The Beatles "All You Need Is Love" reaches #1 in the US on August 19, 1967

The Beatles "All You Need Is Love" became their 14th song to hit #1 in the US on August 19th of 1967. 40 years ago today.

The b-side to the single was "Baby You're A Rich Man." Both songs were later included on the Magical Mystery Tour album.

The song was performed by The Beatles on June 25, 1967 on Our World which was the first live global television broadcast. It was broadcast into 26 countries and watched by 350 million people. "All You Need Is Love" was the UK's contribution as The Beatles had been asked to contribute a song for the show.

The song was released as a single shortly thereafter and became a #1 hit in the US, UK, and Canada. It hit #1 on the world charts as well.

The song has many elements of other songs within it including the French anthem "La Marseillaise" and snatches of other songs such as Bach's "2-part invention #8 in F" and the standard "Greensleeves."

John and Paul also sing the Beatles own "She Loves You" over the outro. It's been said this was spontaneous but it's also possible it was planned.

The song has an unusual rhythmic structure with the verses being 2 measures of 7/4 then 1 measure of 8/4 and back with 1 more measure of 7/4. The chorus is 6 measures of 4/4 and ends with 1 6/4 measure. The song is the only one to use the 7/4 structure and hit #1 in the US. "Money" by Pink Floyd is another famous song to use the 7/4 structure.

The Our World performance:



Among those in attendance (and singing backing vocals) were Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Keith Moon, Graham Nash, Marianne Faithful, and Eric Clapton.

The version on the single release (and later on the Magical Mystery Tour album) was mostly from the live recording on June 25th but Lennon was unhappy with his verse vocals so those were re-recorded in the studio.

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