Beatle history books tell the story of Raymond Jones, who went to the NEMS Record Store in Liverpool on Oct. 28, 1961, to request records by the Beatles. His interest got Brian Epstein, who worked in the store, to investigate who the group was. The rest, as they say, was history.
Except for the fact that little is known about who Jones really is. Brian Epsteins' assistant, Alistair Taylor, even said that Jones was a figment of his imagination.
Despite his important part in Beatles history, Jones has kept a low profile. But Jones surfaced last year and gave an interview to the Beatles Bible website.
The answers he gave in the interview are quite detailed. Jones says he was a printer's apprentice and says he often spent time at the Cavern. After Bob Wooler came in and had tickets printed for the Beatles, Jones wanted to know where they'd be playing next. That was how he became a fan of the group.
He says it was his brother-in-law who told him about the "My Bonnie" single. "The following Saturday I went to NEMS to ask for the record, not realising the person I spoke to was Brian Epstein. He started asking me questions: who were they? Where did they play? What type of music did they perform?"
Jones says his enthusiasm for the group spurred Epstein's interest and got him to get more information about them. Epstein's curiosity turned into a full-time job -- and then some.
Now there's a good lesson in the art of good customer service.
(Thanks to Wayne Rogers.)
THE LATEST BEATLES NEWS HEADLINES:
- Beatles' 'Good Ol' Freda' update: Movie funding almost halfway there
- EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Beatle Stu Sutcliffe's sister tells why voice on song is him
- Steve Jobs bio confirms dispute with EMI held up Beatles debut on iTunes
- Images of George Harrison and Tina Turner's legs highlight Robert Altman photo sale
- Beatle news briefs: George Harrison tributes on stage and in print; Lennon comic
- Why did the Beatle cross the road -- 'Paul Is Dead' hoax still haunting us
- Sean Lennon, other celebrities join Occupy Wall Street protests.
- Estate of late Beatle Stu Sutcliffe opens his first fan club, offers song by him
- Musicians, friends celebrate Paul McCartney's wedding at New York party (pics)
- INTERVIEW: For 'Good ol' Freda,' the Beatles were like her brothers
- Beatles, Lennon to release special vinyl sets for holiday Record Store Day fete
- Beatles 'Sgt. Pepper' costume patterns to be auctioned
- Is this a sneak preview of Paul McCartney's new album?
- James McCartney to release his digital EPs on CDs
- Paul McCartney's 'The Love We Make' coming to DVD
- INTERVIEW: Shirelles member had special reason to love Beatles' 'Baby It's You'
- Finder of rare Beatles letter tells his story -- it was lodged in antiques book
- DVD's appraisal of Lennon-McCartney solo years brings viewers to debate
- Beatles 'Let It Be' director drops hint about DVD release date
- Director picked for film about Beatles Apple; old building gets facelift (pics)
- George Harrison LITMW UK bonus audio disc making its way to the U.S.
- Paul McCartney makes first public statement about 'really great' wedding day
- Julian Lennon, May Pang, more show support for Lupus Foundation gala (pics)
- Storybook McCartney wedding lives up to its billing
- Andy Timmons Band offer bonus with advance orders of 'Sgt. Pepper' CD
- Paul McCartney announces flurry of new On the Run tour European dates
- Beatles fans can help make film of fan club secretary's memories a reality
- All my loving: Paul McCartney's storybook wedding album (pics, video)
- They were in the news today, oh boy!: how Sir Paul and bride made the front page
- REVIEW: Book tells everything to know about Beatles on Parlophone Records
- REVIEW: Bill Frisell's guitar tribute to John Lennon strikes the right chords
- Elvis Presley meets the Beatles in new exhibit opened in Liverpool (pictures)
- George Harrison DVD with rare footage coming to U.S.?
- REVIEW: Julian Lennon's new album filled with reminders of his father
Comments