The Beatles
The Beatles are the world's most successful and best-loved pop group.
Liverpool born and bred, the four band members - Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon - came to local attention through their regular gigs at The Cavern, where they were spotted by local businessman Brian Epstein. Epstein became their manager and the band signed a record deal with Parlophone Records.
The Beatles released numerous hit singles, which mark the band's journey from their r'n'b roots through to their later experimental work. Songs like "Love Me Do", "Eleanor Rigby", "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Let It Be" remain much-loved pop classics. To the distress of fans all over the world, the band split in 1970 and went their separate ways.
John, Paul, George and Ringo all went on to have successful solo careers. Paul is still releasing records today, as is Ringo. Two of the Beatles are sadly no longer with us: John Lennon died a tragic death in 1980 and George Harrison finally lost his brave fight against cancer in 2001.
The Beatles' legacy lives on in today's pop music, with many modern day artists citing albums like "Revolver" and "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as major influences on their own musical style.