Running head: THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 1

The Beatle's White Album

Introduction

When it comes to listing some of the most influential musicians of all time, the Beatles

never miss. It is hard to believe that there is any person in the western society who has not heard

“Help!” or “She Loves You,” some of the most famous songs that came out of their White

Album. Even people who have not heard their songs are well aware that there existed a band by

the name Beatles. People indentify this group in pictures; a lot of them know their individual

names, or at least their first names (George, John, Paul and Ringo). Most individuals could tell

apart who they were by just listening to their songs. The hairstyle they wore in the first part of

their musical career is normally known as the ‘beatle-hairstyle’ (Hecl 2006, p. 5). They also wore

round-rimmed glasses, which are referred to as ‘lenonky’ in Czech Republic. It is the type of

glasses, which their famous leader, John Lennon, used to wear through the last part of the

group’s career and also afterwards. Allusions to their lives and songs are normally replicated in

films and TV series and most likely, a number of individuals, who have learned English, have

misspelled the phrase ‘beetle’ with an ‘a’ (Hecl 2006, p. 5). The Beatles are considered to have

transcended pop music, which became an element of cultural history of the world then and today.

In this thesis, I will dwell upon this legendary group as not just a musical, but a cultural

phenomenon, as well. The paper will evaluate the social, cultural and political context of the

Beatle's White Album. In order to make the reader understand the full influence of this album,

this paper will also explain their rise to fame against the background of their era and to confirm

that their music had an extensive effect on culture generally both in and outside England.
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Cultural Background

The legacy of the 60s has been undeniably very significant for the growth of culture and

society in what is usually referred to as ‘civilised nations,’ and the transformations society went

through make the 60s one of the most essential parts of the 20th century, as well as a milestone

people have to pass by when they endeavour to study the years that came after (Hecl 2006, p. 6).

The 60s were in lots of respects ground-breaking. The changes influenced not only the civilised

nations (particularly Europe and the United States) but less developed countries in South

America and Africa, as well (Keith 2009, p. 15). This paper, however, will dwell on the former.

Thus, it is clear that the late 50s and 60s led to significant changes in society, which were

widespread throughout the entire world, but what is even more significant, together with what

differentiates the 60s from other years, is the truth that these transformations were also overly

demographically widespread, that is, the effect was felt on a much broader age spectrum than in

any earlier years and touched roughly each and every field (from popular culture to politics)

(Hecl 2006, p. 6). The question is why did this happen? Why did the 60s, of all other decades,

have such a huge effect on individuals of all backgrounds? Obviously, there are a lot of reasons

to this, but one appears to be particularly considerable; it was referred to as the ‘affluent society’.

For sure, after the 40s, which was prevailed by the Second World War and the 50s, marked by

significant economic impacts of the Second World War, the 60s was the first era wherein people

seemed to be settled, at least financially, if not mentally (Sims 2010, p. 9).

Fresh production methods decreased the price of consumer products while, at the same

time, making it possible for workers to earn more income (Keith 2009, p. 15). Unlike other

decades, it was no longer needed to work full time in order to survive. Most people had a place

to live, more clothes to put one and food, which meant that they had all they required to feel
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 3

secure. However, as salaries and wages were rising, people still yearned for more in order to

survive – in short, they yearned for fun (Hecl 2006, p. 6). This rise in salaries somewhat blurred

the restrictions between classes. It involved mainly the middle class and the working class, the

upper class being detached a bit, which is why this decade was considered as classless (Keith

2009, p. 15). The most significant movement of the 60s is probably the hippie, which managed to

reach out nearly to every youth, mostly in the United States. This movement was strongly against

the Vietnam War that began in the early 60s (Hecl 2006, p. 7). Tens of thousands of American

youths declined to join the army and they left their homes to go live in places where other

younger people had settled. They went against the customary values of their parents. The centre

of this movement was in San Francisco, California (Keith 2009, p. 16). Individuals from all over

the United States were assembling in San Francisco with the anticipation that they would

stumble upon a much better future, as well as an ideal surrounding (Sims 2010, p. 9). This group

pushed to the limelight many significant figures not forgetting the Beatles. The hippie tradition

was also closely linked to popular (pop) music and drugs (Keith 2009, p. 16). The group also

largely aided to, if not began, the sexual revolution through endorsing free love.

