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Picking the most influential performers of all time is no easy feat, and the decisions is almost impossible with so many groundbreaking acts in the past twenty years alone. Looking back through history though, it’s clear that everything changed when The Beatles first formed in 1960. Throughout the decade, the band revolutionized music and topped the charts, reaching the Billboard No. 1 spot twenty times. Here are six reasons why music would be nothing like it is today without The Beatles.

1. They were some of the first real singer-songwriters

Although there were some other successful singer-songwriters before them, The Beatles were the first artists to popularize writing and performing their own songs. Before them, most songwriters never sang their own songs, choosing to sell them to other performers instead. The Beatles broke this mold and quickly inspired many others to do the same.

2. They pushed the boundaries of music technology

On top of the innovations they made in songwriting, The Beatles also helped to invent some of the recording techniques that are central to music today. They constantly experimented to find new sounds by altering their drum kits, playing tracks in reverse, splicing together different sounds, and more. The Beatles are even credited for inventing artificial double tracking, a technique that has now been used in countless other songs.

3. Their performances made history

Although The Beatles stopped touring in 1966, their live performances still stand out today. In February of 1964, The Beatles made their US debut on The Ed Sullivan Show right as Beatlemania was hitting the States. In addition to those in the studio audience, 73 million other people tuned in that day to watch the performance. To accommodate their massive fanbase, The Beatles also held the world’s first stadium concert at Shea Stadium in 1965, changing concerts forever.

4. They revolutionized the album

Before Rubber Soul in 1965, most musicians released singles or short albums built for commercialization. The Beatles were the first musicians to make a “true album” with an overall theme and sound. Additionally, the band also transformed the way that albums were packaged. They were the first to include printed lyrics with their 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club, and their album covers led to a newly recognized importance for cover art.

5. Their songs are still just as loved today

Across the world, millions of people still listen to The Beatles every day. In 2019 alone, the group’s music was streamed 1.7 billion times. Beatles fans have also continued playing the group’s songs. In fact, “Yesterday” still remains one of the most covered songs in music.

6. They inspired countless music careers

The Beatles have inspired other musicians for decades now, leaving a legacy that goes far beyond their greatest hits or their biggest shows. Acts such as Kiss, The Beach Boys, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Badfinger, and more all credit The Beatles as one of their biggest influences.

Jane Margaret Turner CCPA 3335 Blog #2