November 9, 1961. From the very first time that Brian Epstein saw The Beatles in person sixty years ago today, he was instantly smitten with their charisma and stage presence. At this point, they had been playing around Liverpool for a few years, and their often unprofessional performances had alienated many promoters and venue owners. They had arguably advanced as far as they could locally, and I believe it is conceivable they might have become discouraged enough to give up. However, less than one month after becoming their manager in December 1961, Brian had already secured their first official recording audition in London. Despite being rejected by Decca Records, he devoted himself tirelessly to promoting them and cleaning up their stage appearance and professionalism. From the very beginning, Brian told anyone who would listen that the Beatles would become “bigger than Elvis” and, far from hyperbole, he sincerely believed it. In hindsight, without his dedication, organizational skills and singular belief in the Beatles, and despite their remarkable musical talents, in my opinion it is entirely possible that the world would never have experienced The Beatles without their paths having crossed.
