FLASHBACK: The Beatles Land At JFK Airport
John, Paul, George and Ringo didn’t quite know what to expect when they arrived at New York City’s JFK Airport on February 7, 1964 on The Beatles’ first trip to…
John, Paul, George and Ringo didn’t quite know what to expect when they arrived at New York City’s JFK Airport on February 7, 1964 on The Beatles’ first trip to America. However, it’s a moment that’s permanently etched in music history thanks to the photos and video captured that day.
“Beatlemania” was a force, and two-and-a-half months after the shocking tragedy of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, it was just what America needed.
Press Conference at JFK Airport
In hindsight, it's wild to think about how a band coming to the United States warranted this type of media attention. At the same time, not enough is said about how funny The Beatles were. The way they fielded questions at this press conference at JFK Airport is an incredible lesson in how natural charm can just shine through. Plus, there wasn't media training in the '60s like there is today. This was just The Beatles being themselves, and it's brilliant. (Side note: It's also wild to see George Harrison casually smoking a cigarette during the indoor press conference. What a different time!)
Newsreel on The Beatles arriving in New York
It does not get more historic than the sheer existence of a newsreel. Between the footage of The Beatles getting off their plane at JFK Airport and the narrator of the newsreel, there's just a magic about it all. The newsreel states about 3,000 teens were waiting for The Beatles to land. Considering the security at airport nowadays, it is an amazing thing to watch.
In the newsreel's caption on YouTube, Paul McCartney is quoted saying, " ... There were journalists on the plane, and the pilot had rang ahead and said, 'Tell the boys there's a big crowd waiting for them.' We thought, 'Wow! God, we really have made it.'"
FLASHBACK: The Beatles Land At JFK Airport
Keystone/Getty ImagesThe newsreel above states that George Harrison didn't join the band on their outdoor excursion due to a sore throat. Well, perhaps he shouldn't have been smoking during the press conference, but we digress. Imagine being the police detail assigned to make sure The Beatles were safe while driving a horse and carriage in Central Park. The Beatles coming to America really was a trip for so many people.
FLASHBACK: The Beatles Land At JFK Airport
Keystone/Getty ImagesWhy does it feel like this photo was John, Paul and Ringo practicing bits for 'A Hard Day's Night'? Seriously, this still could have been taken from the movie, which still holds up. It's still amazing that New York police were able to keep fans at bay during this visit to Central Park. It feels like there should have been a mob scene.
FLASHBACK: The Beatles Land At JFK Airport
Keystone/Getty ImagesOne of the best things about The Beatles' first visit to America are all of the photos of the fans. The sheer joy on their faces still can warm your soul. These two young ladies and their Beatles wigs are especially charming. It just makes you long for the days of our youth and that unique joy music could bring you as a young person. There's nothing quite like it.
FLASHBACK: The Beatles Land At JFK Airport
Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesThe frenzy of Beatles fans is one thing. However, this photo truly captures the intensity from the press. Again, the fact that a band visiting America warranted a press conference like this is pretty much unheard of today. We sure would love to know how many media outlets were present for this iconic press conference.
FLASHBACK: The Beatles Land At JFK Airport
Keystone/Getty ImagesAgain, the sheer joy and excitement seen on the faces of the fans in these photos. We'd love to know where these young girls are today and if they had this photo somewhere in their home afterwards. It has to be one of those family photos that gets handed down through the generations. What a beautiful moment in time to hold onto forever!