The most significant element of pop culture in the 60s was its music (Hecl 2006, p. 7).

For most young individual, music became their means of expression since no one could afford to

fund a movie about themselves, but everybody could at least save some funds, purchase a guitar,

and begin plucking (Keith 2009, p. 16). For those not keen enough to be active musicians or

were just not talented enough, music was a source of fun which they used to pass their leisure

time, as well as a means of socialising (festivals and concerts) or revealing their condemnation

with something through attending performances of various musicians (Hecl 2006, p. 7). The last

of the aspect that the 60s brought into existence, which is likewise significant, is equality or
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perhaps freedom. The 60s saw a significant rise of the support of human rights (Keith 2009, p.

16). Most minorities endeavoured to attain the same status of the majority, others more and

others less successfully. Lesbians and gays, as well as the feminist group, were widespread.

However, the most influential and best known movement was the fight for fairness to black

individuals (Sims 2010, p. 10). Personalities such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King (both

were murdered in the 60s) defended fair rights for black, or more commonly coloured,

individuals (Keith 2009, p. 16). Critics, nevertheless, highlight the significance of cultural,

instead of political, liberation of black individuals, particularly of their music such as rock and

roll, blues, and blues and rhythm, and its power on music (Hecl, R 2006, p. 8).

The Beatles (Rise to Fame)

The main reason why the Beatles achieved their high status was through their music

(Helixon 2010, p. 1). They were persuaded by African American music, particularly by rock and

roll, as well as rock and roll artists such as Roy Orbison, Chuck Berry, Isley Brothers, and

undeniably the King of rock, Elvis Presley (Hecl 2006, p. 13). They were persuaded by skiffle –

a popular music genre in England in the 50s. In a way, Paul McCartney was greatly persuaded by

music-hall because the style was beginning to faze and give way to American music such as jazz

and ragtime in the 40s, when Paul was still a child (Chambers 2009, p. 46). However, this

influence became later more clear in their musical career, e.g. in “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”

and “When I’m Sixty-Four” (1969) (Hecl 2006, p. 14). All these major and minor musical

persuasions combined, along with the significance of Liverpool as a key English port and;

therefore, a place where a number of cultures meet, and the tender age of the four boys, led to

something legendary (Hecl 2006, p. 14). Critics argue that the Beatles were just lucky even if

they earned their success. In the Beatles’ case, luck was embodied in Brian Epstein, their
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 5

manager (Chambers 2009, p. 47). It is claimed that Epstein, a shop attendant in his grandfather’s

music store, knew the Beatles from a young age when a person dressed in a leather jacket,

Raymond Jones, visited the shop to purchase a record that the Beatles produced in Germany as a

backing song for Tony Sheridan (Helixon 2010, p. 1). Brian went to the Cavern concert where

the Beatles were set to play. He was amazed by them, and finally, in 1961, they appointed him

their manager. Brain did his level best to ensure that they rose to fame from the start of their

career until his early death (32 years of age) (Hecl 2006, p. 16). He went through a number of

interviews and deals to secure the group a recording contract. He ran their promotions, planned

everything and was the influence that held the group together (Chambers 2009, p. 47).

Martin (one of the greatest producers to ever grace the musical field), on the other hand,

produced all the Beatles’ records (Chambers 2009, p. 50). He not only managed their recordings,

but he arranged their songs for string and brass sections and other musicians, as well. The

Beatles were signed by him in 1962 (Hecl 2006, p. 18). He become a part of their artistic

activities, not just pushing into a variety of artistic and technical venues but arranging and even

recording with them, as well, some of their music (Helixon 2010, p. 1). George Martin normally

played the piano in over 30 songs (Chambers 2009, p. 50). This is major reason why the Beatles

became dazzling artists and popular figures: they were managed by a skillful producer, who was

in a great position to discover and exploit their talents effectively (Jessie 2007, p. 32).

