Profile of Brian Epstein on Famous Like Me

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Brian Samuel Epstein (September 19, 1934 – August 27, 1967) was a British businessman, best known as the manager of the Beatles.

Epstein's family owned a furniture store in Liverpool (where Paul McCartney's family had bought a piano). Brian attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where his classmates included actors Susannah York and Peter O'Toole, but when he dropped out after his third term his father put him in charge of the record department of the newly-opened North East Music Stores (NEMS) on Great Charlotte Street. Eventually, a second location was opened at 12-14 Whitechapel, and Epstein was put in charge of the entire operation. On August 3, 1961 Epstein began a regular music column in Mersey Beat magazine.

In the commonly accepted version of his first encounter with the soon-to-be legends he would help form, Epstein first noticed the Beatles' name on a concert bill, thinking it sounded silly. When several customers began asking for a single they had recorded with Tony Sheridan in Germany, he couldn't find it through any of his record label contacts, and decided to ask the band themselves for details. Epstein and friend Alistair Taylor went to see them perform at the crowded Cavern Club, which was just down the street from his store; his arrival was met by a VIP admission, and a welcome was announced over the club's PA system.

Epstein said of the Beatles' performance: "I was immediately struck by their music, their beat, and their sense of humour on stage. And even afterwards when I met them I was struck again by their personal charm. And it was there that really it all started..." (He also recognised members of the band as being among his regular customers, who passed time between shows browsing records.)

It was decided in a December 10, 1961 meeting that Epstein would manage the band, and the guys signed a five-year contract with him at Pete Best's house on January 24, 1962. Epstein did not sign the contract, giving the Beatles the option of getting out of the contract at any time. (He also contacted their previous manager Allan Williams, to confirm that he had no remaining ties to them. Williams didn't, but advised Epstein "not to touch them with a barge pole.")

Although not known for making the wisest business decisions or deals, Epstein became a major force behind the band's early appearance and success. When Epstein found the band, they were wearing blue jeans and leather jackets, performing rowdy rock 'n roll shows. He encouraged them to wear suits and clean up their stage performance. He also asked them not to smoke or eat onstage, and encouraged the famous synchronised bow at the end of their performances. Although this image didn't last for long, the fairly clean-cut appearance (with the exception of the "mop top" hairstyles) helped the band get accepted by the public.

After being rejected by every major record label in England, Epstein was eventually able to get the band signed to EMI's small Parlophone label. Epstein visited a local HMV store to have a Beatles' demo tape transferred to disc. An HMV technician named Jim Foy liked the recordings and referred Epstein to Parlophone's George Martin. Martin then agreed to meet with Epstein's band and scheduled an audition. All the Beatles passed the audition but one—drummer Pete Best, whom Martin decided to replace on record with a studio drummer. John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison asked Epstein to fire Best outright, and Ringo Starr took his place in the band.

Brian Epstein was known to have been infatuated with John Lennon, even rumoured to have had an affair with him in Spain while on holiday in 1963, but Lennon later denied this; a fictionalised account of their relationship was portrayed in the film The Hours and Times.

In October 1964, Epstein's autobiography, A Cellarful of Noise, was published, cowritten by Beatles publicist Derek Taylor.

In addition to managing the Beatles, Epstein also managed Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, The Fourmost and Cilla Black.

Epstein died of a drug overdose on August 27, 1967, the weekend the Beatles were in Wales meeting with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. His death was officially ruled accidental, probably caused by a gradual buildup of barbiturates (Carbitral and/or Seconal) in his system, possibly mixed with alcohol. There has been some unfounded speculation that Epstein committed suicide, but those close to him were emphatic that Epstein was not the type to commit such an act. Additionally, his beloved mother, Queenie Epstein, had just been widowed, and they make the point that Brian would never have inflicted the pain his own death would cause his mother—especially so soon after she had lost her husband.

Epstein managed every aspect of the Beatles' career, including helping found the company that became Apple Corps. When he died the difference was immediately noticeable, and their business affairs began to unravel. John Lennon summarized the impact a few years later: "When Brian died I knew that was it. I knew we'd had it..."

While the Beatles were among the earliest entrants into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, the man held largely responsible for their initial success finds his place in popular history less assured; he has never been considered for membership in the Hall, as he was never considered for an MBE medal, which the Beatles were awarded in 1965. Comedian Martin Lewis has become a vocal champion of Epstein's memory, and has created "The official Brian Epstein website", which includes an e-petition to grant him a place in the Hall of Fame.

External Links

"Official" website: http://www.BrianEpstein.com/

			The Beatles
Band members: John Lennon - Paul McCartney - George Harrison - Ringo Starr Early members: Pete Best - Stuart Sutcliffe Management: Brian Epstein - Apple Records Production: George Martin - Geoff Emerick See also: History of the Beatles - Discography - Bootlegs - Long-term influence - Beatlemania - Beatlesque - Fifth Beatle - Paul Is Dead rumours - British Invasion - Breakup - Classic rock era

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