At the end of the 1960s, four of the most influential and successful musicians in the history of the world joined together to form a group the world had never seen before. The Beatles has become one of the most iconic groups of musicians in history to this day. With the release of their first studios album in 1963, the world had never seen anything like it. But who of the original members is still alive?
John Lennon, the songwriter, singer, guitarist, and cofounder of the Beatles was murdered on December 8th, 1980. He had been the leader of the group, often referred to as the ‘smart one’. Lennon served as the face of the group, and he wrote some of their most beloved songs.
Paul McCartney, the other cofounder of the Beatles, is still alive at the age of 78 and is often called the ‘cute one’. An incredible bass player and singer with a knack for creative marketing techniques, McCartney wrote some of the Beatles’ most famous songs. Although he stopped touring with the group in 1966, McCartney went on to have a very successful career as a solo artist and he became the first Beatle to be awarded a knighthood in 1997.
George Harrison, the quiet, introspective member of the group, was the ‘mysterious one’. He wrote some of the Beatles’ most beloved songs such as ‘Something’ and ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’. Harrison died on November 29th, 2001, after losing a long battle with cancer.
The last original member of the group was Ringo Starr. Known for his quirky style and an endearing personality, he was often referred to as the ‘funny one’. Ringo is still alive to this day and he celebrated his 80th birthday at the beginning of 2020, with a virtual concert featuring a variety of other famous musicians. He continues to tour and perform around the world and he is just as beloved as ever.
John Lennon’s Lasting Legacy
John Lennon had an immense impact on the music of the 20th century. His songs are still being covered by modern musicians and they continue to inspire songwriters every day. Lennon’s music speaks to the human experience, his songs often discussing themes of love, rebellion, and suffering. He was able to express these difficult topics while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone, something that most musicians struggle to do.
Lennon’s most well-known solo work is his slightly autobiographical song ‘Imagine’. This song has become a staple of modern culture and a powerful call for love, tolerance, and acceptance in a world of growing hatred and divisiveness. Other popular songs by Lennon include ‘Give Peace a Chance’ and ‘Working Class Hero’.
The loss of Lennon in 1980 was a tragedy that resonates throughout the music industry to this day. His influence and impact will forever live on in the form of his timeless music.
The Impact of George Harrison
Although George Harrison may not have been as prolific a songwriter as Lennon or McCartney, his work in the studio and on the stage had an immense impact on the Beatles’ sound. His unique experimental guitar playing lent to the evolving sound of their albums and eventually led to the creation of some of their most iconic songs.
Harrison’s solo work after leaving the Beatles was equally groundbreaking. His 1970 album ‘All Things Must Pass’ was a monumental success and is often seen as one of the best and most influential solo albums by any former member of the group. It featured some of his most famous songs such as ‘My Sweet Lord’, ‘All Things Must Pass’, and ‘What Is Life’.
Harrison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, seven years after his passing. The Hall of Fame credited him for his role in the “transformation of the Beatles from a rock and roll band into a worldwide musical and cultural phenomenon”. His music is still appreciated and loved to this day.
Paul McCartney’s Continuing Career
Paul McCartney has kept an active career in music throughout the decades, even after the breakup of the Beatles in 1970. He was the first Beatle to embark on a solo career, with his album ‘McCartney’ released in 1970 to much fanfare and success. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He has even recently been featured on the popular ‘Carpool Karaoke’ segment of ‘The Late Show With James Corden’.
McCartney has collaborated with other notable artists such as Kanye West, Rihanna, Jay Z, and most recently, One Direction’s Harry Styles. He has also continued to tour consistently throughout the years, even at his age. His influence continues to be felt in the world of pop music today and he has been credited with inspiring the new wave of British Invasion bands such as the Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead.
Ringo Starr’s Unending Appreciation
Ringo Starr is the last remaining original member of the Beatles and his legacy will be just as important to the history of the group. He was often seen as the comic relief of the group, but he was just as important as the other members. He was an amazing drummer, lending to the group’s unique sound and they would not have been the same without his contribution.
Ringo went on to a moderately successful solo career, even having a top 10 single in the US with his song ‘Photograph’. In 2019, Ringo was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with his former bandmates. This was a long time coming for the beloved former Beatles drummer and he was given a standing ovation when he went up to accept the award.
Ringo is still an active performer and he even released his first solo album in ten years in 2019. He is beloved by fans all over the world and will continue to make appearances as long as he can.
The Lasting Legacy of the Beatles
The Beatles were one of the most influential and successful musical acts of the 20th century. With their unique sound and pioneering acumen, they brought to life an entire generation of music fans and helped shape the sound of pop music as we know it today. This cannot be understated and the legacy of the Beatles will live on for many generations to come.
The Beatles’ impact on the world of music has been huge. They recorded some of the most beloved and popular songs of all time and their influence can still be heard in modern music. From the classic rock of the ’70s to the modern indie rock of the 21st century, the influence of the Beatles is everywhere.
Even though only one of the original members is still living, the Beatles will never truly die. There will always be a place in the world for the music of the Beatles and their legacy will endure.
Financial Impact of the Beatles
The financial impact of the Beatles can’t be understated. They remain the best-selling music group of all time, having sold over 800 million records worldwide. They hold the record for most number-one singles on the US Billboard charts, the most number-one albums on the UK albums chart, and most total weeks spent on the UK albums chart. Their compilation album 1 is the best-selling compilation album of all time, having sold over 32 million copies.
However, their financial impact wasn’t limited to music sales alone. In 1965, the group created their own record label, Apple Records and later, their own film production company, Apple Films. They were also incredibly shrewd in their business dealings, famously referring to themselves as ‘the most expensive group in the world’ as a result of their exorbitant appearance fees for live shows.
The legacy of the Beatles extends far beyond their musical influence, as their entrepreneurial spirit created an empire of businesses that have earned billions of dollars over the years.
The Beatles’ Influence on Pop Culture
Although the Beatles stopped performing as a group in 1970, their influence on popular culture has been felt throughout the decades. They have been referenced in pop culture throughout the years, from movies and television, to fashion and art. They have even been credited with popularizing the mod fashion trend, which was made iconic by the Beatles and other 1960s British Invasion bands.
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