John Lennon's Musical Influences: From Bing Crosby to Roy Orbison and the Creation of 'Please Please Me
John Lennon, before his Beatles fame, drew inspiration from music legends like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. He incorporated their lyrical and compositional skills into his own music. The Beatles' second single, Please Please Me, released in 1963, was influenced by major artists. Their manager, Brian Epstein, played a crucial role in shaping the band's early career, leading to their global success.
In 1962, The Beatles released their debut single, "Love Me Do," which reached number four on the UK Singles Charts. The band aimed to surpass this success with Please Please Me, which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped the NME chart. Lennon credited Roy Orbison and Bing Crosby for inspiring the song's creation, combining elements from their music into a unique track.
Lennon's fascination with Bing Crosby's song Please from 1933 influenced the title and theme of Please Please Me. While the song was attributed to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, Lennon later claimed it as his own creation. He wrote the song in his auntie's house on Menlove Avenue, drawing inspiration from Orbison and Crosby's music.
In his later years, Lennon's admiration for Bing Crosby grew, evident in his collection of Bing's records on an old-fashioned jukebox gifted by Yoko Ono. He frequently played Crosby's songs like Whispering, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, and Dream a Little Dream of Me. George Harrison also expressed his appreciation for Bing Crosby's music during a radio show in the 1980s, highlighting Crosby's enduring popularity and unique vocal presence.
In conclusion, John Lennon's early influences from music legends like Roy Orbison and Bing Crosby shaped his songwriting and musical style. Please Please Me, a pivotal track in The Beatles' career, showcased Lennon's ability to blend different musical elements into a memorable song. The enduring legacy of Bing Crosby's music continued to inspire Lennon and other members of The Beatles, highlighting the timeless appeal of Crosby's songs.