Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Engineer: Geoff Emerick
Perhaps inspired by having recorded ‘Baby You’re A Rich Man’ during a six-hour session on the previous day, The Beatles recorded another song in just five and a half hours.
The song was ‘All Together Now’, which was written by Paul McCartney specifically for the Yellow Submarine film. It was a straightforward recording, made even without the presence of producer George Martin.
‘All Together Now’ was recorded in nine takes. The backing track had McCartney and George Harrison playing acoustic guitars, John Lennon playing harmonica, and Ringo Starr on drums and percussion.
McCartney overdubbed a bass guitar part, followed by his lead vocals, for which he was joined by Lennon and Harrison in the chorus. The final track on the tape was filled with Lennon’s lead vocals in the bridge, more bass drum and finger cymbals, and the final singalong.
Six mono mixes were then made, and the song was complete and ready for inclusion in the film, and for release on the accompanying soundtrack LP.
Also on this day...
- 2020: Astrid Kirchherr dies
- 2015: Paul McCartney live: Jacob Javits Center, New York City
- 2002: Paul McCartney live: Philips Arena, Atlanta
- 2000: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Etess Arena, Atlantic City
- 1976: Wings live: Spectrum, Philadelphia
- 1973: Wings live: New Theatre, Oxford
- 1968: Lennon and McCartney meet Ron Kass of Apple US
- 1966: Mixing: Doctor Robert, I’m Only Sleeping, And Your Bird Can Sing
- 1963: Television: Thank Your Lucky Stars
- 1962: The Beatles live: Star-Club, Hamburg
- 1961: The Beatles live: Top Ten Club, Hamburg
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
John also played banjo or ukulele and since his mother played the banjo, it definitely made sense for him to play it.
The line-up on the basic track is also correct: Paul and George on acoustic guitars, John on harmonica and Ringo on drums, but I’m not sure which percussion he was playing, and perhaps John either played banjo or ukulele on the basic track while blowing his harmonica in a harmonica holder or overdubbed the banjo or ukulele later on.