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Rethinking John Lennon’s Assassination The FBI’s War on Rock Stars By Salvador Astucia
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FBI Files on the Early Beatles (1964) |
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Several books are available which document FBI files on John Lennon, but virtually all of them focus on the Bureau's surveillance of his political activities from the late Sixties through the early Seventies. Few people are aware that the FBI started a file on the Beatles on March 31, 1964. This was likely a continuation of the J. Edgar Hoover's contempt for Rock 'n' Roll from the Fifties, notwithstanding the payola scandal of 1959 and 1960 which drove Rock 'n' Roll promoter Alan Freed to an early grave.
The following are summaries of four sets of FBI files on the early Beatles:
March 31, 1964 - Herman Kenin, President of the American Federation of Musicians, complains to State, Justice, and Labor Departments about the Beatles. Kenin argues the Beatles should not be allowed to perform in America unless an exchange arrangement can be worked out where Americans perform in England. To view FBI documents, clear here.
August 9, 1964 - Los Angeles Times article--written by Art Berman--is added to the Beatles' file. The article--entitled "Beatles' Visit Posing Top Security Problem"--describes how special security is needed to protect the Beatles from their adoring fans. To view FBI documents, clear here.
August 18, 1964 - The FBI is advised that the Beatles received death threat prior to their performance in Denver, Colorado. Promoter Vern Byers receives a post card directing him to cancel the Beatles' show, or a "hand grenade" will be thrown at the Beatles "instead of jelly babies." The FBI incorrectly classifies the death threat as "extortion." No suspects are found and the FBI closes the case on September 21, 1964. To view FBI documents, clear here.
August 18 through September 18, 1964 - Numerous reports are added to the Beatles' file. The FBI is apparently running surveillance on the Beatles 1964 tour, describing events as they arrive and perform in various cities. To view FBI documents, clear here.
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