Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

A Hard Day’s Night, the first movie by The Beatles, opened in the United Kingdom 60 years ago on July 6, 1964. It premiered in the United States a month later. With Beatlemania in full swing, the film was a huge success and turned the band into megastars. It also showcased their comical sides, brought out their personalities and let the audience see them as individuals as well as a collective group of musicians.

This anniversary coincided with Ringo Starr’s 84th birthday on July 7. The movie was the perfect way for the fans to finally hear from the man behind the drums. We saw his affable charm and his naturally funny demeanor highlighted by his wry wit. It helped earn him the moniker “The Funny Beatle” and his own theme in the movie.

It was an instrumental version of a Lennon & McCartney tune that was originally released by The Fab Four in 1963. Their producer, Sir George Martin, arranged the movie track which featured musician Vic Flick on guitar. His expertise was previously showcased on the James Bond Theme song, written by Monty Norman, which was heard first in 1962’s Dr. No movie.

Top: The movie poster for “A Hard Day’s Night”. Middle: Ringo Starr circa 1964. Bottom: Starr circa 2010. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Beatles: “This Boy” (1963, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

The George Martin Orchestra: “Ringo’s Theme” (1964. Arranged by George Martin, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

Stay safe & well.