The White Album was a tense time for the Beatles for a number of reasons, and Chris Thomas needs more credit. Ringo quit during the sessions feeling his drumming was not being appreciated by the band, and it is understandable how he may have felt that way when another member of the band would often try his own drum overdubs to achieve his ideal of perfection. George Martin wanted the album to be a single disk featuring only the best selection of tracks.
However, with four strong people with tremendous egos, that selection of tracks is not as easy as it may sound. George Martin got so distressed that he took an unexpected holiday from The Beatles sessions. Engineer Geoff Emerick also got upset during the recordings and decided to take leave of the Beatles sessions. Chris Thomas was given the green light by George Martin to handle things while Martin went on “holiday.” Not sure if the word holiday was a euphemism for darker circumstances?
Chris Thomas –The claims by several sources including Wikipedia
Chris Thomas produced (without credit) “Birthday” and “Happiness Is a Warm Gun”. He also played keyboards on four songs from The White Album: harpsichord on “Piggies”, mellotron on “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill”, piano on “Long, Long, Long” and electric piano on “Savoy Truffle”
Thomas was not credited as producer or co-producer on The Beatles, known as the White Album, although his name appears as co-producer on some of the original session sheets. Egos are fragile when it has to do with Beatles recordings and personally, I feel that Chris Thomas should have been given proper credit and accreditation for the Beatles tracks he produced.
My cover of the White Album which was signed by part-time White Album producer and keyboard player on four of the tracks, Chris Thomas!
The White Album signed by Chris Thomas
The signature in my collection of the White Album cover designer, Richard Hamilton. Thanks to Philippe Colinge for acquiring this signed White album LP for me! You can see how the minimalist approach to the cover design may have caused a bit of tension as that was the preferred hallmark of the new person in the Beatles’ entourage, Yoko Ono. The use of pure white became a theme used by J and Y even in their choice of room color as is witnessed by Tittenhurst Park, their home in Ascot.
Other possible sources of tension within the band were Yoko seemed to be encouraging John to becoming more active in the songwriting realm since she met John. John’s songwriting output began to increase, and he became more demanding of space on the album which might have been perceived negatively by his former songwriting partner who had taken command of the Beatles since the death of Brian Espetin in 1967. The White Album sessions were essentially the individual Beatles using the other band members as session players. They were clearly drifting apart all wanting to be the masters of their own destinies!
Other Beatles-related production work by Chris Thomas:
The producer of Badfinger’s 1973 album Ass was Chris Thomas, with the band members themselves also credited as co‑producers on most tracks!
It’s All Too Much is the unique memoir by music industry veteran David Stark, who grew up in north London during the 1960s as a dedicated Beatles fan and was lucky enough to meet his musical heroes on various memorable occasions. From gate-crashing the Yellow Submarine film premiere in 1968 (aged just fifteen) and ending up sitting directly behind the group, to meeting all of them individually in some extraordinary circumstances, David has some highly entertaining stories about his many Beatles…
No, the word show has not been misspelled in the title. It was the commonly accepted way that impresario Ed Sullivan seemed to pronounce the word “show” over the years on his American TV program!
I have often wondered what individuals outside of the United States think about the fascination Americans, who are first-generation Beatles fans, hold for that Sunday evening of February 9, 1964, when the Beatles made their US television performing debut on an American variety show called the Ed Sullivan show. Today’s TV viewers would probably not be able to adequately explain or define what a variety show even is. That is due to the fragmentation of audiences across the world who have more specialized interests than the audiences of yesterday.
The days of the huge mass audiences for programs have been significantly reduced due to the multiplicity of choices being offered to consumers in present day society. Smart TVs can offer the TV consumer literally hundreds of choices of TV content. It is ironic that the medium that helped bring the country together in a sense of community following the tragedy & assassination of its President (Kennedy), now is fragmented and more isolated. I can remember a time when you would know who most of your next-door neighbors were and people would also keep their doors unlocked and would feel safe. You may call those notions a false or simply an ideal sense of nostalgia but regardless of whether those feelings are based in fiction or reality, those days in a practical sense are GONE!
“A variety show is a type of entertainment that combines multiple forms of performance into a single program. It typically includes musical performances, sketch comedy, magic, acrobatics, juggling, ventriloquism, and sometimes animal or circus acts, all presented in separate segments or acts, often introduced by a host or compère. The goal is to provide a broad range of entertainment to appeal to diverse audience tastes.”
