Brian Epstein
Brian Samuel Epstein was the manager of The Beatles. The grandson of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania, Epstein worked in the family business, originally selling furniture, and later expanding to appliances and musical instruments. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London on hopes of becoming an actor, but dropped out and returned to manage a new branch of the music store, making it a huge success. In 1961 he began writing a regular music column in a local magazine, the Mersey Beat. It was through this publication that Epstein first heard of a local band called The Beatles, and he went to the Cavern Club to hear them on 9 November 1961.
“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.” - Brian Epstein
A month later he brought the band into his store and proposed managing them. On 24 January 1962, they signed a five year contract, despite Epstein having no experience in artist management. He immediately set out to change their image, insisting on formal attire, cleaning up their act, and suggesting they bow in sync at the end of each performance. He travelled to London to promote the band to all the major record companies, but was repeatedly turned away, before finally finding success with George Martin of EMI, who was impressed by his enthusiasm.
For the next three years, Epstein worked feverishly to book the band on tours, television and film. After the show at Candlestick Park on 29 August 1966, he urged the band to continue touring, but they refused. In addition to The Beatles, Epstein managed other acts including Gerry & The Pacemakers, and The Fourmost.
The pressure of worldwide fame and success proved too much for Epstein. He developed dependencies on alcohol, gambling, amphetamines and sleeping pills. On 27 August 1967, he died of a drug overdose. He was 32 years old.
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