The Beatles Success Story in 1964

became a millionaire by year's end. The botched merchandising deal would have made each member even wealthier. And they got busy spending; there were fancy cars, suits, large estates, and new homes for the parents and relative/guardians.

John was still the only married Beatle at this time (wed to Cynthia Powell and a recent father-Julian Lennon was born in '63.) Technically, the other three were still bachelors, but they were tightly involved. Love was in the air.

And there was, of course, record-breaking chart action. The Beatles had at least 14 Top 40 hits, including 5 double-sided ones. In late Jan., ”I Want To Hold Your Hand” was released (a no. 1 smash for seven weeks!)  backed by ”I Saw Her Standing There” (no. 14) on Capitol. On Feb. 1st, "She Loves You” was released (also a no. 1 smash! This was on the Swan label.) ”Please Please Me”, out later that month, became a no. 3 smash, on the Vee-Jay label. Mar. 7th saw ”My Bonnie”, one of their early recordings, (with Tony Sheridan, lead singer)  was a no. 26 hit on the MGM label.

In late March came the release of Twist And Shout” (no. 2, on the Tollie label and ”Can't Buy Me Love”, a no. 1 smash for five weeks! on Capitol. (This was the first record ever to be no. 1 in England and America both, before it was even heard!)

By March 31st, The Beatles held the top five hits on the Billboard chart: No. 1-”Can't Buy Me Love” 2-”Twist And Shout” 3-”She Loves You” 4-”I Want To Hold Your Hand” 5-”Please Please Me” A musical first. By April 4th, the group held 14 spots on Billboard's Hot 100: besides the top five mentioned above, there was also: No. 31-”I Saw Her Standing There” 41-”From Me To You” 46-”Do You Want To Know A Secret” 58-”All My Loving” 65-”You Can't Do That” 68-”Roll Over Beethoven” 79-”Thank You Girl”

At the same time, the group also held the top two positions on the album charts, with Meet The Beatles and Introducing The Beatles. On April 11th, ”Do You Want To Know A Secret” was released to become a no. 2 smash/backed by ”Thank You Girl” (which peaked at no. 35) on Vee-Jay.

Early May saw the release of ”Love Me Do” (another no.

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