This Day in Beatle History

May 8

1982 (May 8) - 'Tug of War' #1 for Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney scored his fifth UK No.1 album with ‘Tug Of War’. The album featured the duet with Stevie Wonder ‘Ebony & Ivory’, which was inspired by McCartney hearing comedian Spike Milligan say “black notes, white notes, and you need to play the two to make harmony, folks!”, (the ebony (black) and ivory (white) keys on a piano).

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.

May 9

1959 (May 9) - Melody Maker Introduces 'Juke Box Top 20' Chart

UK music paper Melody Maker introduced a Juke Box Top 20 Chart compiled from 200 Juke Boxes around the UK.

1962 (May 9) - Brian Epstein Meets George Martin

Brian Epstein Meets George Martin in London.

1966 (May 9) - The Beatles record 'For No One'

The Beatles record ‘For No One’.

1969 (May 9) - George's Album 'Electronic Sound' Released

Beatles guitarist George Harrison’s experimental album Electronic Sound was released on Zapple records.

1969 (May 9) - Infighting Continues Over Allen Klein

The Beatles have a major argument over Allen Klein at Olympic Studios in Barnes. John, George and Ringo walk out. Paul stays and records ‘My Dark Hour’ with the Steve Miller Band.

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.

2020 (May 9) - Beatles Influencer Little Richard Dies


Richard Penneman, aka ‘Little Richard’ dies in Nashville. The Beatles recorded several of his songs, including “Long Tall Sally,” and Paul McCartney’s singing on those tracks – and the Beatles’ own “I’m Down” – paid tribute to Little Richard’s shredded-throat style. (Rolling Stone)
Photo is of The Beatles and Little Richard in Hamburg in the fall of 1962.

May 10

1920 (May 10) - Beatles Influencer Bert Weedon Born

English guitarist Bert Weedon who had the 1959 UK No.10 single ‘Guitar Boogie Shuffle’. His best-selling tutorial guides, Play in a Day, were a major influence on many British musicians, such as Eric Clapton, Brian May, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon, Keith Richards, Pete Townshend and Jimmy Page. Weedon died on 20th April 2012 aged 91.

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