‘Please Please Me’ had first been released as a single in America on 25 February 1963 but failed to make an impact. To cash in on the success of ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ and in anticipation of The Beatles’ first US visit, Vee-Jay re-released the single on 3 January 1964.
The first time Vee-Jay released ‘Please Please Me’ it had ‘Ask Me Why’ as the b-side, as with the UK release. This time, however, it was coupled with ‘From Me To You’.
The single was a smash hit, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the week ending 14 March 1964, behind ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ and ‘She Loves You’. Over one million copies were eventually sold.
Last updated: 7 June 2021
Also on this day...
- 2011: Beatles museum opens in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 1970: Recording: I Me Mine
- 1969: Get Back/Let It Be sessions: day two
- 1964: Live: The Beatles’ Christmas Show
- 1963: Live: Two Red Shoes Ballroom, Elgin, Scotland
- 1962: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (evening)
- 1962: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1926: George Martin is born
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I have the original disc jockey advanced single from 3/63. any buyers?