Charles Rosenay, a fellow Nutmegger and a great Beatles and Monkee fan, recently suggested to me that an interesting blog post would be about Stu Phillips who conducted the Hollyridge Strings covering instrumental versions of Beatles songs on multiple LPs released on Capitol Records over the years. Stu Phillips, who is now 95 years old, signed some album covers for Charles. Charles is aware of my interest in collecting signatures of people that played some type of role in the Beatles story, and alerted me of the autographed albums. Stu Phillips has quite the musical resume’ as is witnessed at this Wikipedia link: (You will be amazed at what he has accomplished during his illustrious career).
It was obvious that Capitol was aware that there was a marketplace for instrumental versions of the wonderful Beatles musical catalog as is evidenced by the 6 volumes that they issued of this series though not all six of the volumes were conducted and arranged by Stu Phillips. In his time away from Capitol Records, he was heavily involved with Colgems/Colpix and The Monkees.
Screenshot
One of Stu Phillips notable accomplishments was that he was nominated for a Grammy Award in the following category in 1964
Nominated: 1964 Best Instrumental Performance – Non Jazz, The Beatles Song Book (Hollyridge Strings).
My special thanks go out to Charles Rosenay, for providing the photos for this post!
Front Cover of Vol 1:
Back cover:
Vol 2 Front cover:
Vol2 Back Cover:
Vol 3 Front Cover:
Vol 3 Back Cover:
Stu not involved with this release: Vol 4 Front Cover
Vol 4 Back Cover:
Stu was not involved with this one as well:Vol 5 Front Cover
Vol 5 Back Cover:
Stu comes back to conduct and arrange the Beatles songs on Vol 6 (the front cover). This is the signed LP that I acquired from Charles:
Vol 6 Back Cover:
QUESTION:
What is your favorite instrumental that you have heard of any Beatles song? My personal favorite was the version of “This Boy” that George Martin conducted.
A Great Beatles Genealogy book – published in 2018 by AR Heritage Publishing and authored by Richard A. Edmunds.
A brilliant book tracing the heritage and lineage of four of the world’s best known personalities. You will be amazed at some of the details provided in this book. Understanding where one comes from as was exemplified in the hit TV miniseries “Roots” helps to shed some light as to the synergistic properties that help to predict or lay the groundwork for the future.
Beatles Genealogy
Thoroughly enjoyed this book which helps to dispel some common Beatle myths and also adds significantly to our knowledge-base. Reading this book helped me to understand the magical prescription that helped to develop the fantastic story that would unfold over the years!
The Beatles Genealogy book – Inside the Beatles Family Tree
The best source to find this wonderful book is either on Ebay or Abe Books!
BUZZ
OUR FEATURED BOOK AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono (Signed Hardback)
Now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives
Acclaimed by MOJO & Goldmine
Recommended by Olivia Harrison
Spotlighted on The Beatles Channel, Sirius XM Radio
The true story of the woman John Lennon loved. Includes the work and music they made together, the love story of John & Yoko, and her relationship with the Beatles.
Ono’s incredible story goes way beyond what most people know.
There are astounding details about Yoko’s life (thirty-three years before meeting Lennon, twelve years with him, and over forty years of creativity since his death).
The author has followed Ono’s career since the mid-1960s, assembling a vast media archive on the artist. Yoko’s own voice, along with Lennon’s and others (in cited, published interviews) tell her undeniably true and complete story, disproving many myths. Bocaro has spent valuable time with Ono, gaining incredible insight.
Here is the ultimate exploration of Yoko’s childhood, her relationship with Lennon, her art, films, music and activism for peace and women’s rights.
JOHN & PAUL – THE RELATIONSHIP THAT HELPED TO DEFINE POPULAR MUSIC POST 1963 – LENNON AND McCARTNEY
Spotlighting a new book by author Ian Leslie about the chemistry that these two legendary songwriters had in their creation of so many memorable songs that will live forever. Not only their writing and musical talents are explored but that dynamic interchange of personalities. The book is a great psychological analysis of the interplay of both men having lost their moms at an early age and their common love for the early rock ‘n’ roll writers and singers of the 50’s and the rhythm and blue artists that came earlier.
Their music became their emotional salve to deal with events in their lives. With these two personalities, when one had a weakness, the other individual provided the strength and vice-versa. Competitive, yes, but that led to the consequence and the end result of being able to create better songs and their dual sound experimentation was unparalleled in the history of popular music. The same emotions that all friendships encounter with varying degrees are explored in this book. Jealousy, insecurities and pride, and all expressed in different ways by these unique individuals. One was more blunt and direct “publicly” and the other internalized his emotional feelings.
Fans should be careful of being too quick and impulsive about their judgements about the respective personalities of John and Paul. For example, for several of the early years, the Beatle who publicly exuded the most self-confidence and bravado, was possibly the most insecure in reality. The other side of the coin presented a man who had no trouble putting his best foot forward in front of the public, yet had great difficulty in expressing his emotional feelings in front of the public or in a public setting.
