This Day in Beatle History

May 23

1974 (May 23) - George Harrison Announces 'Dark Horse' Records

George Harrison announced the launch of his own record label, ‘Dark Horse.’

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 24

1941 (May 24) - Bob Dylan Born

Bob Dylan (Robert Zimmerman), American singer-songwriter, author, and painter. Dylan has released over 40 albums since 1964, and was a major influence on The Beatles. His biggest hits are the 1965 US No.2 single ‘Like A Rolling Stone’, the 1969 UK No.5 single ‘Lay Lady Lay’, and his 1964 UK No.1 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. He has won many awards throughout his career including the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature, and twelve Grammy Awards. Dylan was also a member of The Traveling Wilburys.

1963 (May 24) - Beatles Record 'Pop Go The Beatles'

The Beatles recorded the first of their very own BBC radio program, “Pop Go the Beatles”. The theme song for the program was a version of “Pop Goes the Weasel”. The Beatles’ guests for this first show were the Lorne Gibson Trio.

1967 (May 24) - Beatles See Procul Harem

The Beatles see Procul Harem at the Speakeasy.

1967 (May 25) - Beatles Record 'Magical Mystery Tour'

Just days after the completion of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles embarked upon their next project, recording the theme to ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ at Abbey Road studios in London.

1969 (May 24) - 'Get Back' #1 in the US

The Beatles with Billy Preston started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Get Back’, the group’s 17th US No.1. Credited to “The Beatles with Billy Preston”, it was the Beatles’ only single that credited another artist, ‘Get Back’ was also the Beatles’ first single release in true stereo in the US.