Capitol Gains

February 1963 marked the Beatles breakthrough in Britain, but by December, they hadnt conquered America. Capitol Records signed them in late 1963 aft er a year of rejection. When the Beatles hit big in the US in February 1964, their manager, Brian Epstein, and Capitol executives obscured the true story. Corporate and personal archives now reveal why Capitol viewed the British record industry as outdated and decided to remix UK master tapes and create distinct US albums. Brian Epstein struggled to balance Capitols commercial decisions with the Beatles interests. This account explores Capitols PR eff orts to protect the Beatles image and examines how Capitols decisions made the Beatles wealthy. It also reveals how choices by the band and their manager nearly led to bankruptcy in 1969.