Devil in Her Heart – The Devil (Drapkin) With the Beatles, 1963 Before managing the Beatles, Brian Epstein owned the biggest music store in Liverpool. NEMS – short for North End Music Stores – was where the four Beatles did their record shopping before they got famous. Brian took pride in having the greatest selection…
Don’t Bother Me – 5 of Cups (Harrison) With the Beatles, 1963 “Don’t Bother Me” is the first song composed by George Harrison and appears on the Fab Four’s second album With the Beatles. Before then, whenever he took lead vocal duties, he sang either cover versions or Lennon/McCartney originals that they had given to…
Blue Jay Way – 7 of Cups (Harrison) Magical Mystery Tour, 1967 Depending on personal taste, “Blue Jay Way” could be described as a psychedelic masterpiece or one of the most dreary songs in the Beatles’ catalogue. The song was George Harrison’s contribution to the Magical Mystery Tour movie and album, released at the end…
Roll Over Beethoven – Ace of Wands (Berry) With the Beatles, 1963 John Lennon once said, “If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry.’” It’s not a stretch to say that the legendary Berry was the single most influential artist in rock’s early years, appearing on a…
Do You Want to Know a Secret? – Page of Cups (Lennon/McCartney) Please Please Me, 1963 “Do You Want to Know a Secret?” was written by John, shortly after getting married to Cynthia. He soon recognized the simple melody was well-suited for George’s vocal range. John said later that the idea for the song came…
I Need You – 5 of Cups (Harrison) Help!, 1965 “I Need You” was just the second George Harrison composition recorded by the Beatles, and was featured in their second movie Help!. The song may have foreshadowed the future of his relationship with future-wife, Patti Boyd. They were soon to be married but years later…
Chains – The Devil (Goffin/King) Please Please Me, 1963 “Chains” was the first of two songs sung by George on the Beatles’ debut album, Please Please Me. It was written by legendary songwriting team Goffin and King, and originally recorded by girl-group, The Cookies. Gerry Goffin and Carole King were a married couple who composed…