History of the Beatles: Yesterday’s greatest hits

Katherine Mon | Contributing Writer

Before One Direction, there were The Beatles. 

In the history of music, The Beatles take up a chapter marked by innovation, creativity and cultural revolution. 

During the 1960s, these four young lads from the streets of Liverpool proved that rock & roll could include an array of musical styles and harmonies.

Now, students can learn about the international sensations with The History of the Beatles course offered by Armando Tranquilino, adjunct lecturer, composer and conductor.

Tranquilino created and developed The History of the Beatles course and wrote The Beatles: A Magical History Tour, the required textbook for the class. He has also been featured in the Miami New Times and served as composer and musical director for FIU Theatre productions.

Tranquilino was not available for comment.

“The class was really cool, I definitely did not know half as much about the Beatles before I started it… The professor loves what he teaches,” said Amber Gomez, a senior studying communication arts. 

The material examines the influence of the Beatles on music in western culture, the musical evolution of the Beatles from their inception to their later solo careers and how their music was received by society at large.

Dr. Russ Spiegel, adjunct faculty, composer and musician, commented on the Beatles’ impact on popular music.

“The most obvious reason why they’re still relevant is that we still listen to their music,” said Spiegel. “A lot of people who were stars vanished, or disappeared from the public consciousness. They’ve written music that has gone into the canon of worldly, international music.”

As a bonus, students are also introduced to the fundamentals of music, songwriting and studio recording techniques.

Adjunct faculty and academic coordinator David Fernandez reflected on specific genres the band used and influenced. 

“They were the first boy band. They did everything in a six year span–bubblegum pop, prog rock, heavy metal–and they even included eastern Indian sounds like the sitar,” said Fernandez.

“My favorite Beatles songs would have to be ‘Blackbird’ [and ‘Twist and Shout’]. It takes from some jazz harmonies, and one of the chord progressions in Twist and Shout sounds like Guantanamera.”

Fernandez alluded to why The Beatles still attract listeners across cultures and ages to this day: the timelessness of their music and lyrics.

Besides Fernandez’ favorites, the band’s catalog includes songs like “Yesterday” and “Strawberry Fields Forever,” both of which describe feelings of nostalgia, loss and longing for easier times.

The Beatles also played with both radio-friendly and suggestive humor in songs like “Drive My Car” and “Norwegian Wood,” respectively.

“Their music is interesting and carries depth. It doesn’t follow well-worn paths,” Spiegel said. “Their lyrics are well-crafted, and the beauty of it is that they’re open to interpretation.”

However, Spiegel explained, all revolutionary musicians must begin somewhere. 

“The Beatles were also influenced by Motown and American vocal groups. Even then, they were ahead of their time, which is still our time, [the contemporary period, from the 1900s to present day],” Spiegel said.

By looking into the history of the band and how they achieved stardom, students can learn what makes music timeless.

Spiegel mentioned how new artists keep breaking ground as music evolves, inspired by musicians that came before them.

“It’s not that she owes anything to the Beatles, but Laufey is also forging her own path, blending jazz and other genres,” Spiegel said.

“She’s looking forwards and backwards at the same time, which provides depth.”

Mhyanif Lozada contributed to this report.