The indelible impact of The Beatles’ music on subsequent generations of rock artists is immeasurable. Despite John Lennon and Paul McCartney lacking extensive knowledge of musical theory, their collaborative genius produced sonic works of art across each of their albums. Their incorporation of diverse studio techniques became iconic, solidifying their place in music history. However, amidst their fearless experimentation, there was one song the band found too embarrassing to record during their early days.
In the early days of playing gigs in Hamburg, The Beatles embraced a fearless approach to their performances, willing to explore various B-sides and elongate songs during their eight-hour sets. While influences like Chuck Berry and Little Richard shaped the band’s sound, McCartney introduced show tunes from the great American songbook into their repertoire. Tracks from Broadway productions, such as ‘A Taste of Honey’ and McCartney’s rendition of ‘Til There Was You,’ seamlessly found a place in their routine.
As the band shopped their demos to different record labels, producer George Martin expressed interest in their potential. Despite Lennon and McCartney already crafting their initial classics, Martin remained unconvinced of their songwriting capabilities. During the early sessions, Martin opted to record the Mitch Murray track ‘How Do You Do It,’ believing it possessed the essential qualities for a hit. McCartney recalled the band’s reluctance, with George stating, “It’s a number-one song. You want a number-one?” The band, hesitant to associate with the song, eventually agreed due to its potential as a hit.
While ‘How Do You Do It’ was recorded for the Anthology project, the band persuaded Martin to revisit ‘Please Please Me.’ They increased the tempo, infusing it with the unique magic that only The Beatles could deliver. Upon completion, Martin declared to the group that they had crafted their first number-one record.
Although ‘How Do You Do It’ remained shelved for years, Martin’s attempt at a single found its way to fellow Liverpool act Gerry and the Pacemakers, becoming one of their first hits. In the evolving landscape of the studio, Martin played a pivotal role in transitioning from the Tin Pan Alley tradition, with The Beatles emerging as the driving force shaping the future of pop music.