The Beatles “White Album” is 50!


“We’ve got about two LPs worth of songs now so get your drums out.” These were the words John Lennon wrote on a postcard from India to Ringo Starr. In February of 1968 all four Beatles traveled to India to meet with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (born Mahesh Prasad Varma) while staying and studying in Rishikesh. Being far away from the media circus that typically followed the group allowed the Beatles to think, meditate, ponder and play music. Missing the comforts of home, Ringo departed India early, and it was not long after his departure that he received a postcard from Lennon. The album would be a return to simple songwriting for the band.

It would be a double album with thirty tracks.

It would come in a plain white sleeve with no graphics.

A white album.

The White Album.” 

“The Beatles” is the actual title of The White Album, which was released on November 22, 1968. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the album's release. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, The White Album is the most certified album at nineteen times platinum, and deservedly so, in my opinion. For those who have not discovered the White Album, now is the time to check it out from Arapahoe Libraries. For those that heard it upon release in ‘68, now's the time to rediscover it. And to those that have and continue to, as Jimmy Hendrix once said, “dig,” I say, CHEERS!  

AVAILABLE FOR CHECK OUT

The Beatles White Album

The Complete Beatles

The Beatles Lyrics

Who Were the Beatles?

Lennon on Lennon

Ringo

Paul McCartney

George Harrison, opens a new window