Mar. 2, 1964 - On sale today in U.S. record stores is the latest single by the Beatles, “Twist and Shout.” The B-side is “There’s a Place.” “Twist and Shout,” written by Phil Medley and Bert Berns in 1961, was recorded by the Beatles, with John Lennon singing the lead vocals, in a single take on February 11, 1963.
It was first recorded by the Top Notes, but it did not become a hit until it was reworked by the Isley Brothers in 1962. The Isley brothers added a new bridge — also used in the Beatles’ version — consisting solely of four ascending sung notes, ending in exultant sustained whooping before leading back into the verse.
The song was used as the Beatles’ closing number at The Royal Variety Show last November. They also played the song on their Ed Sullivan Show appearance last month.
