How The Beatles Sparked Billie Eilish’s Lifelong Love for Music

Every artist has an origin story, a moment when music first captures their imagination and never lets go. For Billie Eilish, that spark came not from a modern pop idol but from one of the most legendary bands in history: The Beatles.

Eilish has often been candid about the role the Fab Four played in shaping her artistry. In her words: “My love for music is 95% because of The Beatles.” That devotion began in childhood and continues to influence her songwriting, performances, and outlook on creativity.

The Beatles: A Lifelong Favorite

While many of her peers grew up idolizing contemporary pop stars, Billie’s foundation was built on the timeless melodies of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. She has said:

“If I had to choose, The Beatles. No matter who my favorite artist is now or in the future, The Beatles will always remain underneath.”

Like Ozzy Osbourne and Kurt Cobain, who also credited the band with igniting their dreams of becoming musicians, Billie found her artistic direction through their songs.

The First Song She Ever Learned

At just six years old, Billie picked up her first instrument and learned “I Will”, a delicate ballad from The Beatles’ White Album. Its soothing simplicity and heartfelt lyrics made it an ideal choice for a young child with big dreams.

That early experience not only introduced her to performance but also planted the seeds of songwriting. Within a year, she wrote her first original composition, “What a Wonderful World,” with a friend. While playful in its lyrics about “comfy beds” and “green grass,” the song showed Billie’s natural instinct for melody—something she shared with her idols.

Modern Echoes of Beatles Influence

Billie’s admiration for The Beatles has even been recognized by Stella McCartney, daughter of Paul McCartney. In an interview, Stella noted:

“Billie spoke of that real admiration for their songwriting. And I sense that when I listen to her work, and her brother’s writing. Their arrangements and harmonies carry echoes of The Beatles, while remaining completely modern.”

Indeed, her haunting ballads and layered harmonies reflect a similar ethos—telling stories through melody while pushing boundaries of sound and style.

Passing the Torch

Billie Eilish’s success shows how the legacy of The Beatles lives on through new generations of musicians. From learning “I Will” as a child to winning Grammys and an Oscar, her career illustrates the ripple effect of timeless music.

Just as the Fab Four inspired past icons like Cobain and Osbourne, they continue to shape today’s brightest stars. For Billie, The Beatles are more than a favorite band—they are the very reason she became an artist at all.