This specialization and fragmentation of musical tastes may help to explain why mass appeal musical acts seem to be on the decline and why we may never again see the mass appeal superstars like the Beatles, Michael Jackson or even dare I say it, Taylor Swift in the future. Even the distribution of music is eliminating the desire and need for physical media as everything is going in the streaming direction
Yes, Ed Sullivan was indeed a variety show. The United States has just lost its President in Texas, and the national mood was very low. I remember in my third-grade classroom prior to the show several of the girls discussing the Sunday in February event coming soon. “Don’t forget to watch the Ed Sullivan show on Sunday night” was echoed by several voices in the classroom and ultimately, I was very happy that I did. My world and my life would never be the same again as well as millions of others
Many other countries had variety shows, and the Beatles were big in the UK and Germany before they were big in the US but the unusual set of circumstances that heralded the US debut of the band were unprecedented in their timing and historical context which made them unique to the rest of the world!
Many claims have been made over the years as to the number of people that viewed the Beatles first performance on American TV. Some say it was in excess of 73 million people (though that figure is also in dispute). Supposedly the crime rate in New Yor City was drastically reduced that night. Whether that observation was fact or fiction can probably be disputed but. what cannot be disputed was that the appearance was indeed a momentous television event that is still discussed to this very day. What was not known on that day was the lasting power that band from Liverpool would have on not only the progression of popular music but on the culture of the world.
TV networks dispute the debut of the Beatles on US TV
Though they did not appear live many believe the first appearance was on the Jack Paar show a month before the Sullivan show but that was not a live performance and though it was before the Sullivan show it was not the first!
Walter Cronkite can lay claim to the claim to the first appearance (not live) and look at the date and what was to happen the very next day in Dallas, Texas!
Though the date of the first appearance may be disputed what cannot be disputed is the Sullivan show had the greatest impact!
A few years ago, I was able to acquire Ed Sullivan’s signature in an old book about his Sunday variety show:
Ed Sullivan Book
Ed Sullivan’s signature:
Ed Sullivan’s Autograph
In a 1965 issue of Esquire magazine, Ed Sullivan made the cover in a Beatles wig, no less!
Years later the Sullivan estate licensed a DVD set to be released highlighting the complete shows featuring the Beatles, a truly fascinating time capsule!
Neil Aspinall also stood in for rehearsals of the Sullivan show as George Harrison was sick
The Ed Sullivan show was also known for the famous Italian mouse, named Topo Gigio, who also served a comedy function for the show. Later there were some overlaps between interest in the Beatles and the comic relief of the mouse…
Years later near the Ed of the Sullivan variety show, Sullivan had a special Beatles tribute show put together to highlight their fabulous career. Safe to say, many Beatles fans were not too impressed with the results:
On the US hit TV series, Petticoat Junction, a female musical group was designed to milk the popularity of the Beatles. They were called The Ladybugs! They made an appearance on the Sullivan show!
The description of the Ladybug band obtained in a Copilot search:
“The Ladybugs are a fictional band. They were created for Season 1, Episode 27, of the TV series Petticoat Junction. The episode is titled “The Ladybugs.” The episode originally aired on Tuesday, March 24, 1964, two days after this live performance.
Synopsis “Beatlemania comes to Hooterville.” The Ladybugs are:
Jeannine Riley (Billy Jo Bradley, bass guitar, but she is playing it like a rhythm)
Pat Woodell (Bobbie Jo Bradley, vocals)
Linda Kaye Henning (Betty Jo Bradley, Drums)
Sheila James Kuehl (Sally Ragsdale, Lead Guitar, Zelda on the Many Loves of Doby Gillis)“
A Fan’s Recollection of being in the audience for the first Ed Sullivan appearance:
Debbie Gendler produced an excellent book of her memories of attending the first Ed Sullivan performance and of her many additional Beatles memories:
I Saw Them Standing There: Adventures of an Original Fan during Beatlemania and Beyond by Debbie Gendler (Author), Robb Weller (Foreword) Format: Paperback
AMAZON DESCRIPTION: “After February 9, 1964, everyone wanted to be Debbie Gendler. On that date, she was just one of a relative handful of lucky fans who were in the live audience for The Beatles’ historic performance on The Ed Sullivan Show―an iconic television event viewed in the living rooms of 73 million Americans. Everyone has a story to share about where they were when they watched the appearance, but very few were there in person―and even fewer would actually go on not just to meet the Beatles, but end up building an entire career around the band. But Debbie did.
This is the story of a New Jersey teenager who managed to accomplish what millions only dreamed about. Prior to the Beatles arrival in America, Gendler met with the group’s manager Brian Epstein regarding the establishment of a U.S. Fan Club. At the start of the Beatles’ historic 1965 summer tour, she was the only teen to welcome them to America, and after their press conference at The Warwick Hotel she finally meets them in person.
