Video: 'Please Please Me (Remastered 2009)'

(Friday, January 11, 1963) — Fresh off the moderate success of their first single “Love Me Do”/“P.S. I Love You,” the rock band from Liverpool, England, The Beatles, released their second single, “Please Please Me” and “Ask Me Why” today in the United Kingdom.

“Please Please Me” would also be the title track of their first LP, which was recorded to capitalize on the success of the single.

Video: 'Please Please Me (Mono Version / Remastered 2009)'

It is a John Lennon composition (credited to Lennon–[Paul] McCartney), although its ultimate form was significantly influenced by producer George Martin.

The single would peak at No. 1 on the New Musical Express and Melody Maker charts. However, it only reached No. 2 on the Record Retailer chart, which subsequently evolved into the UK Singles Chart. Because of this, it was not included on the Beatles’ number ones compilation, 1.

Video: 'Ask Me Why (Remastered 2009)'

The single, as initially released with “Ask Me Why” on the B-side, failed to make much impact in the U.S. in February 1963, but when re-released there on Jan. 3, 1964 (this time with “From Me to You” on the B-side), it reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.