Inducted:
1988
Category:
Performer
Inducted By:
Mick Jagger
The Fab Four changed the world forever. John, Paul, George, & Ringo – no last names needed – kickstarted the seismic British Invasion that swept the U.S. in the ‘60s. Like Elvis Presley before them, the Beatles rewrote the rules of what performers could be and do, forever altering the pop and cultural landscape. Constantly evolving musically, the Beatles ushered in a modern era of rock, a time of experimentation, transformation and broken taboos, all set to irresistible tunes.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
The Beatles had it all: stellar musicianship, magnetic personalities, and classic, timeless songs. Writing their own material, the Fab Four were a self-sufficient creative force unlike any other. Presenting irresistible tunes via a revolutionary synthesis of ‘50s rock & roll, tight pop harmonies, a Motown-inspired groove, and a taste for risk, the four lads from Liverpool changed everything.
The Beatles’ first U.S. No. 1 is a Lennon-McCartney dual lead vocal, and remains the band’s best-selling single, at 12 million copies worldwide.
From the Museum
Ringo Suits Up
The Beatles’ distinctive look revolutionized rock & roll style. Their matching collarless suits became a sensation, as did their “mop top” hairstyles.
Inspired by a suit design by Pierre Cardin, this 1963 suit worn by Ringo Starr was probably made by the U.K. tailor Dougie Milling, who also designed garb for Buddy Holly and Cliff Richard. Ringo wore this on the U.S. cover of the "I Want to Hold Your Hand" 45.
From the Museum
Ringo Suits Up
The Beatles’ distinctive look revolutionized rock & roll style. Their matching collarless suits became a sensation, as did their “mop top” hairstyles.
Inspired by a suit design by Pierre Cardin, this 1963 suit worn by Ringo Starr was probably made by the U.K. tailor Dougie Milling, who also designed garb for Buddy Holly and Cliff Richard. Ringo wore this on the U.S. cover of the "I Want to Hold Your Hand" 45.
From one generation to the next, the Beatles will remain the most important rock band of all time.
Dave Grohl
Nirvana, Foo Fighters
1988 Hall of Fame Essay
"They were doing things nobody was doing. Their chords were outrageous, just outrageous, and their harmonies made it all valid."
– Bob Dylan (quoted by Michael Hill)
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Paper Artifacts
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Influence
Influences
Arthur Alexander
Lonnie Donegan
The Beatles
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
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