As USA TODAY, The Nationâs No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, âThe Beatles have never lost their standing as the world's most influential and popular band. They've sold more records than any act in U.S. history.â But in the beginning, few people knew their names. The BeatlesâJohn Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starrâbegan as an ambitious band out of Liverpool, England, that wanted to play rock ânâ roll music in the American style. Often rejected by music producers, they honed their sound in the grimy clubs of Hamburg, Germany, and in small venues throughout Britain. In 1962, their single âLove Me Doâ became their first hit, and by 1964 The Beatles were musically on top of the world. The groupâs look, sound, and musical approach influenced a generation and brought fame beyond the bandâs wildest dreams. But the stress of their fame and their individual career desires eventually broke up The Beatles in 1970. Yet, the bandâs popularity remained strong for decades and still shows no sign of waning.