ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author summarizes the history through 1965 of the Beatles' interest in American black artistry and then probes the importance of that literature for the composition and recording of songs for Revolver. The Beatles began Revolver in their usual London EMI studios in April 1966, following their first three-month break from scheduled group activities in six years, owing to an inability to decide upon the script for a film that was to have been shot during these months. It is practically as well as socially difficult to discriminate among the designations 'rhythm and blues,' 'soul,' and 'black.' In nearly every ease, records are so categorized when the lead singer is of African-American descent, regardless of musical style; thus, while Johnny Math is and Dionne Warwick may be heard more correctly as pop singers, they are for many purposes counted among R&B artists because of their skin color.
