Photo: WENN
Tony Sheridan, who was the star of the Beatles' first commercial recording in which they performed as his backing band, has died - aged 72.
The Beatles performed as Sheridan's back-up band in Hamburg, 1960, and they admired his work and were influenced by his playing style.
They went on to perform together at times and Sheridan even claimed that he was responsible for arranging Ringo's first performances with the Beatles.
The German producer Bert Kaempfert offered recording contracts to Sheridan and the Beatles in 1961, as he wanted to use the Beatles both separately and as Sheridan's backing band.
They recorded nine songs together, two of which were Beatles' songs and seven of which Sheridan sang on.
When the first single was released, 'My Bonnie', Beatles fans tried to get a copy of the recording in Liverpool. Brian Epstein, wanting to see what the fuss was about, saw the Beatles perform at the Cavern Club and persuaded them to hire him as their manager, beginning their career.
The Beatles' recordings with Sheridan led to their record deal with EMI
Sheridan's recordings with the Beatles were reissued multiple times after they became famous, and have even been the focus of 'scholarly interest'.
Sheridan lived in northern Germany and is survived by his wife and three sons.
Photos: unseen Beatles Magical Mystery Tour shots
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