ON THIS DAY IN 1962, THE BEATLES ISSUED THEIR DEBUT SINGLE, “LOVE ME DO”

Written by McCartney several years earlier, before the formation of the band, and later reworked with the help of John Lennon, “Love Me Do” became one of the most recognisable songs in the groups repertoire, going on to be included in their debut album. The song quickly hit #7 in the UK charts, and #1 in the US in 1964, during the ‘British Invasion’.

“Love Me Do” took three recording sessions to get right as the band and producer George Martin were unsatisfied with the initial song. Each session featured a different drummer, and interestingly, the selected take features session drummer Andy White instead of Ringo Starr, although Ringo’s version can be found on a number of Beatles collection albums. The song also marked the first time the group worked with producer George Martin, who was full of praise, stating that their personalities greatly impressed him, as did their musical talent.

The song itself is also part of the Beatles monumentally successful year in 1964, becoming the fourth single of seven to reach #1 in the US n the same calendar year, a new record for the Billboard charts. This record, for most #1 songs written in one year has yet to be surpassed.