Before we continue to discuss the new John and Paul book by Ian Leslie here is an interesting story about the two developing songwriters performing a few gigs with the one-off name known as the “The Nerk Twins.”
In 1960, John and Paul performed at a pub run by Paul’s cousin and for a couple of performances at the club, they performed as a duo known as the Nerk Twins.
The Beatles Bible reported some of the details of their performance at the following site:
A recent article in the Sunday Times magazine in the UK–THE SUNDAY TIMES MAGAZINE March 16th, 2025 which details the new book by Ian Leslie:John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs (The photo is John and Paul rehearsing at 20 Forthlin Road, Paul’s home)
HERE IS THE BOOK THAT DEALS WITH THE THESIS PRESENTED ABOVE. I HAVE ALWAYS HOPED FOR SOMEONE TO WRITE A BOOK GIVING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE AND ANALYSIS OF PAUL McCARTNEY AND JOHN LENNON
AND WHY BOTH THEIR SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES HELPED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAGICAL MUSICAL RECIPE.
John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs
-This is the US version of the book.
Published by Celadon Books on April 8, 2025. Authored by Ian Leslie
John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs
John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs
A few samplings of the internet covering and reporting of Ian Leslie’s John and Paul book
Recommend you listen to these thought provoking programs:
John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs Published by Faber & Faber April 8, 2025 written by Ian Leslie.This is the UK version of the book: I bought the UK version of the book because I preferred the UK cover!
Back cover of the UK book: (Seamus Hayes)
The author’s signature on my copy of the UK version of the book:A special thanks to my UK friend Seamus Hayes who was able to obtain the signed copy of the book for me!
The sad thing in many Beatles-related books I have read over the years is the tendency of the author to pit John against Paul, and Paul against John as if they were polar opposites and enemies. They were not. They were human beings that had a different set of coping mechanisms to deal with their emotions and problems. “CHEMISTRY” is the key word here. For an extended period of time they were able to spark each others creativity and for a multitude of reasons, that spark was to eventually fizzle out. This book gives a more balanced and analytic view of the interplay between these 2 great songwriters.
Whether you had a preference for Paul or a preference for John in the context of the Beatles or their solo careers is basically irrelevant as it was the creative musical interaction between the 2 of them which will always hold a special place for many of us. It was truly a magical time…for both John and Paul and luckily, for the rest of the world as well.
Would love to hear your opinions of this new book! I look forward to your comments and perceptions…
BEATLES BOOKS AND SPECIALIZATION OF TOPICS: BUBBLE GUM CARDS
Did you ever in your wildest dreams ever believe there would one day be a book issued of more than 400 pages that dealt with the subject of Beatles bubble gum cards??? If you were fortunate enough to be clairvoyant, you would be happy to see that in 2015 that wish would be fulfilled.
Part of the dilemma of any author seeking out subject matter for writing a unique and distinct Beatles book with a different angle is what do you write about that has not been covered before in the more than 3,000 English language Beatles books that are out there in the marketplace?
This question has been answered in the term “specialization.” Take a well-focused special micro-subject that has not been dealt with in book form before that may appeal to a special segment of Beatles collectors such as Beatle Bubble gum card collectors, which could also would have an overlap appeal to Beatles book collectors.
This book by Mark Swearingen with contributions by Rob Foust was a very pleasant and entertaining addition to my Beatles book collection. The following title deals with the issuing over the years of Beatles bubble gum cards.
The book was issued in two variations (black and white vs. color edition). The title can be ordered at Amazon and several other book search services including Ebay and Abe Books!
Author: Mark Swearingen Major Contributions by Rob Foust
As stated previously, there were two editions of this book. One featured the book photos in black and white. I did get this copy for my collection, but I preferred the 2nd deluxe color edition (the 2nd photo on the post). So, being the Beatles completist book collector that I am, I also purchased the color edition:
Author Mark Swearingen and major contributor Rob Foust are to be highly complimented with this great contribution of a book about collecting Beatle bubble gum cards. As time goes by it is my sincere hope that other authors will pick up the gauntlet and tackle other subjects such as this that will help to fill in the gaps in our Beatles knowledge-base.
When I had completed this post, a subscriber of the blog noticed the 2 versions of the above title and he informed me he had a different version of the book published in 2012 by 2 Moon Press. I did some research and this apparently was the first pressing of the book and it was clouded in some controvery concerning the publisher. The end result is the author was able to find another publisher and published the titles above as a result. Since this copy represented a more obscure version of the book for my collection, I was excited to work out a trade for it. It highlights the importance of networking in the world of collecting!
The earlier 2012 version of the book:
WHAT SPECIALIZED BEATLES SUBJECT?
Would like to end this post with a question….What specialized Beatles subject matter would you like to see be covered in a new book? Tell us why you would like to see a book about that subject! Looking forward to your comments!
