AMERICA WELCOMES THE BEATLES
New York City (JFK+50) On February 7, 1964, the British rock band, The Beatles, arrived at JFK International Airport aboard Pan Am's Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London. The band had just recently scored their first #1 hit in the United States, "I Want to Hold Your Hand."
Thirty thousand "screaming fans" greeted George Harrison*, John Lennon**, Paul McCartney*** and Ringo Starr****.
The 'Fab Four' would perform their first American concert at the Coliseum in Washington, D.C. on February 11th and make an appearance on the popular Ed Sullivan television show. Before their return to the U.K. on February 22nd, they performed at Carnegie Hall.
The Beatles broke up in 1970 after selling millions of singles and record albums world-wide. Singer-songwriter Paul McCartney went on to have a highly successful post-Beatles career which made him the wealthiest musician in the world with a net worth of $1.2 billion.
*George Harrison (1943-2001) was born in Liverpool, U.K. He became lead guitarist for the Beatles. GH's musical career spanned 1958-2000. He died of cancer at age 58.
**John Winston Ono Lennon (1940-1980) was born in Liverpool, U.K. & was singer/songwriter for the Beatles. JWOL's 'Double Fantasy' won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. He was murdered outside his NY apartment.
***Sir James Paul McCartney was born in 1942 in Liverpool, U.K. He was singer/song-writer for the Beatles and played bass guitar. JPM was one of the most prolific & successful songwriters in history. In 1997, he was knighted by the Queen of England.
****Sir Richard (Ringo) Starkey (Starr) was born in 1940 in Liverpool. He was drummer/singer for the Beatles. His musical career spanned 1957 to the present. RS is said to be the wealthiest drummer in the world.
SOURCE
"The Beatles Arrive in New York, February 7, 1964," This Day In History, www.history.com/
