Today is Global Beatles Day, which was established in 2009 to honor and celebrate the impact of one of the most transformational music groups of all time. Sometimes known as the Fab 4, this talented group of young men from England took the world by storm in the 1960s and their legacy continues to thrive. Love them or not, everyone on earth seems to be at least familiar with Beatles music and to hold opinions on the extent of the band's influence on modern music and culture.
The Beatles paved the way for global changes in personal expression, fashion, imagination, sex, and art. They had as much or more impact on global society than anyone of their time.
globalbeatlesday.com
On this date in 1967, more than 400 million people in 26 countries tuned in to the BBC's first-ever live global television program "Our World" to watch the first performance of the song "All You Need is Love." It's hard for us now to imagine how ground-breaking this broadcast was back then, but at the time four satellites were harnessed to pull off this technological milestone in television history.
"All You Need is Love" is one of almost 200 songs written by the prolific and talented writing duo John Lennon and Paul McCartney. While many of the songs written and performed by the Beatles were about love, friendship was clearly an important theme in their music. In addition to "All You Need is Love," who can forget the gorgeous friendship anthem covered by numerous musical greats over the years "I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends?" These themes of "Altogether Now" and "Come Together" resonate with us and contrast sharply with some of the more explicit and divisive tunes of today's musical era.
Life is very short, and there's no time, for fussing and fighting, my friend.
"We Can Work It Out," by The Beatles
If you are looking for ways to celebrate Global Beatles Day and happen to be in or near the place where it all got started--Liverpool, England--I recommend going with a friend to visit Liverpool's Beatles Museum, which is quite extensive. I was lucky enough to visit years ago with my friend David. We had a blast, and I think the museum has expanded significantly since then.
Or, if you're in or near Cleveland, Ohio, check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Beatles collection. I went with my family early this spring, and one of my favorite moments was walking up to the piano where Paul McCartney wrote "Let It Be" and other top hits.
But even if you're nowhere near Liverpool or Cleveland, it's easy enough to add some Beatles songs to your play list and debate with your friends whether you agree with Timeout Magazine's list of Top 50 Best Beatles Songs. Happy Global Beatles Day!
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