John, Paul, George and Ringo. The Beatles. The greatest musical group of our generation. No arguments, sorry.
Their story has been told so many different ways, but do you know this guy?
Meet Mr. Moonlight!
You might know the name Brian Epstein, and Beatles fans know he was the Manager who guided the Fab Four to the “toppermost of the poppermost” as the foursome would say to motivate themselves to success.
The great Host / Author / Raconteur and Beatles Expert Martin Lewis turned me on to this new biography and I can’t wait to read it.
Here’s the note that Martin sent me:
A new biography of Brian Epstein is about to be published. Only the second such book to chronicle his life.
But I am pleased to relate that I think this book is very good for Brian’s legacy. It acknowledges the gargantuan role he had in the Beatles’ success. And the considerable benefits that continue to accrue to the Beatles today because of Brian’s intuitive choices and actions 1962-1967.
The definitive, comprehensive biography of Brian Epstein—the man who built the Beatles—by eminent Beatles biographer Philip Norman
There will never be another pop manager like Brian Epstein, the young record retailer from Liverpool behind the 20th century’s greatest romance. Having achieved his much-derided aim of making the Beatles “bigger than Elvis,” Brian went on to make them bigger than any earthly instrument could measure. Only a handful of years older, he nonetheless referred them as “The Boys,” protecting and pampering them like the children he could never hope to have.
Here are some of the topics delved into:
The Business Genius: Explores how a devout classical music fan with no prior pop management experience masterminded the band’s image, guiding them from a small Liverpool club to unprecedented international fame.
Deeply Personal Struggles: Details Epstein’s private battles with antisemitism, homophobia, his unrequited feelings for John Lennon (often referred to as their “Spanish Honeymoon”), and the heavy toll of his fame.
The Mystery of his Passing: Addresses his tragic, accidental overdose at age 32 in 1967. The book delves into new, controversial theories and rumors—including claims from British gangsters suggesting involvement by the American mafia.
Martin sent me a ton of great material to share with all of you, beginning with this:
Thanks Martin for shining a spotlight on this book, which I am in the process of reading now.
The Beatles had an incredible impact on pop culture, but remember their first album was released in 1963 and they disbanded just six years later!
But what if they had never broken up?
This terrific book imagined a world where The Beatles went on and on and on – imagining what they would have done together in the decade beyond their breakup:
Thanks to Martin Lewis for highlighting a great book about the Beatles, and to the Fab Four for creating timeless music!
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It sounds like Brian had a sad life despite his brilliance. This is not usual for brilliant people. In fact, I think it’s common. Thanks for this post, John.
This classical music afficionado, who at the time was not even allowed to listen to ‘that rubbish’, caught up ‘with’ the Beatles and Briian Epstein later in life – may even buy the book as it should give quite a background to time and place . ,. , thanks!
Okay, that worked. My previous comment was that Epstein always seemed to be a quiet, behind the scenes man. His death by suicide was attributed (over here anyway) to issues about his sexuality and the fact his private life was beginning to be discussed openly.
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johnrieber 
It sounds like Brian had a sad life despite his brilliance. This is not usual for brilliant people. In fact, I think it’s common. Thanks for this post, John.
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I was in love with Paul McCartney when I was eleven! We never tire of talking about the Beatles and it is so important to remember Brian.
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Thanks for the note, always great to hear from you!
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This classical music afficionado, who at the time was not even allowed to listen to ‘that rubbish’, caught up ‘with’ the Beatles and Briian Epstein later in life – may even buy the book as it should give quite a background to time and place . ,. , thanks!
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I’ve read other books by Philip Norman so I know this one is going to be good 👍
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Okay, that worked. My previous comment was that Epstein always seemed to be a quiet, behind the scenes man. His death by suicide was attributed (over here anyway) to issues about his sexuality and the fact his private life was beginning to be discussed openly.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Trying to comment again to see if it works this time.
best wishes, Pete.
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