Joan Taylor's diary, 1969
Joan Taylor was the wife of Derek Taylor, The Beatles Press Officer in 1969 and this, her personal diary of 1969, covers in a very comprehensive manner a large number of Beatles matters. It is clear that Joan was very involved with her husband's dealing with the Beatles and so this is a unique first hand view on their affairs at the time including events leading up to the break up of the band and the Apple business. The diary is of great value in either confirming or questioning long held opinions of the timings of these events, particularly with Derek Taylor's close friendship with George Harrison which is obvious from many of the entries. Some examples as follows: Sunday 12th January: "Paul Phoned. George has walked out of the Beatles and won't go back. George and Pattie (who are back together) and Neil and Susie came round in the Evening". Thursday 16th January: "Derek is having a particularly difficult time at the office as a result of John's interview in Disc. We had a bit of bother on the phone. George came on for a chat and when they came home with Mal (Evans) it was all ok but they looked wacked (sic)". Sunday 19th January: "George and Pattie came round in the evening, it was jolly. Derek and George did a song together about Butlins". Saturday 1st February: "Alan Klein going to handle business affairs of Beatles which has put cat among many pigeons". Thursday February 6th:" He (Derek) has had a rotten day with Paul Mac and a sleepless night". Monday 10th February: "More trouble with Paul Mc. It went on most of the day and night. Pattie brought Derek home after visiting George in hospital. We are both pretty exhausted by it all but I think this is the beginning of the end of Derek at Apple". There are many more such entries until the end of May when the diary entries end.
(source)
January 1st – George came to wish us a Happy New Year at midnight.
January 12th – Paul phoned. George has walked out of The Beatles and won’t go back. George & Pattie (who are back together) and Neil and Susie came round in the evening.
January 16th – Derek is having a particularly difficult time at the office as a result of John’s interview in Disc. We have had a bit of bother on the phone. George came on for a chat and when they came home with Mal it was all o.k but they looked wacked.
January 19th – George and Pattie came round in the evening, it was jolly. Derek and George did a song about Butlins.
1st February – Allan Klein is going to handle business affairs of Beatles which has put cat among many pigeons.
February 6th – He has had a rotten day with Paul McC and a sleepless night.
February 10th – More trouble with Paul McC. It went on most of the day and night. Pattie brought Derek home after visiting George in hospital. We are both pretty exhausted by it all, but I think this is the beginning of the end for Derek at Apple.
February 17th – Derek had another big session discussing personalities with Paul but this time with the support of John, Yoko, Ringo and Maureen. He didn’t get in until about 11.45. Restless and sleepless night.
February 24th – Derek was late getting in because of talks with John and Yoko.
March 11th – Paul and Linda are to be married tomorrow. So the phone was busy in the evening.
March 12th – Derek phoned in the evening, George and Pattie were busted this afternoon. Derek went with George to Esher and the Police Station.
April 14th – Derek came home at 9:15 drunk. It looks as if things are just getting too much for him.
April 15th – Today Derek has almost decided to leave Apple.
(source)
