Author: Ken Womack

Ken Womack is an internationally renowned Beatles authority regarding the band’s enduring artistic influence. He is the author of Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin (The Early Years: 1926-1966). The second volume in the series, entitled Sound Pictures: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin (The Later Years, 1966-2016), is forthcoming in 2018. His previous Beatles-related books include Long and Winding Roads: The Evolving Artistry of the Beatles and The Beatles Encyclopedia: Everything Fab Four. You can learn more about Ken’s work at kennethwomack.com.

Beatles Beach Boys

Read

Everything Fab Four: “Good Vibrations” and the Beatles

“Pet Sounds” by the Beach Boys rocked the Beatles’ world, especially Paul McCartney. And inspired John Lennon to compose “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

Teaching beatles

Read

Everything Fab Four: Teaching the Beatles

Besides musical composition, The Beatles provide an opportunity to explore everything from politics to poetry. A growing number of academics are using the Fab Four to stimulate critical thinking on a whole ‘nother level.

Beatles Hey Jude

Hear

Everything Fab Four: Taking a Sad Song and Making It Better

At over seven minutes, “Hey Jude” was not the typical pop song. But it made history in more ways than one. And Ringo’s post-bathroom break was a part of it.

John Lennon series

Read

Everything Fab Four: The John Lennon Series with Jude Southerland Kessler

John Lennon meets historical narrative in Jude Southerland Kessler’s series of books painstakingly detailing the Beatle’s life right up to his 1980 death.

making beatles a day in the life

Read

The Making of The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”

What went into the creation of this Beatles masterpiece? And what was done to make John Lennon comfortable with his own singing voice? Details courtesy of “Sound Pictures,” Ken Womack’s second George Martin biography.