Tuesday 11 August 1964 | Beatles For Sale, Studio
| Studio | Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, London |
| Producer | George Martin |
| Engineer | Norman Smith |
| Session time | 7–11pm |
One month and a day after their third album A Hard Day’s Night was released, The Beatles returned to EMI Studios on 11 August 1964 to begin work on the follow-up, Beatles For Sale. The entire session was devoted to a single song: ‘Baby’s In Black’.
The session
The Beatles recorded 14 takes of ‘Baby’s In Black’, of which only five were complete. The track was a Lennon–McCartney composition written in a waltz time signature — unusual for a Beatles song — and featured both John and Paul sharing lead vocal duties.
During the session, Lennon and McCartney sang their vocal parts simultaneously into the same microphone, a technique that gave the track its distinctive blended sound. After the backing track was completed, George Harrison recorded 13 further attempts at the opening guitar note, experimenting with a range of styles. None of these attempts were used on the finished version.
The completed take was used on the album without further overdubs. ‘Baby’s In Black’ was released on Beatles For Sale on 4 December 1964.
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Beatles For Sale
Beatles For Sale was The Beatles’ fourth studio album, released on 4 December 1964. It was recorded under considerable pressure — the group were in the midst of a gruelling world tour and had little time to write new material, which is why the album included six cover versions alongside eight original songs.
The album was produced by George Martin and engineered by Norman Smith, who had worked with the group since their first Abbey Road sessions in 1962. The recording sessions took place between August and October 1964, largely squeezed around the group’s touring commitments.
Despite the pressures of its creation, Beatles For Sale reached number one in the UK and remained on the chart for 46 weeks. It featured some of the group’s most emotionally direct writing of the period, including ‘No Reply’, ‘I’m A Loser’ and ‘Every Little Thing’.
The Beatles — officially licensed merch
The Beatles With The Beatles Ladies T-Shirt (Black).
Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios), 3 Abbey Road, London — where The Beatles recorded ‘Baby’s In Black’ on 11 August 1964, the opening session for Beatles For Sale.
Key Facts
| Date | Tuesday 11 August 1964, 7–11pm |
| Song | ‘Baby’s In Black’ (Lennon–McCartney) |
| Takes recorded | 14 (5 complete) |
| Album | Beatles For Sale (released 4 December 1964) |
| Notable technique | Lennon and McCartney sang simultaneously into the same microphone |
| Harrison guitar attempts | 13 attempts at the opening note; none used on the finished version |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was 'Baby's In Black' recorded?
'Baby's In Black' was recorded on 11 August 1964 at Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road, in a session running from 7 to 11pm. It was the opening recording session for the Beatles For Sale album.
How many takes did it take to record 'Baby's In Black'?
The Beatles recorded 14 takes of 'Baby's In Black', of which only five were complete.
How did Lennon and McCartney record the vocals on 'Baby's In Black'?
Lennon and McCartney sang their vocal parts simultaneously into the same microphone, giving the track its distinctive blended sound.
What did George Harrison record during the 'Baby's In Black' session?
After the backing track was completed, George Harrison recorded 13 attempts at the opening guitar note in a range of styles. None were used on the finished version.
What album is 'Baby's In Black' on?
'Baby's In Black' was released on Beatles For Sale on 4 December 1964.
→ The Beatles live: ABC Theatre, Blackpool – 11 August 1963
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
→ August in Beatles History
→ On This Day in Beatles History
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