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.
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.
Also on this day...
- 2019: The Beatles announce Let It Be film reissue and new collaboration with Peter Jackson
- 2009: Stella McCartney creates Beatles t-shirt for Red Nose Day 2009
- 1970: Ringo Starr meets Elvis Presley
- 1969: The Beatles’ rooftop concert (Apple building)
- 1967: Mixing: A Day In The Life
- 1967: Filming: Strawberry Fields Forever
- 1964: Live: Olympia Theatre, Paris
- 1963: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1962: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1961: Live: Lathom Hall, Liverpool
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
