16 October 1963: Beatles' Records

     On 16 October 1963, The Beatles were photographed by Leslie Bryce for The Beatles Book Monthly fan magazine in Flat L, 57 Green Street in London. This shared living arrangement was temporary and soon after John moved out to live with his wife and child (Flat 3, 13 Emperor's Gate, Kensington) and Paul moved out to live with the Asher family (57 Wimple Street). 16 October was a busy day for The Beatles with their fourth and final recording for the BBC's Easy Beat radio program taking place from 4:00-10:00pm at the Playhouse Theatre. In the evening, John and Paul convened in the music room at 57 Wimple Street and wrote 'I Want To Hold Your Hand'. But first, they were captured by Bryce relaxing in their flat and that means...more records!

    Some of the records we can see in these photos are ones we have already seen in previous posts. First, resting behind John on their stereo Pye Black Box radiogram is one of the records George had only just brought back from America two weeks before: The Fabulous Miracles released on 28 February 1963 on Tamla. This album contains the song 'You've Really Got A Hold On Me', which The Beatles had recorded as 'You Really Got A Hold On Me' in July for their yet-to-be-released sophomore album With The Beatles.

 

    Ringo held another four records in his photos. The most prominent one is Little Stevie Wonder's The 12 Year Old Genius released on Tamla Records in May 1963. This album was recorded live at the Regal Theatre in Chicago in 1962. On 22 February 1964, Cynthia Lennon returned from America with another copy of this album. It seems The Beatles were already digging it four months earlier and the Lennons wanted a copy of their own.

    Behind that is the 1963 album Not Me by The Orlons released on Cameo Records.

    Another album that George brought back from America is seen in front of Ringo. This answers the question of which album by The Shirelles George bought: Foolish Little Girl released on Sceptre Records this same year.

    Beneath The Shirelles' record is another in the 'Recorded Live' series Tamla/Motown released with their artists this year. This album was On Stage by The Marvelettes, recorded live at the Apollo Theater, New York in 1962.

    Finally, resting atop The Shirelles' album is a 45 single without a sleeve. Although I cannot make out the title of the single, I can see that it was released on Top Rank International based on the distinctive red and white label. Here is a Top Rank 45 label for demonstration purposes only (disregard the title and artist - although coincidentally this one was published by Ardmore & Beechwood Ltd who also published 'Love Me Do', 'PS I Love You' and were largely responsible for The Beatles getting signed to Parlophone):