Lennon & McCartney Promote Apple Corps in New York – 11 May 1968

On Saturday 11 May 1968, John Lennon and Paul McCartney flew to New York City to introduce Apple Corps to the American media — a bold and characteristically unconventional move that signalled The Beatles' ambitions to build a creative and commercial empire beyond music.

The pair held a press conference and a series of media appearances, outlining their vision for Apple Corps as a multi-disciplinary company that would support artists, musicians, filmmakers and designers. It was an idealistic pitch that captured the spirit of 1968 perfectly.

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What Was Apple Corps?

Apple Corps was founded by The Beatles in January 1968 as a way to take control of their own business affairs following the death of their manager Brian Epstein in August 1967. The company encompassed Apple Records, Apple Films, Apple Electronics, Apple Publishing and Apple Retail.

The New York visit on 11 May 1968 was designed to generate American press coverage and attract talent to the fledgling label. Lennon and McCartney gave interviews to major US television programmes and newspapers, presenting Apple as a revolutionary new model for the music industry.

The New York Press Conference

Lennon and McCartney's New York press conference was held at the Americana Hotel on 7th Avenue. The pair were characteristically witty and disarming, describing Apple as "a kind of Western Communism" — a company that would give artists the freedom and resources to create without corporate interference.

The visit generated enormous media interest. Lennon and McCartney appeared on The Tonight Show and gave interviews to the major US networks, ensuring Apple Corps received maximum exposure in the world's largest music market.

Apple Records – The Label That Changed Everything

Apple Records launched its first releases in August 1968, including Hey Jude by The Beatles and Those Were the Days by Mary Hopkin. The label went on to sign artists including James Taylor, Badfinger and Billy Preston.

The New York trip of 11 May 1968 was a crucial early step in establishing Apple's international profile and remains one of the most significant moments in The Beatles' business history.

George Harrison and Ringo Starr did not travel to New York for this visit, but were closely involved in Apple Corps' development throughout 1968.

Legacy

Apple Corps continues to operate today, managing The Beatles' recordings, films and merchandise. The company's headquarters remain at 3 Savile Row, London — the address that became famous when The Beatles performed their final public concert on the rooftop in January 1969.

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Location Map – Americana Hotel, New York City

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