The recipe for the Beatles’ phenomenal success is a complex one. Was it their songwriting genius, their innovative use of instruments, or the carefully cultivated image they presented? Perhaps it’s a combination of all these elements.
But one thing is for certain: The Beatles didn’t exist in a musical void. They, like all artistic giants, drew inspiration from those who came before them. This article presents the three bands who left an incredible mark on the Beatles, influencing their sound and propelling them towards legendary status.
These artists not only shaped the Fab Four’s music, but also pushed them to experiment and create music that would forever change the landscape of popular music.
The Beach Boys
The media loved to paint The Beach Boys and The Beatles as rivals during their peak years. There’s some truth to it – Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson, the creative forces behind each band, did have a competitive streak. However, this rivalry wasn’t fueled by animosity, but by a deep respect for each other’s work. It became a creative push-and-pull, driving both bands to new artistic heights.
McCartney himself has acknowledged The Beach Boys’ influence, particularly their groundbreaking album Pet Sounds and the vocal innovations of surf rock, a genre The Beach Boys pioneered.
The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers, known for their exquisite harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, were a major influence on the early Beatles. Their impact can be heard in the tight vocal arrangements of songs like “Love Me Do”, where John and Paul weave their voices together in a way reminiscent of the Everly Brothers’ signature sound.
The Beatles’ admiration went beyond inspiration. They even covered the Everly Brothers’ classic “Bye Bye Love”, showcasing their respect for the duo’s legacy. This tribute continued during the Beatles’ Let It Be touring period, where they incorporated Everly Brothers’ songs into their live sets.
The Byrds
The Byrds, pioneers of the folk-rock genre, played a fascinating role in The Beatles’ musical evolution. Their work with sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, who later became a significant influence on George Harrison, created a bridge between Eastern and Western music. This cross-pollination undoubtedly planted seeds for Harrison’s own exploration of Indian classical music.
The influence went even further. Harrison openly acknowledged borrowing the guitar riff from The Byrds’ “The Bells Of Rhymney” for his composition “If I Needed Someone” on The Beatles’ groundbreaking album Rubber Soul. This act of borrowing, while a bit controversial, highlighted the deep musical exchange between the two bands. The Byrds’ innovative approach to folk and rock clearly inspired Harrison and, by extension, The Beatles’ artistic journey.