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Back to To the Point

To the Point

50 Years Since "Beatlemania" in the U.S.

"I Want To Hold Your Hand" was already at the top of the charts in the United States just 50 years ago today—when the Beatles boarded a plane from London.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

"I Want To Hold Your Hand" was already at the top of the charts in the United States just 50 years ago today—when the Beatles boarded a plane from London. But they were still unaware they were about to cause a musical revolution in this country.

As the Beatles’ plane was landing in New York City, word came back from the cockpit: “Tell the boys there’s a big crowd waiting to greet them.” Two days later, they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, and the rest is history. We talk to Professor Michael Weis about the impact the Beatles have had 50 years later.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Michael Weis

    Illinois Wesleyan University

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