The Beatles Let It Be Nominates: Brian Epstein

Most of us realize that there were four Beatles:  John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrision and Ringo Starr.  Having said this, there has been a lot of speculation that there was a “Fifth Beatle”…meaning someone who was instrumental to their development, exposure, and fame.  Some has said it was George Martin, while other state Billy Preston.  We at the beatles let it be web site would like to nominate the manager of the Beatles, one Brian Epstein.Brian Samuel Epstein was the manager of the Beatles from January 24, 1962 until his death on August 27, 1967. What was the impact of Brian Epstein on the group? He has long been attributed to the success of the Beatles, especially in the early years. In the words of Paul McCartney, “If anyone was the Fifth Beatle, it was Brian”.Brian was born on September 19, 1934 in Liverpool, England. At the age of 16 he expressed his desire to become a dress designer. His father was mortified at this suggestion, and ordered him to “report for duty” at the family’s furniture shop. This was not Brian’s idea of a meaningful career, but he did comply.Supposedly the first time Brian heard of the Beatles was via the issues of the Mersey Beat, and on the numerous posters that were displayed around Liverpool at the time. On November 9, 1961 he heard them perform at the Cavern Club. Immediately impressed with their sound and sense of “on stage” humor, it all started from there. The Beatles signed a 5 year contract for Brian to manage them on January 24, 1962.