The Beatles Land at JFK: Were You There?

The Brian Lehrer Show | Feb 7, 2014

The Beatles made their first stateside appearance 50 years ago today, arriving at the newly named JFK to thousands of screaming fans and hundreds of reporters. Sunday is the 50th anniversary of their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, marking what's known as the beginning of the British Invasion. Jim Von Schilling, professor of English and Humanities at Northampton Community College and the Baby Boomer Studies area chair for the American and Popular Culture Associations, talks about what happened when John, Paul, George and Ringo came to the U.S.

Another caller was at Heathrow when Beatles returned from 1964 US trip. "It was amazing to see the fire that was lit" come back to England.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) February 7, 2014

Caller says "The Denim Council" was encouraging fans at JFK to go greet the Beatles wearing jean jackets decorated with Beatles drawings.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) February 7, 2014

Jim Von Schilling describing Beatles '64 JFK arrival, says AM DJs were encouraging HSers to head to the airport. "The first flash mob."
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) February 7, 2014

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