US single release: Something/Come Together

The first songs to be issued as a single from the Abbey Road were the double a-side ‘Something’/‘Come Together’.

It was released in the United States on this day as Apple 2654. It was the first time a song by George Harrison received top billing on a Beatles single.

The single entered the US charts on 18 October. At the time it was customary for sales and airplay for both sides of a single to be counted separately. As both songs were popular with the public, there was doubt as to whether either would reach the top.

Come Together single - United Kingdom

On 29 November, however, Billboard began combining both sides to make a single chart placing. As a result, the single topped the charts for a week, before dropping down.

On the Cash Box chart, which continued to count both sides separately, ‘Something’ peaked at number two, while ‘Come Together’ spent three weeks at the top.

The single was certified gold three weeks after its release. In 1999 it was finally awarded a platinum disc.

Something single – United Kingdom

Last updated: 5 October 2022
Recording, mixing: Cold Turkey, Don't Worry Kyoko (Mummy's Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow) by Plastic Ono Band
George Harrison is interviewed for the BBC's Scene And Heard
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