Jackie Deshannon Breakin It Up On The Beatles Tour
The Beatles and Jackie DeShannon
It’s hard to imagine a time when The Beatles were not an iconic band. But back in 1964, the “Fab Four” were still relatively unknown in America. That all changed when they embarked on their first American tour, which included opening acts like Jackie DeShannon.
Jackie DeShannon was a talented musician in her own right. Born in Kentucky in 1941, she had already established herself as a respected singer-songwriter by the time The Beatles arrived on American shores. Her biggest hit at that point was “Needles and Pins,” which was co-written by Sonny Bono and Jack Nitzsche.
Despite her accomplishments, DeShannon was largely unknown to American audiences when she was selected as an opening act for The Beatles tour. This was a major opportunity for her to showcase her talent and build a following in the United States.
Breakin’ It Up on Stage
DeShannon quickly made an impression on audiences during The Beatles tour. She was known for her energetic performances and catchy songs, which often featured elements of rock, pop, and folk music. In fact, one of her most popular songs at the time was “Breakin’ It Up on the Beatles Tour,” which was inspired by her experiences on the road with the band.
The song’s catchy chorus captured the excitement of being part of such a historic tour:
"Breakin’ it up on the Beatles tourWe’ve been waiting so longGotta keep breaking it up on the Beatles tourWe’re just getting it on."
The song was a hit with fans, and it helped cement DeShannon’s status as a rising star in the music world. She continued to tour and record throughout the 1960s and 1970s, working with artists like The Byrds, Van Morrison, and Randy Newman.
A Pioneer for Women in Music
DeShannon’s success on The Beatles tour was more than just a personal milestone. It also paved the way for other women in the music industry, who had long been marginalized and overlooked in a male-dominated field.
DeShannon was one of the first female artists to write and perform her own music, which was a rarity at the time. She also challenged stereotypes of women in music, refusing to be pigeonholed as a “girl singer” or a one-dimensional pop star.
Her influence can be seen in the many female musicians who followed in her footsteps, from Carole King and Joni Mitchell to Madonna and Lady Gaga. DeShannon’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in music is an important part of her story, and one that should not be overlooked.
Conclusion
Jackie DeShannon’s role as an opening act for The Beatles tour is a significant moment in music history. It helped solidify her status as a rising star and paved the way for other women in the industry. Her catchy song “Breakin’ It Up on the Beatles Tour” captured the excitement of being part of such a momentous event, and it remains a beloved piece of pop culture history. DeShannon’s legacy as a female pioneer in the music world is an important reminder of the power of perseverance and creativity.