Sounds Of Laughter, Shades Of Life

The Beatles arrive in San Francisco to start their first U.S. tour, August 18, 1964.

The Beatles and Muhammad Ali, 18 February 1964  Photos © Harry Benson

Ed Sullivan Show

Filming ‘Help!’ in the Bahamas, 1965

April 1961

My grandfather took this photo of the Fab Four when he worked as a photographer for the Denver Post. After fighting his way through the crowd at Stapleton Airport with his camera, he stuck his head into their car and proceeded to shout Paul’s name. For his troubles he got a very surprised band and one amazing picture.

While making A Hard Day’s Night in 1964, George Harrison makes a face for Benson’s ever-present camera. “George was funny,” says Benson, who had shared a hotel room with Harrison in Paris a few weeks before. Credit: Harry Benson

A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Jane Asher, 17 years old; 1963. From “Don’s American Songbook” Facebook page.