The First American Cover Version of a Beatles Song: The Early Days of Beatlemania

Introduction

The Beatles revolutionized music, not only in the UK but also across the globe. One fascinating aspect of their influence was the numerous cover versions that followed in their footsteps. Among these, the first American cover version of a Beatles song that gained mainstream recognition is a topic of interest for many music enthusiasts. This article delves into the history, details, and key players behind this significant musical milestone.

Del Shannon and 'From Me To You'

While the exact first cover version of a Beatles song in America remains somewhat uncertain, one of the earliest and most famous was Del Shannon's rendition of 'From Me To You.' This happened in 1963, around the late summer period, just a few months before the Beatles' historic visit to the United States.

According to All Together Now: The First Complete Beatle Discography 1961-1975 by Harry and Walter J. Podrazik, Castleman (1976), Del Shannon was in England with Roy Orbison and The Beatles at the Albert Hall in April 1963. During this visit, he heard the Beatles perform 'From Me To You' and 'Twist and Shout.' Del Shannon is said to have approached John Lennon with the idea of covering the song and helping the Beatles gain exposure in the U.S.

The story goes that Shannon recorded a remarkably good version of 'From Me To You,' which you can find on YouTube. Despite Shannon's efforts, the single barely scratched the Billboard 100 chart, peaking at 77. Interestingly, the Beatles' version, released by Vee Jay records, failed to chart as well, despite being played on the Ed Sullivan Show. However, 'From Me To You' was re-released as a B-side to 'Please Please Me' by Vee Jay in 1964, following the Beatles' massive breakthrough.

B-side 'From Me To You' reached #41, while 'Please Please Me' peaked at #3—a stark contrast to 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' and 'She Loves You,' which had held the #1 and #2 spots, respectively.

Early Cover Versions and Teenage Bands

While the first officially released American cover of a Beatles song holds Del Shannon's 'From Me To You' as its title, it is worth noting that many other teenage bands and individuals must have covered Beatles songs even before Del Shannon did. The story of the first cover version in America isn't just about the first officially released version, but also about the many unofficial cover versions that were happening in garages and school dances across the country.

Many young musicians in the U.S. were listening to the Beatles, and the passion for their music led to countless cover versions, often recorded on family tape recorders. These cover versions were performed at local school dances, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, and even weddings, creating a wave of enthusiasm about British rock and roll.

Additional Examples and Earmarks

Among the covers, Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "Can't Buy Me Love" stands out. Although it wasn't the first, it certainly was one of the early iterations of many American artists covering Beatles songs. Fitzgerald's version, recorded in 1965, exemplifies the immense talent and diversity of covers that emerged following the Beatles' breakthrough.

Conclusion

While the exact first American cover version of a Beatles song remains somewhat elusive, Del Shannon's 'From Me To You' is undoubtedly one of the earliest and most notable examples. This cover version, and countless others, played a crucial role in spreading the Beatles' music to a wider audience in America, contributing to the phenomenon known as British Invasion. Whether released officially or performed in the comfort of a garage, these cover versions added to the rich tapestry of music history and helped define the sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s.