This Day in Beatle History

December 31

1968 (Jan 20) - 'Judy In Disguise' is #1. Inspired by 'Lucy In The Sky'?


One Hit Wonders John Fred and the Playboy Band started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Judy In Disguise, (With Glasses)’.  It topped at No.3 in the UK.  The song was allegedly inspired by The Beatles ‘Lucy In The Sky’.

1969 - John & Yoko Spread Peace in Denmark

John Lennon and Yoko Ono were in Aalborg in Denmark on this day. They stayed with Ono’s first husband Tony Cox, his new wife Melinde, and Kyoko, Cox and Ono’s six-year-old daughter. Lennon and Ono remained with the Coxes in their farmhouse in Ellidsbølvej over the new year period, returning to England on 25 January 1970.

1969 - Ringo and Maureen Throw New Year's Eve Party

In attendance, George, Patti, Paul and Linda.  John & Yoko are in Denmark.

1970 - Paul Files Suit Against The Beatles

The suit was designed to dissolve the partnership.  Court documents stated the primary reason was a decision by John, George and Ringo to appoint Allan Klein as their manager.  Paul wanted his in-laws Lee and John Eastman to take over.  The suit took more than four years of court hearings and the group was officially disbanded in January of 1975.

1996 - 'Sir' Paul McCartney Announcement

Paul was listed in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.  The official ceremony would take place the following March.

2005 - 'Imagine' Voted Britain's Favorite Song


A quarter century after his death, Lennon took the top spot in a poll of 7,000 radio station listeners.  The Beatles were second and third with ‘Hey Jude’ and ‘Let It Be’.

2008 (Feb 20) - Beatles' Autographed Rolling Stones Album Auctioned

A 1976 Rolling Stones album bought for £2 at a car boot sale sold for £4,000 at an auction. The ‘Black and Blue’ LP was signed by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul and Linda McCartney and George Harrison as well as members of the Rolling Stones. The seller obtained the album after haggling the cost down from £3.

2012 - John to Eric Clapton Letter Sold at Auction

The letter, dated September 29, 1971, involved John asking Eric to collaborate on a musical project.  The letter had been estimated at $20-$30,000.  It sold for $35,000 at auction.

January 1

1962 - Decca Records Passes On The Beatles

The Beatles auditioned for Decca Records in West Hampstead, London. A&R boss at Decca Dick Rowe turned them down in what is considered one of the biggest mistakes in music industry history.   Rowe rejected the band, selecting instead Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.

1962 (Jun 6) - First Beatles Recordings at What Will Become 'Abbey Road'

The first Beatles recording session took place at EMI studios. The group recorded four tracks, one of which was ‘Love Me Do’ the four musicians received payments for the session of £7.10 ($12.07) each.

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