How Did The Beatles Influence Pop Culture

Ryan Spaeth
Dr. Wolf
History of Rock and Roll

The Beatles arguably have had more influence on American pop music and culture than any other artists since the second half of the 20th century up to the present. The band originated in Liverpool as an amateur teenage skiffle group called the Quarry Men, which was formed by John Lennon in 1956 and named after his school, Quarry Bank High (MacDonald, 1). Paul McCartney and George Harrison joined shortly after, and along with Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best, they were then known as the Beatles. Shortly before Sutcliffe’s departure in 1961, a music shop owner in Liverpool named Brian Epstein heard the Beatles’ music, became their manager, and secured the band with a recording contract at Parlophone in 1962 (MacDonald, 1). Soon after, Ringo Starr replaced George Best on drums, and the group began recording songs quickly and efficiently; in other words, when it came to song writing, the Beatles had both quality and quantity. None of the Beatles could read music, so George Martin, a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music, who was also often referred to as the fifth Beatle,

After analysing the song, the form is simple verse, with each verse built on the same 8-bar structure that is repeated over and over. The droning of the bass makes the harmonic dimension of the music sound static, suggesting the influence of Indian music, while the tape loops, backward guitar, and processed lead vocals create an otherworldly atmosphere (Covach 170). The time signature is 4/4, and the constant repeat notes in the bass, which interact with the repeated drum pattern in an interesting way, create a rhythmic feel that seems unrelenting (Covach 170).. Instruments used include piano, bass, drums, organ, sitar, organ, tape loops, and lead