that would eventually result their landmark Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band also produced what some call the greatest single of all-time. Reporter Paul Ingles assembled a panel of musicians, writers and fans to recall what was noteworthy about Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane.

Norwegian Wood Deconstructed

From Paul Ingles | 03:31

On the 40th anniversary of the recording and release of The Beatles song "Norwegian Wood," commentator Sarah Karni says the song's been a riddle to her for many years.

Rubbersoul_small INTROS: If Aired October 12-21... 40 years ago this week (October 12-21), The Beatles were in the studio recording an enigmatic John Lennon composition called "Norwegian Wood." In 1970, Lennon told Rolling Stone Magazine that he wrote the song about an affair he had while married to his first wife, Cynthia Powell. John never said who the affair was with. Commentator Sarah Karni looks for some clues about the nature of the affair by pulling out the nails and deconstructing "Norwegian Wood." If Aired Near December 6... 40 years ago this week, The Beatles released the album RUBBER SOUL which included an enigmatic John Lennon composition called "Norwegian Wood." In 1970, Lennon told Rolling Stone Magazine that he wrote the song about an affair he had while married to his first wife, Cynthia Powell. John never said who the affair was with. Commentator Sarah Karni looks for some clues about the nature of the affair by pulling out the nails and deconstructing "Norwegian Wood." --- Sarah Karni is a writer who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.


Other pieces of note

The Beatles: Every Little Thing (Series)

Produced by Andy Cahn

Weekly one-hour show encompassing the full group/solo catalog of the Beatles, drawing on music from over 100 albums, mixed with interesting themes, news, trivia/games, rarities and bonus features.

Most recent piece in this series:

The Beatles: Every Little Thing - Episode 5

From Andy Cahn | Part of the The Beatles: Every Little Thing series | 54:02

Elt-logo3_small ELT 5 showcases collaborations between Paul & Ringo from the Beatles' group and solo careers, and features a musical pair from 1974, a few demo recordings, and Paul McCartney helping out a member of Travis.

The Missing Beatle

From Jake Warga | 07:18

His name is Phil, from outside Liverpool. He sings Beatle's songs on busses in Montevideo, Uruguay for money. He's learned a lot about his audience, and himself. See also: 3-Minute Version.

Phil1_small Different Angle on "Guy on a Bus" His name is Phil, from outside Liverpool. He sings Beatle's songs on busses in Montevideo, Uruguay for money. He's learned a lot about his audience, and himself... A non-narrative piece, touching and musical. Shorter Version aired on "The World"

Compact Discoveries 126: More Classic Beatles

From Fred Flaxman | Part of the Compact Discoveries series | 58:00

Features movements from four "Beatles Concertos Grosso" and variations on "Hey Jude"

Programscdslogo2inch_small In this second hour devoted to classical interpretations of Beatles songs, producer/presenter Fred Flaxman presents movements from four "Beatles Concertos Grosso" by Peter Breiner -- one each in the styles of Handel and Vivaldi and two in the style of J.S. Bach. The hour concludes with four different interpretations of "Hey Jude" by five different musical groups: Ofra Harnoy and the Orford String Quartet, the Cincinnati Pops with the King's Singers, the Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. This is a companion program to Program 125, "Classic Beatles" and should not be broadcast without having broadcast that program first. Complete script with playlist available here and at www.compactdiscoveries.com.

Compact Discoveries 125: Classic Beatles

From Fred Flaxman | Part of the Compact Discoveries series | 58:00

Beatles music played by classical and semi-classical ensembles.

Programscdslogo2inch_small Producer/presenter Fred Flaxman introduces four famous Beatles tunes, each one played in very different versions by Ofra Harnoy and the Orford String Quartet, the Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic, the King's Singers, the Cincinnati and Boston Pops, and, in one case, by a Chinese guitarist. The tunes are Michelle, Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, and Here, There and Everywhere. A complete script with playlist is available here and at www.compactdiscoveries.com.

Remix / Mashup Celebrating The Beatles Revolver's 40th

From Douglas Grant | 04:14

Companion Piece to Paul Ingles' Production, "Everything Was Right: The Beatles' 'Revolver'"

Revolver1_small It's been 40 years since the release of The Beatles' "Revolver," a most fantastic collection of work by the Fab Four, producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick that changed so much in music and the recording process. I was asked by producer Paul Ingles to help prepare material for his tribute to the album, "Everything Was Right: The Beatles' Revolver" which would air on Public Radio International (and is offered here on PRX - http://prx.org/pieces/15368 ). Consequently, I ended up with an assortment of extractions and loops from the record which wanted to be assembled in some fashion. Inspired while reading Geoff Emerick and Howard Massey's book, "Here, There, and Everywhere," this mix, remix, mashup, call it what you like, grew to be called, "Everything Was Right." Although the track was created as an unplanned and happy consequence of working on Paul Ingles' project and bears its name (you can hear some of it in the show at the end of Hour One Part One), it is not encumbered by that program's license, and is offered free for everyone. * * * Praise for "Everything Was Right" Hey Douglas, Just stumbled across your blog and wanted to tell you that I loved your loop tribute to Revolver, "Everything Was Right." It's great to hear someone doing something creative with such classic music. Keep up the good work! Best regards, Howard Massey co-author of Geoff Emerick's Here, There, and Everywhere -- I just stumbled upon your Revolver sound collage and absolutely LOVE IT! It's so hypnotic. A brilliant and inspired job. Thank you for presented these old sounds in a startling new way! Posted by Anonymous -- Wow!!, Douglas Grant, you obviously had fun doing that remix, I actually think John, Paul, George & Ringo would like it too. I'm sure Sir George Martin would give his blessing 2 & then no doubt offer you a job @ Abbey road. I loved your remix to bits. It's the best "new" track from the Beatles since the Anthology. I believe the beatleg podcast site have used a little of your remix in their podcast celebrating Revolver's 40th, No.63 I think. I have also heard snippet's in Paul Ingles & Public Radio Internation's excellent tribute to Revolver "Everything Was Right". Your mix highlights some of the best moments of Revolver & then some, whilst sounded true to the album & The Beatles. I'm really made up you have done this mix & pretty gobsmacked at how good it is. Any chance you could post me a copy, uninterrupted. I would so appreciate it. I have a mac computer & haven't been able 2 downlaod your "masterpiece". Revolver is my fav album of all time. Yours in music, John Oswick --

