1968 Tuesday 6th February
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- Recording and Mixing
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- BBC1 Television – Ringo Starr is a guest on the ‘Cilla Black show‘ broadcast from BBC Television Theatre, Shepherd’s Bush Green, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12, Greater London
Studio Days and Spotlight: The Beatles on February 6, 1968
On Tuesday, February 6, 1968, The Beatles were in the final throes of preparation before their much-anticipated spiritual retreat to India. At EMI Studios in London, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison (minus Ringo Starr) spent the day recording and mixing two key tracks destined for their next single: Paul’s upbeat boogie-woogie rocker “Lady Madonna” and George’s meditative “The Inner Light.” These sessions marked a productive burst before the group’s departure for Rishikesh, where they would study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi starting later in the month.
The day began with overdubs and mixing for “The Inner Light,” whose instrumental foundation Harrison had laid in Bombay the previous month during sessions for his Wonderwall Music soundtrack. Harrison added his serene vocal, singing lyrics inspired by a Taoist poem about inner wisdom. Meanwhile, “Lady Madonna” received further work, including piano, bass, and vocal refinements after initial tracking on February 3. The track’s lively piano riff and lyrics celebrating motherhood captured a return to straightforward rock roots amid their recent psychedelic explorations.
That evening, Ringo Starr stepped into the limelight elsewhere, appearing as a guest on the BBC1 television variety show Cilla, hosted by Cilla Black. Broadcast from the BBC Television Theatre in Shepherd’s Bush, London, the program featured rehearsals throughout the day and the live airing. The Beatles sent humorous telegrams to Ringo during the show, playfully urging him to “come home.” Ringo’s appearance highlighted the group’s ongoing media presence even as they geared up for a break from the spotlight. These activities underscored a transitional phase: wrapping up business in the studio while embracing new personal quests, all before the transformative India trip that would inspire much of the White Album.
As The Beatles balanced creativity and celebrity, the British charts reflected the vibrant pop scene of early 1968.
Top 10 Songs in the UK Charts on February 6, 1968
The singles chart for the week ending February 10 (published around February 7-8) captured a mix of soulful pop, psychedelia, and classics:
- Everlasting Love by Love Affair
- The Mighty Quinn by Manfred Mann
- Cinderella Rockefella by Esther & Abi Ofarim
- Bend Me, Shape Me by Amen Corner
- She Wears My Ring by Solomon King
- Am I That Easy to Forget by Engelbert Humperdinck
- Judy in Disguise (With Glasses) by John Fred & His Playboy Band
- Suddenly You Love Me by The Tremeloes
- Pictures of Matchstick Men by Status Quo
- Gimme Little Sign by Brenton Wood
This eclectic top 10 showed the diversity of British pop, from bubblegum to emerging psych, setting the stage for The Beatles’ imminent single release.
Top 10 Songs in the USA Charts on February 6, 1968
The Billboard Hot 100 for the week of February 10 featured instrumental elegance and psychedelic flair:
- Love Is Blue (L’Amour Est Bleu) by Paul Mauriat
- Green Tambourine by The Lemon Pipers
- (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
- I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Gladys Knight & the Pips
- Bend Me, Shape Me by The American Breed
- Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin
- Nobody by Three Dog Night
- Sunshine of Your Love by Cream
- Different Drum by Stone Poneys
- Itchycoo Park by Small Faces
These American hits blended orchestral pop with rock innovation, mirroring the global musical evolution The Beatles helped drive.
While The Beatles worked and appeared on TV, the world marked significant openings and tensions on February 6.
Top News Headlines in the UK and the World on February 6, 1968
In the UK, coverage included the ongoing Winter Olympics and domestic affairs, but international stories dominated. The X Winter Olympics officially opened in Grenoble, France, with 1,350 athletes from 37 nations competing amid alpine splendor. French skier Alain Calmat lit the torch, symbolizing unity in sport during turbulent times.
Globally, the day saw the start of the Battle of Lang Vei in Vietnam, where North Vietnamese forces attacked a U.S. Special Forces camp with tanks—the first armored assault against American troops in the war. In South Carolina, protests at All Star Bowling Lanes in Orangeburg escalated into violence, foreshadowing tragedy two days later in the Orangeburg Massacre. Lebanon faced political shifts with Prime Minister Rashid Karami’s resignation. These events highlighted escalating conflicts and civil rights struggles shaping 1968’s turbulent atmosphere.
Notable Births on February 6, 1968
- Akira Yamaoka, Japanese composer and video game music producer, renowned for his atmospheric scores for the Silent Hill series.
- The Lady of Rage (Robin Yvette Allen), American rapper and actress, known for her work on Death Row Records and contributions to West Coast hip-hop.
- Adolfo Valencia, Colombian footballer, a forward who played for clubs like Bayern Munich and represented Colombia internationally.
These births added future voices to music, gaming, and sport.
Notable Deaths on February 6, 1968
- C. Montague Shaw, Australian actor (Buck Rogers, Zorro’s Fighting Legion), aged 85; a character actor in serials and films of the 1930s-1940s.
His passing marked the end of an era in classic Hollywood serials.
Cultural Events Shaping Global Culture on February 6, 1968
The opening of the Grenoble Winter Olympics dominated cultural headlines, broadcasting athletic excellence worldwide and promoting international goodwill. No major films premiered exactly on this date, but 1968’s cinematic landscape buzzed with anticipation for groundbreaking works like 2001: A Space Odyssey (April) and Planet of the Apes (February 8 in New York), which would challenge perceptions of science fiction and society. Ringo’s TV appearance on Cilla reinforced British variety show’s role in pop culture, bridging music and entertainment. Meanwhile, The Beatles’ studio output hinted at their evolving artistry—blending Eastern influences with Western rock—foreshadowing the creative explosion from India.
February 6, 1968, captured The Beatles in motion: crafting timeless music, engaging with media, and preparing for spiritual renewal amid a world of sport, conflict, and change. Their efforts that day produced a single that would top charts during their absence, ensuring their presence endured.
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