Jackson Free Press

It was fifty years ago today...

...The Beatles landed on American shores and forever changed the course of popular music. Everyone love The Fab Four, right?

To celebrate this momentous occasion, and perhaps bring a little joy to you all going into the weekend, here's a small sampling of Beatlemania I've selected for your viewing pleasure. A splendid time is guaranteed for all...

Here's a newsreel of that day in NYC when the lads from Liverpool touched down:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sclfhlScwkk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sclfhlScwkk

Of course, Sunday night marks the anniversary of The Beatles appearance on Ed Sullivan. For many, this was their first glimpse of the British musical invaders. http://www.jukebo.com/the-beatles/music-clip,the-ed-sullivan-show-first-appearance,qp8rul.html">Here's what those who tuned in saw (all 37 million) that night.

Here's a really cool report put together by the Wall Street Journal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJxvm5zbeBc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJxvm5zbeBc

The first big American hit for the band was "I Want To Hold Your Hand." After the Ed Sullivan appearance, the boys hopped on a train bound for Washington, D.C. where they performed their first full concert in the U.S.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Ft1xjTXZ8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Ft1xjTXZ8

Nothing can really compare to the impact The Beatles had on American audiences.

Just as an afterthought, here's an interesting video I found that features young kids today and their reaction The Beatles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M9US-cXJMo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M9US-cXJMo

This weekend, spin your favorite Beatles record and let the magic of their music give you a small break from life. Stay safe, music fans.