It was 61 years ago today...

I was 12. A memory burned into my consciousness and subconscious.

Was already aware of the Beatles. So, this was anxiously anticipated.

Laying on my parents bed watching their TV. Enthralled by every moment.

This moment in time lay the course of a lifetime of being a die hard fan boy unlike any other Pop culture heroes. And another memorable moment was when the White Album came out three years later. If only I still had that first pressing!

I was 10 years old and if you weren't around, I can tell you the Beatles arrival changed the music universe profoundly and forever.  Their music clearly exceeded the sum of the parts and literally changed and grew with each succeeding album.  

I played guitar when I was young, and then a little piano, and find it hard to believe anyone who was of age at that time and who appreciates music, doesn't recognize the seismic shift they created.  I also enjoy dozens and dozens of other bands (as well as solo artists) that are too long to list here, but the Beatles started it all.  

And I believe the Lennon and McCartney songwriting team will someday be considered among the best in history.  

I think it was Charles Mingus who said the Beatles must have listened to everything.

@hertzhead -- just wanted to say, I caught your Jimi 3rd stone reference, excellent.

Your people I do not understand
So to you I shall put an end
And you'll
Never hear
Surf music again

Great read. Nice to hear peoples' experiences from the most prolific and culture impacting period of music certainly in my many years.