The Beatles was an iconic British band who created an epochal legacy in the music world. They had an impact that crossed the borders of culture, language, religion and politics and still reverberates to this day through their timeless hits. The four members — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison — were undoubtedly major legends in Rock and Roll, but how big were the Beatles?
First of all, we should consider the fame they’d achieved during their lifetime. The Beatles quickly rose to the top in the music business, releasing their first hit single ‘Love Me Do’ in 1962. By the mid-1960s, they had performed over 1500 live concerts in some 15 countries and had gained millions of fans worldwide. This was something unheard of in the music industry at the time. It is also reported that the band received around 40,000 fan letters every week.
The number of awards and accolades received by the band is also a testament to their success. In 1965, the band was the first rock ‘n’ roll act to receive the MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2001, the band was honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, in 2009, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The commercial success of the Beatles was also quite remarkable for their time. Between 1962 and 1970, the band had 22 number one hits worldwide with total sales estimated to be around 600 million albums and singles. This places them as one of the bestselling music acts in history, proving their appeal across generations.
Unlike some other rock stars, the Beatles are still remembered and revered for their excellent songwriting. The songwriting prowess of the band is evident in the huge critical acclaim they’ve earned over the years. John Lennon was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 whereas Paul McCartney was inducted in 1999. Most songs by the Beatles have been covered by new music artists indicating the staying power of their music.
The various side projects by the individual members of the band point to their enormous influence as well. Paul McCartney released several solo albums and John Lennon was also an acclaimed solo artist. Although Ringo Starr and George Harrison had lesser successful solo careers, they still enjoyed moderate success in music.
Reaction from the Music Industry
The success of the Beatles was also acknowledged by the music industry. Their albums, singles and EPs all reached considerable heights on the US Billboard charts. The Beatles contributed to popularizing rock music and this has been acknowledged by the likes of Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen. Jimi Hendrix described the band as the greatest set of songwriters in modern history.
Societal Impact
The Beatles have had lasting effects on the culture, fashion and lifestyle of people worldwide. In US and UK, their influence on the fashion industry was tremendous. Their hairstyles created a rebellious attitude among the youth of that era and had a huge influence on the counterculture. The casual clothing, often consisting of jeans, shirts, and velvet jackets, became a hit fashion trend of the 1960s.
The music of the Beatles also consisted of several messages expressing the unrest of the youth about ther political and economic situation of the society. Songs like “Give Peace a Chance” and “Revolution” spoke against war and the need for social upheaval. The Beatles promoted a liberal and non-violent resistance to the problems of society.
Legacy of the Beatles
The legacy of the Beatles has continued to stay strong even after the band dissolved in 1970. Several documentaries, films, and books have been dedicated to telling the story of the Beatles 1960s journey. The musical influence of the Beatles is also quite obvious in the sound of modern rock music. Almost every rock ‘n’ roll artist cites the Beatles as an inspiration.
Beatles vs. Other Music Acts
When it comes to music popularity, Rolling Stones have been the biggest rival of the Beatles over the years. Although the Rolling Stones acquired a significant amount of critical and commercial success, they still could not match the success of the Beatles. It is often stated that the Rolling Stones re-invented Rock and Roll whereas the Beatles revolutionized it.
Criticism of the Beatles
The Beatles have been criticized by some for ‘selling out’ as they went after commercial success. In the initial days, the Beatles experimented with avant-garde ideas and message-antics in their songs and some feel that they abandoned these ideas for commercial success.
Continued Success of the Beatles
The continued success of the Beatles has been attributed to their unique sound, spirit of innovation, and commitment to excellence. The band has remained popular for decades with different generations of listeners. They remain an inspiration to the generations of musicians.