The Influence of the White Album

The White Album is the ninth album by the Beatles, which was released on 22nd

November, 1968 (Chambers 2009, p. 51). The album contained 30 songs all of which were major

hits (Hecl 2006, p. 34). A number of the songs were by jus some members of the entire group,
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 6

some of them were "solo" recordings, as every individual member started to explore their own

talent (Chambers 2009, p. 51). Upon its release, the White Album got different reviews from

music analysts, who heavily criticised its satirical songs as insignificant and apolitical amid an

unstable social and political climate (Hecl 2006, p. 34). Through this album, the Beatles

influenced almost every context of life – social, cultural and political. This influence was mainly

felt in the 60s, but even today their influence is felt (Helixon 2010, p. 1). Throughout

Beatlemania (from 1963 onwards), when their prominence reached peak, they had an astonishing

effect on the youths, as well as a strong persuasion on everybody else. They very much

persuaded men’s fashion. In the United Kingdom, manufacturers were, in December, 1963,

challenging to get a special consideration to use the phrase Beatle on their goods (Chambers

2009, p. 51). The Beatles jackets (collarless), normally in corduroy, initially put on by Stu in

Hamburg, were overly on sale almost every place as early as September, 1963 (Hecl 2006, p.

34). The Beatle wigs also began to appear. A majority of the youths were now growing their hair

to match the Beatle length. From November henceforth, there was recurrent stream of newspaper

articles concerning schoolboys being expelled from school due to their long hair and of

apprentices not being permitted into factories (Hecl 2006, p. 34). The Beatles were seen wearing

these jackets and the wigs as they performed the songs to this album live on stage.

Another significant influence, which was briefly discussed in this paper, is the groups’

image of rebels seen in songs such as “Helter Skelter” and Revolution 1. In these songs, the

Beatles were seen disrespecting law officers and having no respect for the law. However, in the

early 60s, their ‘rebellion’ was quite moderate (Chambers 2009, p. 51). It was basically “rock n

roll-like”: disrespectful children who yearned to aggravate and irritate their parents’ generation

through wearing clothes and hairstyles, which they did not accept, listening to and playing noisy
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 7

and loud music and talking back among others (Hecl 2006, p. 34). It appears nearly ridiculous,

on the one hand, to deem such these people as ‘rebels’ and then use the similar word with regard

to the punk group, which achieved its peak some 15 years later (Chambers 2009, p. 52).

Conversely, society had transformed in the two decades, and rock and rollers in the 50s and 60s

sixties were considered as rebels similar to the way the punks were, in the 70s (Hecl 2006, p. 34).

The image of rebels was portrayed in nearly all Beatles’ songs in the White Album (Chambers

2009, p. 52). The songs portrayed the Beatles’ disregard for authorities (such as police officers,

parents and societal norms), as well as their naughtiness, which later translated into their

widespread fans (Helixon 2010, p. 2). Songs such as “Sexy Sadie” and “Honey Pie” also

presented a fresh loom to music in Britain that rock in Britain was entirely incorporated into a

plot after the Beatles produced these songs (Hecl 2006, p. 35). Several songs and other albums

have been recorded recoded with the same theme after this album such as Spice World by also

one of the most influential girls’ group to ever grace the musical scene, Spice Girls (Hecl 2006,

p. 35). Nevertheless, the influence of the Beatles was more spiritual, as well. A number of

significant persons, musicians in particular, have recalled the influence the Beatles had on them

(Chambers 2009, p. 52). Critics who have commented on the situation in the USSR believe that

millions of youths turned into inner immigrants in the USSR by opposing communism through

the influence of the Beatles (Helixon 2010, p. 2). They offered musicians a chance to view

themselves as equals (Hecl 2006, p. 35). To them, terms such as socialism, capitalism and

communism, meant nothing since they were all human beings (Jessie 2007, p. 204). An article by

Maureen Cleave, which was published on March 4th, 1996, described John Lennon’s view of

future society. John Lennon claimed that Christianity will one day seize to exist. Cleave wrote

that Lennon claimed that Christianity will one day shrink and vanish. The Beatles actually
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 8

thought that they were more famous than Jesus; to them, “rock n roll” was more famous than

Jesus (Hecl 2006, p. 35).

This begun a wave of protests and disputes the world over. Soon after the article was

published, the Beatles went on tour to the U.S., where the anger was felt strongest, particularly in

the South and Midwest of the United States, where the White Album and everything linked to

the album was not only boycotted, but also burnt down (Charness 2010, p. 90). Even though, the

group apologised for Lennon remarks, the U.S. tour did not succeed. The famous-than-Christ

affair, nevertheless, hardly shock the group’s fame (Hecl 2006, p. 36). This clearly shows that

they were overly influential because people started to believe in their words (Charness 2010, p.

