Library Hosts Virtual Program on The Beatles: A Celebration in Three Parts

Join the Ocean City Free Public Library to celebrate the contribution of the Beatles to popular music. This virtual series will be held Wednesdays on Jan. 13, 20 and 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvdO6vqTIuH9UAy6hV-lBSaPBGsOvgRZwx%C2%A0 The program is being presented by Liverpool native, Paul Groom, who accompanied the rise, success and separation of the Beatles. The Beatles story is one that becomes more stunning with the passage of time. How did four working-class boys from an unfashionable and remote part of the United Kingdom, with limited musical background, no contacts in the music world, and no financial resources come to dominate the international popular music industry? The programs are as follows: Jan. 13  The Beatles: The Beginnings This presentation will deal with Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr’s early lives tracking their early family lives, challenges and talents, and how, with ambition, persistence and luck they were able to start a “skiffle” group, become enchanted with American Rock N’ Roll, and pursue opportunities both in the UK and Germany. This part of the story will end with the Beatles releasing their first No. 1 hit in the UK. Jan. 20  The Beatles: Success, Superstardom and Separation The story will continue with the years of touring and unrivalled successes with singles and LPs, film making, writing (John Lennon), Beatlemania, conquering the USA (and other international markets) and writing songs for other artists. After their decision not to tour further, their developing talent as recording artists will be discussed, furthering the boundaries of imagination and techniques. The search for spiritual understanding and the death of their manager had important effects. The Beatles attempt at managing their own affairs, and disagreements over new management. Notwithstanding these developments, their music went from strength to strength, disagreements, and finally, the end. Paul Groom is the featured speaker. Jan. 27   John Lennon: Life, Legend, & Legacy In 2020, John Lennon would have celebrated his 80th birthday. Sadly, it was also the 40th anniversary of his death.  This presentation highlights the role, ambition and focus of the Beatles’ initial visionary, and traces his contribution to the group as leader, songwriter, wit, lyricist, and his solo projects as author and actor. His involvement in the “counterculture” and LSD. His songwriting hit new levels of both fantasy and introspection. Lennon was also the first and most vocal to rail against the negative aspects of Beatledom. His later Beatle years including his involvement with avant-garde artist Yoko Ono, his launch of the Plastic Ono Band and his subsequent post-Beatles life and work will be reviewed including drug battles, deportation fights, radical politics involvement and separation from Yoko Ono.