‘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.