90). If someone not so much significant had uttered such words, then no one would have taken it

into consideration. It was the reality that the groups was so big and perhaps indeed more popular

than Jesus to the youth, and; therefore, threatening Jesus’ status, which angered Christian

fundamentalists (Jessie 2007, p. 203). The White Album was perhaps the most significant

trendsetter of the 60s, and particularly the most significant in England. Just by people imitating

when they had in their songs, which gave them a sort of freedom, it led to the spread of the

hippie movement in other parts of Europe not only the United States and Britain (Hecl 2006, p.

36). From a political view point, they were greatly influential to the youths who were against the

Vietnam War. The songs this album popularised esoteric thoughts concerning different forms of

political partaking, mysticism and also on drugs (Helixon 2010, p. 2). For numerous individuals,

the 60s meant the Beatles alone. Both their lyrics and their music caught the spirit of the 60s.

Fresh ideas, fresh approach, generation gap, sexual revolution and drugs could all be found in the

lyrics of the White Album and in the accounts of their lives (Charness 2010, p. 90). “Dear

Prudence”, “Glass Onion”, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”, “Wild Honey Pie”, “The Continuing Story
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 9

of Bungalow Bill” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, were considered as the best sing-along

songs (Jessie 2007, p. 204).

The evolution of their songs from carefree and cheeky tunes about innocent boys who

were just in love to hairy hippies wanting to know the meaning of life echoed the rising influence

of oriental and hippie traditions, as well as the overall change in individuals’ interest from

earning their own living to other more idealistic problems too (Hecl 2006, p. 36). In 1970, after

the band broke up, in order for each member to pursue their solo career as a musician, the songs

that they recorded while they were still a unit were still more influential than their solo careers

(Hewitt 2003, p. 150). John Lennon was an anti-war activist, which he used to preach in nearly

all the songs the group recorded together (Hecl 2006, p. 36). That is why a lot of youths were

against the Vietnam War, which they opted to run away from home instead of join the American

Army. George Harrison, on the other hand, used to organise concerts that were meant to raise

proceeding, which would be channeled to starving individuals (Hecl 2006, p. 36). The success of

such endeavours was mostly attributed to their successful musical career as a group (Charness

2010, p. 91).

The Beatles Involvement in the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement led to the eventual exclusion of racial segregation exercised

in the United States. The hippies were closely linked to free love, equality, and appreciation for

music and art endorsed their own icons of anti-racist and civil rights movements (Hecl 2006, p.

37). The Beatles also were one of these significant figures, and when they toured the U.S., in

1965, they declined to perform at areas where segregation was practiced (Charness 2010, p. 91).

As the band still declined to perform at venues such as Cow Palace, in Daly City, California,
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 10

other significant figures such as Martin Luther King practice their activism all across the United

States (Charness 2010, p. 91). The support of such bands was vital in assisting the civil rights

movement gain pace in the United States as their art and music reached the masses faster

compared to vitriolic talks delivered by politically inclined individuals (Hecl 2006, p. 37).

Their Influence in Today’s Culture

Even if it has been over three decades since this famous group stopped recording

together, John, George, Paul and Ringo, are still best recognised as ex-Beatles and not their

individual names (Hecl 2006, p. 37). They are more famous for their endeavours as the Beatles

compared to their solo careers even though, for instance, “Imagine” and “Mull of Kintyre” by

Lennon and McCartney respectively, were megahits (Charness 2010, p. 96). These days, the

fame of the group is still mainly their music. Many contemporary musicians who have a

worldwide reach such as Lil Wayne, Kesha and many rock artists, in general, have claimed to

find some form of inspiration in the Beatles songs (Hecl 2006, p. 37). The Beatles are fairly no

longer “supermen” to today’s young people plus their position is slightly different. However,

hair styles same as those of the Beatles are still in fashion (Charness 2010, p. 96). Also, they are

still widely recognised and allusions to their music and lives among other elements, can still be

seen roughly everywhere (Hecl 2006, p. 37). The next section will present several relatively

recent cases to reveal how profoundly the Beatles are rooted in contemporary culture, as well as

how frequently and in diverse contexts, they are utilised in a number of cultural fields

(particularly in films, television programmes and on the radio).