This I Believe - Macklin Levine

From This I Believe | Part of the This I Believe series | 02:35

She's only 12, but Macklin Levine is already old enough to appreciate—and believe in—The Beatles.

Tib_logo_small_medium_small


HOST:   Today on This I Believe, we hear from Macklin Levine [MACK-lin le-VEEN] of New York City.  Macklin wrote her essay for her sixth grade English class.  She thought of writing about a belief in the value of diversity or in learning from mistakes, but then she settled on a belief inspired by a fond memory.  Here is 12-year old Macklin Levine with her essay for This I Believe.

LEVINE:  I believe in The Beatles.  Although they don't exist anymore, their music is very much alive, even to a 12-year-old like me.  As old as the songs are, you can learn a lot about yourself from the lyrics. Listening to them with others and singing along has been important to me and to my family.

Three years ago, my dog Phoebe ran away near our house in Cold Spring, New York.  Every Friday afternoon, we would drive upstate from Manhattan together as family and dog.  My parents never had much music in the car—nothing that we could all agree to listen to except for “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles.

We were really scared when Phoebe took off, but hoped she’d come back soon.  She didn’t. My friend’s Dad hiked into the state park behind our house, miles in, posting signs explaining about our lost dog.  A day passed, and still no Phoebe.    

We called and called into the woods.

Next thing I knew, my Dad climbed into our station wagon and disappeared.  A half an hour later, I saw the headlights of our car and heard the weirdest thing: loud, loud music.  It was nine o’clock at night, my dad is in the car alone, and he’s blasting Beatles music.  

My Dad was really smart, probably the smartest one of any of the people looking for Phoebe. But Mom thought he'd lost his mind.  Dad explained he figured Phoebe had been in the car with us all those times when we had nothing else to listen to but The Beatles over and over again.  He thought if anything could make her come home, it would be the sound of The Beatles.

Phoebe did come home a few days later.  It wasn’t The Beatles who got her there; it was a sign a neighbor saw, and the phone number on her collar.  But I think back to my Dad playing The Beatles’ music so loud we could hear him a half mile away across the lake, and it makes me smile.

My Dad died a few months after my dog ran away, and when I first wrote the essay I was afraid to say that because I knew I wouldn’t be able to read it out loud in class without crying. But now when I think of him, I remember his wacky idea to play the family music, and how it made me feel like everything would be okay.  

The Beatles don’t exist anymore but their music will live in everyone forever.   I believe in The Beatles because their music brings people together, and gives us hope.

Sound Opinions Beatles Segment

From Sound Opinions | Part of the Sound Opinions Specials series | 06:25

On February 7, 1964, The Beatles took their first steps on U.S. soil, setting Beatlemania into motion. Now 50 years later, Sound Opinions hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot speak with Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn.

In this 6-minute excerpt, Lewisohn talks about John Lennon's complicated relationship with women. His recent book "The Beatles: All These Years Volume 1, Tune In," is the first part of a comprehensive biography of the band. In this volume, Lewisohn tells the story of the Fab Four as young lads in Liverpool and then young punk rockers in Hamburg.

The_beatles_in_america_small

On February 7, 1964, The Beatles took their first steps on U.S. soil, setting Beatlemania into motion. Pan Am Flight 101 touched down at Kennedy Airport in Queens at 1:20 in the afternoon, and there they were met by 4,000 teenagers, 200 members of the press and more than 100 New York City police officers.
 
Now 50 years later, Sound Opinions hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot speak with Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn.
In this 6-minute excerpt, Lewisohn talks about John Lennon's complicated relationship with women. His recent book "The Beatles: All These Years Volume 1, Tune In," is the first part of a comprehensive biography of the band. In this volume, Lewisohn tells the story of the Fab Four as young lads in Liverpool and then young punk rockers in Hamburg.

Suggested Host Intro:

February 7 marks the 50th anniversary of Beatlemania invading the U.S. Met by 4,000 teenagers, 200 members of the press and more than 100 New York City police officers, John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr arrived at New York City's Kennedy Airport for a brief stateside visit that included their historic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show

But, as Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn explains to Sound Opinions hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, life for The Beatles was more than screaming girls and rock 'n' roll. 
All four Beatles experienced poverty, illness and death in Liverpool, perhaps no one more than John Lennon. He spent most of his childhood without the care of his mother and lost her to death at age 17. Here, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot ask Mark Lewisohn about tragedy in the singer's life and his complicated relationship with women.