Who's behind the notes? Discover The Beatles: Complete Biography and Band Member Profiles
"The Beatles - Money (That's What I Want)" is a cover of a song originally written by Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford, and first recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959. The Beatles included their version of the song on their second UK album, "With The Beatles," released in 1963. Here are some interesting facts about The Beatles and their rendition of "Money (That's What I Want)":
Early Career Covers: In their early years, The Beatles often included covers of popular songs in their live performances and on their albums. "Money" was one such cover that showcased their love for American R&B and rock 'n' roll.
Recording Date: The Beatles recorded their version of "Money (That's What I Want)" on July 18, 1963, at Abbey Road Studios in London. The recording was completed in just seven takes, reflecting the band's efficiency in the studio.
Vocal Performance: John Lennon took the lead vocals on the track, giving the song a raw and energetic feel. Lennon's passionate delivery added a distinctive touch to their rendition.
Chart Success: Although "Money" was not released as a single in the UK, it gained popularity due to the album's success. In the United States, however, it was released as a single, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Motown Connection: The original version by Barrett Strong was released on Motown's Tamla label, making The Beatles' cover a nod to the Motown sound. Motown Records would later become famous for artists like The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5.
Influence on Future Covers: The Beatles' rendition of "Money" influenced many other artists to cover the song. One notable example is the version by The Rolling Stones, who also recorded a cover of "Money" in 1964.
Live Performances: The Beatles performed "Money (That's What I Want)" regularly during their early live shows, adding a dynamic and crowd-pleasing element to their performances.
Impact on The Beatles' Sound: The band's exploration of diverse musical styles, including R&B and rock 'n' roll, during their early years contributed to the development of their unique sound. This eclecticism laid the foundation for their later experimentation with different genres.
"Money (That's What I Want)" is a notable example of The Beatles' ability to infuse their own style into cover songs and contribute to the popularization of R&B and rock 'n' roll in the 1960s.