In August 1965 what would later be referred to as the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band had their first #1 album on the U.S. charts. There are disputes about which band really deserves that title, but this band certainly wins on pure endurance and longevity.
Around the country, in 1965, the hit in the theaters was Julie Andrews in the classic Sound of Music which is one of the biggest selling soundtracks in history.
The music in that production could not be any more different than the music on the #1 charting pop album. Rock radio, by 1965, was heavily dominated by the boy bands from Great Britain. This was no exception.
Prior to this album, by the future world's greatest rock 'n' roll band, going to #1, the boys had not had an album top the charts in the USA. There were unique aspects to this album: The first album by a UK group to be issued in the USA, prior to its being released in the UK; the first album by this band to be issued in, can you believe it, STEREO. Hard to believe if you were not around back then. We take stereo for granted. But this was when the change was taking place. Stereo was a big deal. Mono, which had been king, was on the way out. We were in the era of vinyl and mono.
Those of you who lived through the era, might be able to guess this one. I mean, other than the Beatles, which other band from the UK was a 900 pound gorilla on the charts?
If you don't know, don't go "out of your head" trying to figure it out. You will find the answer to the puzzle below. Turn off Ed Sullivan while he is chatting-up the Beatles. The Beatles were nudged from #1 by this other band from England.
To see the original artists perform the landmark song from the album that was #1 in August 1965, click on the old television.
Comments(19)