The Beatles' unique connection to Philly

It was terrific meeting John Lennon's half-sister, Julia Baird, this year when she came to Sellersville Theater with The Mersey Beatles. One thing she said that sticks with me, because of how mind-blowing it is, is that there are 5,800 Beatles tribute bands worldwide. You can't say the same thing about the Backstreet Boys!

Julia is a tiny lady. At right is my good friend, Rick White.

 Hey, wot's that Mersey Beatle doing? Messing with my hair?

A little before that encounter, I paid a visit to Plymouth Meeting dermatologist Steve Binnick. In his clinical room, I was surprised to see a photo of the genuine Beatles that looked something like this.

Dr. Binnick explained that his dad, Bernie, was a co-owner of Philadelphia's Swan Records, the label of Freddy Cannon, Danny and the Juniors, the early records of The Three Degrees, and Link Wray in the pre-"Rumble" days. Swan also was the first American record company to release The Beatles' No. 1 "She Loves You." 

Other small American labels that put out Beatles singles, before Capitol Records assumed control of their American releases, included Vee Jay and Tollie. They're highly collectible.

Dr. Binnick has retired, and sadly, that's likely the last chance I'll see that picture.