Let It Be (Take 10)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some groovy vibes as we spin "Let It Be (Take 10)" by The Beatles on THE ZOO! This iconic track, from their 1970 album *Let It Be*, has a story as deep as a late-night jam session. Paul McCartney wrote "Let It Be" during a turbulent time for the band, inspired by a dream about his late mother, Mary, who passed away when he was 14. In the dream, she comforted him with the words "let it be," offering solace during the tense *Get Back* sessions in 1969. But there's a twist—Beatles roadie Mal Evans once claimed in a 1975 TV special that *he* was the inspiration, saying Paul saw him in a vision whispering "let it be." An outtake from the *White Album* sessions in 1968, released in 2018, revealed Paul singing "Brother Malcolm" instead of "Mother Mary," adding fuel to this debate. Paul, however, has stuck to the Mother Mary story, leaving fans to ponder the truth.

The version we're spinning, Take 10, is a raw gem from the *Let It Be* sessions, captured at Apple Studio on January 31, 1969. Unlike the polished single or album versions, this take showcases the band’s live-in-the-studio energy, with Billy Preston’s soulful organ and electric piano adding a vibe so strong that John Lennon once suggested making him a full-time Beatle. Speaking of Preston, his presence during these sessions was a game-changer, lifting the mood when tensions ran high—George Harrison even walked out briefly due to band friction. The song’s creation wasn’t all smooth sailing; Phil Spector’s later orchestral overdubs on the album version sparked controversy, especially with McCartney, who disliked the "Wall of Sound" treatment. This led to the 2003 release of *Let It Be… Naked*, a stripped-down mix closer to Paul’s original vision, though Take 10 gives us that unfiltered, rooftop-concert-era magic.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—got their start. Hailing from Liverpool, England, the band formed around the core of Lennon and McCartney, who began playing together in 1957 as teenagers obsessed with American rock ‘n’ roll. They started as The Quarrymen, a skiffle group, with Lennon leading and McCartney joining after a fateful meeting at a church fete on July 6, 1957. George Harrison, a schoolmate of Paul’s, came aboard in 1958, and the lineup evolved through early members like Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best. By 1960, they were The Beatles, honing their craft in Hamburg’s gritty clubs, playing marathon sets that sharpened their stage presence. In 1961, local record store manager Brian Epstein discovered them at Liverpool’s Cavern Club and became their manager, securing a deal with Parlophone Records. Producer George Martin polished their sound, replacing Best with Ringo Starr in 1962, and the rest is history—Beatlemania exploded with hits like “Please Please Me” in 1963, launching them to global stardom.

The Beatles’ legacy lives on through their official channels and fan communities. Check out their official website at thebeatles.com for news and history. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback content. Fans can dive deeper at The Beatles Bible, a treasure trove of song facts and timelines, or Meet the Beatles for Real, a photo blog sharing fan stories and vintage snaps. Join the conversation at fan-run Facebook groups like The Beatles Fans or Beatlemania, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow devotees. Keep the love alive, and let it be, folks!