Claim OwnershipBeatles Books
Subscribed: 112Played: 2,749
Subscribe
© Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
Description
A podcast that chats to a wide variety of Beatle authors and writers. What inspired them to add their entry into a library of over 1000 books?
75 Episodes
Reverse
My guest today is Debbie Gendler who is here to discuss her book 'I Saw The Standing There - Adventures of an Original Beatle Fan During Beatlemania and Beyond'.
Debbie fell for The Beatles in late 1963 and soon found herself in the audience for their first US TV appearance on Ed Sullivan. This led to a lifetime of devotion and many crazy adventures and Beatle encounters - she shares all these stories with me, including a less than satisfactory meeting with the lads themselves.
It's terrific to welcome Mark Lewisohn back to the pod, this time to discuss the stories behind some of the major works of Beatle literature.
From Hunter Davies to Derek Taylor, from Michael Braun to Richard Dilello - Mark offers his own fascinating insight into the books that so many of us have on our Beatle shelves.
I'm joined for this episode by Mary McGlory and Sylvia Saunders to talk about their book 'The Liverbirds - Our Life in Britain's First Rock n Roll Band'.
Despite some disparaging words from a certain John Lennon, Mary and Sylvia, along with Val and Pam form The Liverbirds, and become a thrilling live act, garnering huge success particularly in Germany - they share their story, including their many Beatle related encounters, with me for this episode.
1For this very special episode I'm joined by Mark Lewisohn to discuss his life, his books and the unique Beatle experiences that led him to become the writer he is today.
My guest for this episode is Aaron Badgley, who joins me to discuss his book on Dark Horse Records, the label started by George Harrison in 1974.
Aaron tells us the story of the varied collection of artists on the label, and how as a commercial venture, it wasn't quite what George had hoped it would be.
My very special guest for this episode is Laurie Kaye, who was part of the
the team that conducted John Lennon's last ever interview on December 8th 1980.
Laurie talks about what she calls the best and worst day of her life - and how its outcome went on to affect her over 40 years later.
I'm honored to welcome Ken Womack back to the pod to talk about one of the most anticipated Beatle books of 2023, his fascinating biography of the Beatles roadie, Mal Evans.
Ken reveals for the first time the true story of one of The Beatles closest friends - in equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.
I'm joined for this bonus mini episode by Jonathan Knott who is here to discuss his research on The Beatles attempts in 1967 to buy a Greek island.
What inspired them to make such a lavish purchase? Why did the sale fall through?
Jonathan answers these questions and more - his Substack can be found at https://followthesun.substack.com/
My guest today is Deirdre Kelly who joins me to discuss her book 'Fashioning The Beatles' - a fascinating and detailed look at what The Beatles wore through the 60's - what inspired them and how they influenced the looks and themes of the decade.
I am delighted to welcome Ken Mcnab back to the pod - this time to discuss 'Shake It Up Baby' - his thrilling and detailed story of The Beatles in 1963.
How did they go from the cold nights of a small Scottish tour in January to the cusp of world domination in Decemeber?
I'm joined for this episode by Richard Driver to discuss his book 'That Was Me - Paul McCartney's career and the legacy of The Beatles'
That Was Me is an engaging and insightful journey through the prolific and awe-inspiring career of Paul McCartney. With focus on Sir Paul’s post-Beatles years, Richard Driver explores the vast output of McCartney, from his homespun solo albums to his more elaborate compositions and productions, and from his videos and tours to his collaborations with his former Beatles and a multitude of other pop stars.
I'm delighted to welcome back to the pod Steve Matteo who is here this time to discuss his new book 'Act Naturally - The Beatles on Film'.
Steve's book tells the stories behind all The Beatles cinematic adventures, how they reflected the wider cinematic trends of the 60s and why we all keep going back to watch them time and time again.
I'm joined today by Leslie Cavendish to discuss his book 'The Cutting Edge'.
Starting work at Vidal Sassoon's salon at the start of the 60's, Leslie soon finds himself cutting The Beatles hair - and forming a friendship in particular with Paul McCartney.
He tells us stories from the Magical Mystery Tour bus, what it was like running a salon for Apple and meeting Paul again in 2012.
My guest for this episode is Bob Kealing, who tells the story of The Beatles in Florida, a state they spent more time in than most during 1964.
Meeting Muhammad Ali, playing to 70 million on Ed Sullivan, taking part in iconic photoshoots, as usual The Beatles packed in so much into their time - and Bob's book focuses on first hand accounts to tell this fascinating story.
My guest today is David Jacks who joins me to discuss his biography of Peter Asher - 'A Life in Music'.
Peter came into The Beatles world via his sister Jane's relationship with Paul McCartney, and soon Peter was a pop star himself as he and his musical partner Gordon Waller took one of Paul's songs to the top of the charts.
Peter then went on to a hugely successful career in music production and promotion, including a famous stint at Apple Records.
I'm joined for this bonus episode by founding member of the band Buffalo Tom, Bill Janowitz to discuss his biography of Leon Russell.
Perhaps best known in Beatles circles for his involvement in the Concert for Bangladesh - Leon was an incredible talent who had played on most of Phil Spector's biggest songs before starting a stellar solo career and formed a close friendship with George Harrison.
My guest for this episode is Colin Hall, who joins me to discuss his book 'The Songs The Beatles Gave Away'.
Colin is the custodian of Mendips, John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool, and his book covers John and Paul's early years, and how their songwriting partnership developed into donating songs to other artists.
I'm joined for this episode by Tony King to discuss his brilliant memoir 'The Tastemaker'.
Tony joined Decca Records at 16, and as London started to swing, was one of it's most vital promotion men.
Tony got to know The Beatles during the mid 60's, and by the start of the 70s was employed by Apple, and worked on promoting both John and Ringo's solo albums.
His friendship with Elton John led him to introduce him to John Lennon - and Tony was directly involved in John's famous Thanksgiving appearance with Elton at Madison Square Garden in 1974.
I'm joined for this episode by Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair to discuss volume 1 of 'McCaartney Legacy, the first in a multi volume set, beginning with covering the years 1969 -1973.
This is such a heroic and exciting period for Paul, as he recreates himself in the immediate aftermath of the Beatles breakup – a period when, newly married and with a growing family, he conquered depression and self-doubt, formed a new band, Wings, and recorded five epochal albums culminating in the triumphant smash, Band on the Run.
My guest today is Dafydd Rees who joins me to discuss his book 'The Beatles 1963 A Year in the Life'.
At the start of 1963, The Beatles were a successful local Liverpool band with one hit single; twelve months, two albums and the arrival of Beatlemania later, they were on the cusp of world domination.
Thoroughly researched and featuring interviews with 300 people - Dafydd shines a light onto that most thrilling of Beatle years.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
such a terrific episode
I'll always defend Maxwell's Silver Hammer! It's a fantastically funny and dark song. Abbey Road would be so much less without the likes of Hammer and Octopus's Garden to provide balance. I'd never assume I know better about what tracks to use more than the fab four and George Martin!