So many quality books with a Beatles connection have appeared in March, and “Ringo Starr: I Play The Piano in C” is another great one. Truly indicative that March Madness also applies to the guy who sang “Drumming is My Madness.” This brand new book by Italian based author, Luca Perasi explores the musical career of a guy who like his former bandmate, Paul McCartney, continues to please the public by performing and to continue to record in their Golden Years. Ringo’s new country music-based LP, “Look Up” is not only doing well in the charts, but he is continuing to collaborate with many formidable musicians. He also continues with his All-Startours. Luca Perasi’s Ringo book, knowing his track record with his many McCartney book successes, will be another memorable addition to our Beatle-related book libraries. Perfect timing as I recently received my email from Amazon that my copy is on the way… and remember there is going to be a Vol. 2!!!
The back cover of the book:
Here are the various Amazon links to the book provided to me by one of my UK friends, Seamus Hayes!Seamus
also provided me with the notification of this book’s release. Thank you, SH!
When you wish upon a Starr you not only get one Ringo Discography, you get 2 volumes. Volume 1 is out now but keep a lookout for Vol 2 in the near future. Luca Perasi is a very busy guy!
David Bedford and Andrew Phillips have undertaken a unique perspective in their excellent new book “The Beatles: What If?” To present a basic background for their initial premise in writing the book, I need to ask all of you a few simple questions. How many of you have posed the question to yourselves sometime in your life of how different your life may have played out, if you made a different decision about a particular life event occurring at a crucial point?
Have you ever had a desire to become a teacher and then somehow life events changed your ability to realize that dream and you look back with possible regrets about that outcome? Followed by the ultimate question of how different your life may have been if you pursued the teaching profession. You can see where this is leading as you also would have met different people along the alternate path.
I was honored to have been asked by the authors to read an advance copy of this wonderful book but I have to be honest as well. Prior to reading it, I had always been skeptical of Beatles books that were not based solely in fact rather than fantasy or speculation. However that is why this book is so unique and special to me as it turns the tables to contemplate how different the timeline of events would/might have played out if different decisions had been made along the way in the Beatles history and careers.
The purpose and intention of the book is to stimulate and provoke discussion of many of the “what if” situations that we may have thought about when we look back on the fabulous Beatles story. David and Andrew developed a thoughtful formula for deciding upon the more than 70 Beatles-related decisions or choices that could have predicated a much different outcome than what actually happened. Their analysis of what may have happened if an alternate decision was made by one of the four or other prominent members of the people they interacted with during their lives is quite frankly, a fascinating study.
When people read this book and discuss the authors potential scenarios, you will agree with some and disagree with others. If that occurs, the book is a tremendous success. Pay close attention to the formula the authors chose in presenting their list of “What Ifs.” I will close with one example. What would have happened if Decca Records had signed the Beatles after their January 1, 1962 audition? How different might their careers have been since it would have been unlikely they would have worked with producer George Martin in that event.
Check this book out and you will not be disappointed. I can envision groups of Beatles fans doing their own roundtable speculation and discussions with this book being the motivation and jumping off point leading to spirited exchanges in the small groups.
The front cover of the book:
ORDER YOUR COPY NOW OF THE BEATLES WHAT IF?
Here is the site of the publisher and the link where the book can be ordered. This site is operated under the auspices of a kind and knowledgeable gentleman named Steven Wilson who recognizes the importance of nostalgia in all of our lives as is demonstrated at his website where you can order the book:
David Bedford, one of the “What If” book authors, proudly holding his new book at the site of the book’s premiere at the Fest for Beatles Fans in New Jersey. (March 2025)Thanks for the photos, Steven and David!!!
Authors Andrew Phillips and David Bedford sign my copy of the book at the Fest-Thanks Guys!!!
And here we go-the signatures of the 2 authors of the book:
The “What If” publisher, Steven Wilson, along with the Fest for Beatles founder, Mark Lapidos. Steven Wilson also published the limited edition book by Ruth and Angie McCartney entitled, “There are Faces I Remember.”
The final justification for me of the high merits of this book in addition to the track record of the former books written by the authors, is the foreword of the book is written by prominent Beatles book author, Bruce Spizer. You can not receive a better endorsement than that! The book received the world premiere at the Fest For Beatles Fans beginning on March 28, 2025 and ending on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency, Jersey City on the Hudson.
Ironically, George Harrison gave his own philosophical perspective to the “What If” issue in his posthumous LP/CD called Brainwashed in his song “Any Road,” where he says “If You Don’t Know Where You’re Going, Any Road will take you there.”
GET THE BEATLES WHAT IF HERE AT THE BEATLES BOOKSTORE
The Beatles What If? Limited Edition Hardback (UK EUROPE)
How different would the world have been without The Beatles?
This book explores the many times The Beatles story could have turned out so differently. What if it didn’t happen the way it did?
