The Beatles at the Studio: A Tribute to 'This Boy'
A very interesting question. 'This Boy' is one of my favorite Lennon songs. The Ed Sullivan tape on it is so fabulous that you can buy it on DVD because you have McCartney there looking like he knows that Lennon is going to knock this one out of the park. That iconic moment has an 11-year-old boy watching it on TV wishing he was John Lennon. This tape is a testament to what I consider to be the best of the Beatles—the early stuff, where those four fantastic musicians stood there and killed it with song after song of great, powerful, and innovative material. The early Beatles recordings are unmatched and continue to move me today. BTW, I recently caught a fantastic performance by the Beatles tribute band 1964 at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, and they really did 'This Boy' justice live.
Recording of 'This Boy'
'This Boy' was released as the B-side of 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' in November 1963 on the Parlophone label in the US. It was also included on the 'Meet the Beatles!' album in January 1964. The iconic Ed Sullivan Show performance of February 16, 1964, featuring 'This Boy,' came at a time when the Beatles were on the cusp of global stardom, an event that moved not only their fans but also the musicians themselves.
Structure and Inspiration
The song was written by John Lennon in the style of Motown's Smokey Robinson and structured in a 1950s doo-wop sequence in the key of D major. It features a three-part close harmony, a style that the Beatles excelled in. Lennon, Harrison, and McCartney contributed to the songwriting, with the middle 8 originally conceived as a guitar solo but altered during the recording process. Macca, as he is known, brought his guitar skills to the song, creating memorable riffs and solos. George Martin, their producer, ensured the song was polished and perfect, with his orchestra released 'This Boy' as an instrumental from the film 'A Hard Day’s Night' in August 1964. This instrumental version was first called "Ringo’s Theme" and later appeared on albums such as 'Off The Beatle Track' in 1965.
Impact and Legacy
Recent performances of 'This Boy' by tribute bands and live shows continue to highlight the enduring appeal of this song. The tribute band 1964 at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, provided an electrifying performance, capturing the essence of the Beatles in their prime. The song's legacy is not only in its original recording but also in its continued influence on music.
Further Reading
If you are interested in learning more about 'This Boy' by The Beatles, be sure to check out the extensive information available on Wikipedia. This article provides a deeper dive into the song's recording, its influence, and its place in music history.