A Bit Of The Beatles
It has been mentioned in the Beatles Bible and other sources that in 1964 Bob Dylan and the Beatles first met each other, in a New York City hotel room, and that Dylan pulled out a joint.
The Beatles supposedly confessed to never having gotten high before, and Dylan convinced them to try it. They allegedly ended up sharing several joints!
Fast forward to 1965, when the Beatles came out with their "Norwegian Wood" album. At about the same time, Dylan came out with a song called "4th Time Around," the melody of which is incredibly similar to the Beatles song "Norwegian Wood."
A coincidence?
Not likely. The melody of the two songs is very much alike. But, who was stolen from and who was the thief?
Fact is, much music is derived from other music, and Dylan and the Beatles influenced each other...The Beatles' music definitely evolved after meeting Dylan, and Dylan branched out from acoustic music to the electric guitar after meeting the Beatles.
Who stole what is probably not only a mystery, but is also a moot point.
A 75-year-old Paul McCartney recently played the Amalie Arena in Tampa, to a sold out crowd.
By the time I heard about the show, all the tickets were gone, reportedly in less than 2 hours! I would have loved to be a part of that historical event!
I was happy to hear that one of the special needs kids at my camp was able to get tickets, and attended the concert Monday evening.
There's a story about a Tampa man named Josh Walther, who plays with a band called Phase5.
His band was playing a college graduation party at a country club near Orlando, Florida in 2015.
The graduate was Arlen Blakeman, son of Nancy Shevell, and stepson of Paul McCartney.
When Phase5 began their gig, they were surprised to see McCartney come in. In fact, he was one of the first ones on the dance floor!
On the band's break, McCartney came up and introduced himself. He asked if they knew any Beatles songs. When the break was over, McCartney grabbed a mike, and sang with the band! (Oh, my God, can you just imagine?!)
Afterwards, he graciously complimented all the members of the band. It was an experience none of them will ever forget, and Walther says Sir Paul seemed more comfortable up on stage with the band than anywhere else at the graduation party.
I would have played him a few of my original songs! I'd love to hear him sing some of them.
Opportunity and inspiration are everywhere.
Open your mind and your heart.
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In 3 short years by the time the Magical Mystery Tour and Sgt Pepper came out. the mainstream songs picked up a lot of the drug culture Rick. It had migrated from a joint to an acid hit. The last one in Sgt Pepper mimicked a 5 minute high!
Oh, what a great event that would have been to attend.
Thank you for sharing that story!
Susan
Wow, what an amazing honor for Arlen! What musician wouldn't give their left arm to play with Sir Paul?
Most music is derivative anyway, so there is not much sense thinking about the Dylan / Beatles meeting.. They were both better for meeting one another.
A great, unexpected surprise, Kaju! They did both benefit from knowing each other. Hope you are doing well, my friend! :)
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Love the Beatles...read that Sir Paul and Ringo are going to be recording together. I'll download that tune! Debbie
That's cool news, Debbie. Thanks for letting me know! :)