There are many allusions to the Beatles in the famous animated series, The Simpsons

(Charness 2010, p. 98). The second episode in season 5 is rooted exclusively in the account of
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the Beatles’ musical career: Homer’s rock band ‘Be Sharps’ is overly successful, but later go

separate ways; the name of their album is Bigger Than Jesus; one of the group’s member has a

girlfriend of Japanese origin (like Lennon’s wife Ono) and also they have their final concert on a

rooftop. Red Dwarf, one of the famous BBC sitcoms shows, Dave Lister, the last man on earth

and also the main character of the show, has two robot-goldfish referred to as Lennon and

McCartney (Hecl 2006, p. 37). The show transpires in the 23rd century, but the 20th century

reminded to the viewer by going through most significant events and people of that time such as

the Second World War and the Beatles, as well as Adolf Hitler (Charness 2010, p. 98).

There is a scene in Bridget Jones (2004) wherein Bridget, thinking she might be

expectant, chats with her boyfriend Mark Darcy, a thriving human rights attorney, concerning

their baby (Charness 2010, p. 98). He hopes that the child is a boy as he wants to send him to

Eton, which Bridget does not consent to. Mark argues that the option is for the boy to go to some

progressive school where he will be singing ‘Yellow Submarine’ as well as exercising group

masturbation” (Charness 2010, p. 98). In this scene, the Beatles’ song is applied as a symbol of

middle class and working class culture, as opposed to upper class and upper middle class culture.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers album referred to as The Abbey Road (1988) has four

members of the group on the cover crossing the street in a row (similar to the Beatles on their

Abbey Road cover) (Charness 2010, p. 98). They are naked apart from the long white socks on

their private parts. It is perhaps an effort to please people through caricaturing a memorable

album cover.

Naturally, the band in question has also been influential in the Czech culture, as well as

the Czech music world (Hewitt 2003, p. 196). Other than their vast influence on music (the
THE BEATLE'S WHITE ALBUM 12

Olympic used a pretty much similar sound in the 60s was like that of the Beatles), they are

normally exploited in songs as a sign of the 60s – frequently by older musicians reminiscing their

early years (Charness 2010, p. 98). Good cases include “Kolej Yesterday” (1984) by Michal

Prokop plus the 1998 “Marx Engels Beatles” by Vltava.

In the film Forrest Gump (1994), the main actor comes across John Lennon in a reality

show and, talking about his days in China, where he took part in a table tennis for the United

States, he provokes Lennon to compose “Imagine” (Hewitt 2003, p. 199). In the film, just like in

Red Dwarf now but in a diverse manner and context, only the most significant personalities and

events are celebrated and John Lennon could not be left out (Charness 2010, p. 98).

Conclusion

This has looked at the social, cultural and political context of the Beatle's White Album.

It has discussed how the album was influential in the contexts in the past, as well as today. Even

though all sections of this paper are essentially centered on concrete examples, because it is quite

impossible to talk about the Beatles along with their influence, all together, I tried to give a

summary of the Beatles’ significance for culture, society and politics since the 60s, which was

portrayed in their White Album. In one of the most noisiest and lively decades, and among

numerous other music bands, four young boys from Liverpool sang and played and transformed

the globe. As argued, their music still attracts young listeners and most of their techniques of

recording are today widely utilised in studios the world over. Studying the Beatles is nearly as

significant as studying Shakespeare if people if people want to comprehend numerous parodies

in the British world. Studying the Beatles is significant if people want to comprehend British

culture.
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References
Chambers, I 2009, Popular culture: the metropolitan experience, Routledge, London.
Charness, D 2010, BeatleBoomers: the Beatles in their generation, viewed 6th May, 2014, at
http://wesscholar.wesleyan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1557&context=etd_hon_theses
Hecl, R 2006, The Beatles and their influence on culture, viewed 6th May, 2014, at
http://is.muni.cz/th/108918/ff_b/The_Beatles_and_Their_Influence_on_Culture.pdf
Helixon, T 2010, The Beatles' cultural influences, viewed 7th May, 2014, at
http://www.westerntc.edu/writingcenter/pdf/samples/comparison/schombergd.pdf
Hewitt, P 2003, The soul stylists: from mod to casual, Mainstream Publishing, London.
Jessie, H 2007, The Beatles: 10 years that shook the world, DK Publishing, London.
Keith, B 2009, The Beatles off the record, Omnibus Press, London.
Sims, J 2010, Rock fashions, Omnibus Press, London.