Continuing her journey, Debbie recounts her unique and sometimes wacky experiences having witnessed first-hand some of the most historic events in pop culture. She shares concert antics from Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, Shea Stadium and Suffolk Downs and describes the mayhem outside the Plaza Hotel and later that year at the Delmonico Hotel chanting for the Beatles. Organizing fans to sleep on Broadway to purchase tickets for A Hard Day’s Night, representing the Official Beatles Fan Club on television, and promoting the Ringo for President novelty record are just some of the requests she fulfilled as one of the band’s leading ambassadors in the US. This coming-of-age tale details the adolescent journey of a devoted Beatles fan in all her youthful innocence against the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s, and a shifting cultural landscape.”
Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis produced this film about a group of fans trying to hoodwink their arrival to view live of the first Sullivan appearance of the Beatles:
Wish I could adequately convey the MAGIC of that evening to the younger generations. To quote John Lennon in 1975 when he released his Rock ‘n’ Roll album of oldies, “You Should’a Been There.”
“His first two books were given five-star reviews by Record Collector magazine and were rated “essential.” The books referenced in that quote are shown at the bottom of this post!
These two new books are published independently and the number of copies that will be in circulation or available will be determined by the demand that they generate among collectors and the public-at-large. I have Richard Noller’s two Apcor published books in my collection, and they were both very well-researched titles filled with detail not only for collectors but for the casual fan as well. The fact that Apcor published them was the pure testimony to their quality and merit!
The author wishes me to stress that he recommends that you contact him directly if you are interested in either of the 2 new Beatles books!You can reach him at richardnoller@btinternet.com for further details!
ANDNOW, THERE ARE TWO MORE
THE FIRST BOOK:
Author, Richard Noller has independently published two new books following the publication of excellent Apcor published titles. The red covered book basically deals with how the press treated and covered the band in those crucial early years of 1962-1966 which produced much of the music that appeared in the red album The Beatles 62-66!
A more detailed description appears on the back cover of the book provided below!
Richard’s signature:
For UK residents this link will work and possibly other European countries but you will need to make personal inquiries if you are a potential US purchaser looking for the book!The authors email address appears near the bottom of this blog post!
Back cover of the book:
A sample page from the red covered book: (despite the blue background color)
THE SECOND BOOK:
The Beatles’ records manufactured in the U.K. for export are explored in detail in the blue-covered book. All label variants are shown on all available formats. The entire DP series of singles exports is explored, so too are the CPCS series of LPs. Whilst values fluctuate, some guidance is given on the rarity of the discs shown. In addition, as some copies were exported, the Let It Be box set and Get Back book are fully explored, throwing up some surprising rarities!
The first print run of the blue book is only 25 signed copies. Collector and public interest in the book will determine the ultimate number of books that will be published!Independently produced books are expensive to produce requiring a pre-order to print-on-demand as the most suitable and economic way to go in that circumstance.
In this volume covering 220 (A4) pages, presented in hardback on 130gsm sewn spine pages, The Beatles’ records manufactured in the U.K. for export are explored in detail. All label variants are shown on all available formats. The entire DP series of singles exports is explored, so too are the CPCS series of LPs. Whilst values fluctuate, some guidance is given on the rarity of the discs shown.
In addition, as some copies were exported, the Let It Be box set and Get Back book are fully explored, throwing up some surprising rarities!
Buyers of this book will be armed with the knowledge to out fox dealers! They will try to convince you that they have a Decca export LP. All these exports and contract pressings are explored, and myths debunked! If you are a dealer, this volume will give an idea if the record you wish to sell is common or hens teeth variety.
Back cover of the book:
A sample page from the book:
Richard Noller’s sold out volume about UK EPs published by Apcor: EXTENDED PLAY IN THE U.K.
Richard Noller has informed me that only 90 copies remain of another of his excellent books published by Apcor Publishers entitled : MADE IN THE UK about UK singles! If you are interested in purchasing one of the remaining copies or for further information, please contact richardnoller@btinternet.com for the details!If you are interested in the first two books on this post and you live in the US, you can also use the above email to direct any inquiries directly to Richard Noller!
Special thanks are extended to both Seamus Hayes and Peter Sims for their assistance in bringing the two new Richard Noller Beatles books above to my attention
I had heard rumors that Terry Crain was working on a book about Beatles Novelty Songs this and I am so happy and excited to learn that it is being planned for an early August 2026 release. It will be a mammoth-sized book because of the exhaustive research skills of Terry. He is planning both a hardcover edition and a softcover edition of the book. More information will be forthcoming as the official release date of the book nears. This will be another great book title for Terry Crain as he explores the 500 Beatles novelty records that were issued between 1964 and 1966!
Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful book!
Beatles Novelty Songs
In the near future there will be another post about this wonderful book. Terry always has two very important terms associated with all of his work & books – EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY!
My sincere wish after the release of this title is to also eventually read a sequel covering Beatles novelty records from 1966 to the present. Once we have that book from Terry, he will certainly be regarded as the world’s foremost authority on Beatles novelty records! The laurel wreath will belong exclusively to him!
The book covers the approximately 150 licensed items that dotted store shelves and helped fuel the band-crazed fan during the time right after the band landed in America and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. Toys, games, dolls, jewelry, clothing, wigs, and more!
Alongside John Lennon conspiracy theories, in the United States in recent times, conspiracy theories have recently become more widely accepted by larger segments of the population. As to the reasons why, we can only guess. Some conspiracy theories like the theory behind the John F. Kennedy assassination and the belief that there was more than one shooter at Dealey Plaza back in 1963 have held their fascination with the American public as literally thousands of books have advocated the viewpoint that the President was the victim of an organized plot. In fact, even in research surveys, that viewpoint is evidently still held by a majority of Americans.
When John Lennon was shot in 1980 as he was beginning his return to actively recording again, it has been speculated that because of his political activities in the late ’60s and the early ’70s that he might once again be perceived as a threat by some of the politicians that held power and would be fearful of a man that was popular and might speak out against them. Nixon and his administration had feared John Lennon and his ability to express often socially radical viewpoints to the mainstream audience. The Nixon administration had the FBI follow him and kept an intensive file about John and his activities.
When John was shot in 1980 a number of books that speculate about a so-called conspiracy involving John’s assassination sprang up. The purpose of this post is not to endorse those viewpoints or even to lend credibility to them.
I am a skeptic about all of this, but I am also a bit fearful if any of this has a ring of truth. For example, what would it mean to eventually find out that indeed there was a 2nd shooter at the Grassy Knoll in 1963. Finding out that it was the truth would be much more frightening than the history book explanation of the event for so many reasons!
Regardless about your own beliefs about any so-called conspiracy theory, one thing I hope we could all agree on. Conclusions about the validity of these theories should be based on reliable evidence that disputes or may verify the theory.
Too many times, conspiracy theorists accept only the information that supports or backs up the theory, and they ignore information that may dispute it! That concept is called selective perception!
The purpose of this blog post is to show you some of the book titles that have explored the conspiracy theories surrounding John Lennon!
Most people do not enjoy investigating this subject matter in books because it is too painful for them to deal with.
A FEW JOHN LENNON CONSPIRACY BOOKS
A mammoth 544-page book exploring the Lennon assassination and the FBI’s war on or distaste for rock stars by Salvador Astucia. Published in April 2004 Published by Ravening Wolf Publishing Company
Updated from the 72-page book published in 2003, this is the only complete guide to collecting Beatles and related sheet music and song books from around the world, now expanded to over 500 pages across three books.
Includes over 3,000 illustrations of all known Beatles, Lennon-McCartney and Harrison By Other Artists, Solo Beatles, Apple Records Artists, Apple Publishing and Beatles Novelty Record sheet music and song books from the U.K., the U.S. and over a dozen other countries around the world.
Starting with the history of publishing Beatles music in the U.K. and the history of Charles Hansen Publishing in the U.S. followed by a chronological format of all known individual song sheets, arrangement sheet music, reissues and song books, each guide includes a detailed look at how the sheets were published. Details include the background on the various publishing companies, as well as those who covered The Beatles’ and solo Beatles catalogue of music.
The U.K. and U.S. editions delve into the myriad of reissues throughout the Seventies and Eighties to reveal what was published, by whom and when. A number of different series of sheets have been assembled all together in these guides for the very first time. The U.K. guide also includes a section on George Martin sheet music which includes a number of titles unknown to collectors until now.
The International guide is vastly expanded from the original book published in 2003 – increasing from just 12 pages to over 120! This book has hundreds of illustrations of sheets and song books from countries around the world including: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Scandinavia, Spain and Turkey. including some of the rarest titles ever assembled in one compilation until now.
LIMITED EDITION 3-BOOK SETS
Books are available for purchase as a 3-volume set numbered to 100 – and signed by the author.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Orders ship within 2 weeks. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Payments by PayPal will be dispatched by tracked package mail.
Canadian Orders –includes HST and shipping by Canada Post.
U.S. Orders – includes shipping shipped via USPS direct. No duties apply.
Europe & Asia – shipped by ChitChats International Tracked Package Service. No duties apply.
