People in Beatles History: The Complete Who's Who

John Lennon

Rhythm guitarist, vocalist, primary songwriter. The intellectual and provocateur of the group, whose solo work cemented his status as one of the twentieth century's most important artists.

Paul McCartney

Bass guitarist, vocalist, primary songwriter. The melodic genius behind some of the most enduring songs ever written, whose post-Beatles career has spanned six decades.

George Harrison

Lead guitarist, vocalist, songwriter. The Quiet Beatle whose spiritual depth and musical range made him one of rock's most distinctive voices.

Ringo Starr

Drummer, vocalist. Replaced Pete Best in August 1962 and became the rhythmic heartbeat of the greatest band in history.

Pete Best

The drummer who played Hamburg and the Cavern, replaced by Ringo Starr just weeks before Love Me Do was recorded.

Stuart Sutcliffe

John Lennon's closest friend, the original bassist, who left the Beatles in Hamburg to pursue painting and died there aged 21.

Lord Woodbine

The Trinidad-born calypso musician who ran Liverpool's Jacaranda Club, co-managed the early Beatles, and drove the van to Hamburg in 1960.

Brian Epstein

The NEMS record shop manager who walked into the Cavern Club in November 1961 and changed everything.

Allen Klein

The American manager appointed by Lennon, Harrison and Starr in 1969, who recovered millions in royalties while deepening the fault lines of the break-up.

George Martin

The Parlophone producer who signed the Beatles when every other label said no. The Fifth Beatle, by any reasonable measure.

Bert Kaempfert

The German bandleader who oversaw the Beatles' very first professional recordings in Hamburg in 1961. The first person to put the Beatles on tape.

Phil Spector

The Wall of Sound architect brought in to finish the Let It Be tapes in 1970 — one of the most controversial chapters in Beatles recording history.

Astrid Kirchherr

The Hamburg photographer who gave the Beatles their mop-top haircut and shaped their visual identity. She fell in love with Stuart Sutcliffe.

Dick James

The music publisher who founded Northern Songs and controlled the Lennon-McCartney catalogue before selling his stake without telling the band.

Lew Grade & ATV Music

The media mogul whose ATV company acquired Northern Songs in 1969, taking control of the Lennon-McCartney catalogue.

Nicky Byrne & Stramsact

The merchandising deal that handed away an estimated $100 million. Epstein signed away the Beatles' merchandise rights for a fraction of their value.

Lee Eastman & John Eastman

The father-and-son legal team who represented Paul McCartney and became a flashpoint in the Lennon-McCartney management split.

Apple Corps

The Beatles' own company — founded in 1968 as a creative utopia, it became a financial disaster that accelerated the break-up.

Julian Lennon

John's son with Cynthia Powell. The inspiration for Hey Jude and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

Sean Lennon

John's son with Yoko Ono, born on John's 35th birthday. A musician and producer who carries his father's experimental spirit.

Heather McCartney

Paul's eldest daughter, adopted with Linda. A celebrated pottery artist.

Mary McCartney

Paul and Linda's eldest biological daughter. An acclaimed photographer.

Stella McCartney

One of the world's most influential fashion designers, known for her ethical approach to luxury fashion.

James McCartney

Paul and Linda's son and a musician in his own right, who has released solo material and toured with his father.

Beatrice McCartney

Paul's youngest daughter, with Heather Mills. She maintains a private life.

Dhani Harrison

George's son with Olivia. A musician and producer who completed his father's final album Brainwashed.

Zak Starkey

Ringo's son, a professional drummer who has played with The Who and Oasis. Taught to drum by Keith Moon.

Jason Starkey

Ringo's son, who has pursued a career in music and photography largely away from the spotlight.

Lee Starkey

Ringo's daughter, who has worked in fashion and the arts.