George Martin Tried to Convince The Beatles to Use a Cover Song as Their First Single
The Beatles' relationship with producer George Martin was supportive, but early on, he tried and failed to push a song on them.
Martin wanted The Beatles to release "How Do You Do It?" as their first single, but they insisted on their own material.
Initially, The Beatles weren't in high demand and were rejected by other labels before signing with EMI Records in 1962.
The Beatles recorded "How Do You Do It?" but chose their original song "Love Me Do" as their debut single, which became a hit.
Despite Martin's push for "How Do You Do It?", The Beatles' "Please Please Me" became their first No. 1, while Gerry and the Pacemakers later made Martin's choice a hit.