Saturday, August 15, 2009

I Wanna Be Your Man

The most interesting Beatles fact about "I Wanna Be Your Man" is that this Lennon and and McCartney composition (mostly McCartney) provided the Rolling Stones with their first big hit, the Stones' version recorded in October of 1963. Lennon regarded it as a throwaway McCartney riff and was unwilling to give away primo material to any competing rock and roll group in their very early days. One may debate his wisdom since "World Without Love," recorded by Peter and Gordon, is considered a first-rate McCartney song from the Beatles' early period.

The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios on September 11 and 12, 1963, with more work done on the track on October 3 and 23, 1963.

Starr sang lead vocal and played drums and maracas. Lennon played rhythm guitar and Hammond organ, McCartney played bass, and Harrison played lead guitar. Lennon and McCartney sang harmony vocals.

The song was included on With the Beatles in the UK and on Meet the Beatles in the U.S.

Ringo sang the song in live performances on and off from 1963 to 1966.