Music

Photos: The Beatles: A look back at their U.S. debut

The Beatles face the media at Idlewile Airport (now JFK) in New York on Feb. 7, 1964, after a welcoming by a screaming crowd estimated at 5,000 people.

The Beatles face the media at Idlewile Airport (now JFK) in New York on Feb. 7, 1964, after a welcoming by a screaming crowd estimated at 5,000 people.   (Charles Tasnadi / Associated Press )

Share

After an appearance on CBS’ “The Ed Sullivan Show,” the Beatles shot to fame and forever became one of the world’s most well-known bands. Here’s a look back at their U.S. debut.

Beatlemania strikes the U.S.

Longtime CBS mainstay Ed Sullivan rehearses his Sunday night television variety show with the Beatles in their first appearance in the United States, Feb. 9, 1964.  (Edward T. Adams / Associated Press )

Beatlemania strikes the U.S.

The Beatles relax on the lawn of their rented Bel-Air mansion in August 1964.  (Larry Sharkey / Los Angeles Times)

Beatlemania strikes the U.S.

Beatles figurines, part of Chris Ridges’ collection of Beatle Memorabilia.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Beatlemania strikes the U.S.

A Beatles button, part of Chris Ridges’ collection of Beatle memorabilia.  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Beatlemania strikes the U.S.

The Beatles pose with an American flag in a Paris photo studio before their first visit to the United States, in January 1964.   (Associated Press / Copyright Applecorps Ltd.)

Music

More From the Los Angeles Times