The Beatles

How did the Beatles get so good? For one thing they started playing in bands as early teenagers. Skiffle music based on American blues and rockabilly music. In their late teens they went to Germany to do jobs and played 6 nights a week and 8 hours a night straight through. That would certainly make them play tight together. And probably most important is they had massive musical talent, performing and composing. They dropped out of school at an early age and just concentrated on learning their music trade. And it worked. Maybe they are uneducated, but they were certainly great talents. Would they have been as good as individuals or with other musicians? Probably not. It was almost like some kind of fate that they found each other and were perfect compliments to each other's talents and skills. Even Ringo. He was the least of the group. But he was important in helping them achieve their popularity because of his zany personality. They all were fun-loving and enjoyed being together. George added the important bluesy guitar licks. John and Paul were first rate singers and songwriters, especially together. Their accessory team members, Brian Epstein, their manager, and their producer George Martin. Also had important roles in their success. When they came to America in 1964 and appeared 4 times on the Ed Sullivan to loud, screaming adulation of their teenage girl fans their success was assured. They made recordings and even later some movies. One time the top five songs on the Billboard top 40 were all songs by the Beatles. That was never done before or since. They wrote over 200 songs, most of them very good. Catchy and popular. They gave their generation a special musical identity. One good song after another. One good entire album after another. And their music and thoughts evolved and influenced the whole music scene and the popular thinking and behavior and appearance throughout most of the world. They were a giant influence.