Who wants to live in a world without love?

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

Released in February, 1964 at about the same time the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, it would reach the no. 1 spot on Billboard in the United States by June. Written by Paul McCartney, it’s one of two songs written by a member of the Beatles to reach no. 1 on the U.S. charts performed by another artist(s). McCartney offered the song to Peter Asher (the “Peter” in Peter and Gordon) when John Lennon didn’t feel the tune was up to Beatles’ standards. Peter Asher was the brother of English actress Jane Asher (1966 film “Alfie”) with whom McCartney was going out at the time. McCartney later said that when he first played the song for Lennon and he heard the lyrics “please lock me away” it made him crack up: "The funny first line always used to please John. 'Please lock me away –' 'Yes, okay.' End of song."

[Waiting For Everyman]

1. Always one of my faves, thanks for posting it!

That song made P&G stars. (I thought Gordon was a cutie, too -- I was 14 then.)

Another McCartney song done by another artist, a big hit although it didn't go to #1 I don't think, was this one by the Everly Brothers in 1982... "Wings of a Nightingale", up there on my list of faves too...

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

2. Never heard this before - thanks

Cool song. Sounds perfect for the Everly Brothers.

The other Beatles' penned tune to reach no. 1 in the U.S. performed by another artist (Elton John) was Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds which stayed two weeks at no. 1 in January, 1975. That tune was mainly written by Elton John's friend, John Lennon, who also sang backup on Elton's version. Another tune that hit no. 1 in the U.K (but not the U.S., where it got to no. 9) was "Bad To Me" written mainly by John Lennon and recorded in 1963 by British invasion singer Billy Kramer & The Dakotas. Kramer and the Dakotas were also managed by Brian Epstein and produced by George Martin. Kramer recorded a string of tunes composed by the Beatles and they almost single-handedly created his career.

[Ron Obvious]

3. Dead Ringer

I can't remember if the taller one without glasses is Peter or Gordon, but I never realised before that he's an absolute dead ringer for one of my nephews. They could be twins, seriously, especially with that earnest expression.

I once played this song over and over one afternoon. It still makes me smile, though I think the Cotton, Lloyd and Christian version is actually superior

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

4. Peter Asher is the dude with glasses

Gordon Waller is the taller one. Here's another McCartney-penned hit of theirs.