The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band from Liverpool whose members were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are the most commercially successful, and one of the most critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music. Their innovative music and cultural impact helped define the 1960s. Their music is considered one of the defining influences in all of popular culture, and they are widely acclaimed as not only the greatest musical act of the 20th century, but one of the greatest entertainment groups in all of history.

The Beatles are the best-selling musical act of all time in the United States and probably the greatest selling musical act of all time. In the United Kingdom, they released more than 40 different singles, albums, and EPs that reached number one. This commercial success was repeated in many other countries: their record company, EMI, estimated that by 1985 they had sold over one billion discs and tapes worldwide. The Recording Industry Association of America certified the Beatles as the highest selling band of all time based on American sales of singles and albums. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked the Beatles #1 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

The Beatles led the mid-1960s musical 'British Invasion' into the United States. Although their initial musical style was rooted in 1950s rock and roll and homegrown skiffle, the group explored genres ranging from Tin Pan Alley to psychedelic rock. Their clothes, styles, and statements made them trend-setters, while their growing social awareness saw their influence extend into the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s.

See also

• Catalog of rock bands