"So much has been said and written about the Beatles -- and their story is so mythic in its sweep -- that it's difficult to summarize their career without restating clichés that have already been digested by tens of millions of rock fans."
And he's right. They were the most influential band of any we've seen so far, and their influences are far and wide reaching, not only in the rock arena but in almost all genres of music. The Band itself, comprised of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr (Born Richard Starkey). Other members at different periods included drummer Pete Best and bassist Stuart Sutcliffe. Sutcliffe left in pursuit of an art career and Best was fired by The Beatles' manager, George Martin, to be replaced by Starr. The band originally went by the name "The Quarrymen" and then "The Silver Beatles", dropping the 'Silver' to become "The Beatles." Their first break was a period of several months in Hamburg playing at the Top Ten Club. This was before Ringo had joined the band, and Best and Sutcliffe were still active members.

"Hamburg was the Beatles' baptism by fire. Playing grueling sessions for hours on end in one of the most notorious red-light districts in the world, the group was forced to expand its repertoire, tighten up its chops, and invest its show with enough manic energy to keep the rowdy crowds satisfied."
Soon after they returned home, minus Sutcliffe, who had decided to stay in Hamburg, and quickly became the most popular band on the Liverpool circuit. They returned back to Hamburg soon after to make a recording with Tony Sheridan uner the name "The Beat Brothers." While back at home on the Liverpool circuit they caught the eye of store owner Brian Epstein, who would become their manager and secure them a label on Parlophone. It was at Parlophone records however, that they met George Martin. The most notable change, however, during this period, was the drop of Pete Best in favor of Ringo Starr. At this time, the three other Beatles (Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison) wore their hair in their famous mop-top style to further their image. Best refused to conform, and Martin dropped him. The band could not play without a drummer, so they added Ringo Starr as the fourth and final Beatle. (Ringo had played at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg in the band "Richard Starkey and The Hurricanes.")

From this point on, The Beatles would continue on to conquer Britain, and spearhead the British Invasion of the American rock scene. They would produce 13 albums and numerous LP's during their 6 year status as rock stars. Their music would evolve immensely through mind-expanding drugs, and their many experiences as a band, among other things.

Quotes taken from Beatles Biography by Richie Unterberger

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