Can't Buy Me Love

Front row, second from left, is a young Beatles fan

I was 10 years old on 4 April 1964, & I had a grade A infection of something that was going around called Beatlemania.  On this day 48 years ago,The Beatles held the top 5 positions on the pop charts, a feat has never been matched by any other artist to date. The top 5 songs were Can't Buy Me Love, Twist & Shout, She Loves You, I Want to Hold Your Hand, & Please, Please Me.

My father & I had one of our few fights, when he remarked: “She Loves You, yeah, yeah, yeah? You call that music?”  He was only 34 years & already a bit of a square, but, he loved Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & so did I. I loved his music & I was frightened that he hated mine.

Despite my parent's rejection of early Beatles music, they reluctantly came around, with my Mother knocking on my bedroom door one afternoon, requesting another playing of Yesterday (the most covered song in pop music history). My parental units gave me the gift of Beatles music for Christmas for 40 years. I remain a lifelong fan of the Fab Four.

Favorite Beatle: George

Favorite Beatle Song: A Day In The Life

Favorite George Harrison Song: While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Favorite Lennon/McCartney Song: In My Life

Favorite John Lennon Song: Come Together

Favorite Paul McCartney Song: Blackbird

Yes, I understand that all songs, except those written by George or Ringo, are considered the Lennon/McCartney catalog, but recently Yoko Ono has given her blessing separating the songwriting credits.

Today marks the accomplishment of The Beatles having the top 5 songs on the charts, but it does not stop with that landmark. Also in the top 40 on 4 April 1964: I Saw Her Standing There, You Can't Do That, All My Loving, Roll Over Beethoven, From Me To You, Do You Want To Know A Secret?  & Thank You Girl.